Categorical Data Analysis

ST 744 - Spring 2006 - Syllabus

Tuesday-Thursday, 10:15 - 11:30, 214 Daniels

Course Description
Statistical models and methods for data with categorical responses including the analysis of contingency tables, logistic and Poisson regression, and generalized linear models. Survey of asymptotic and exact methods and their implementation using standard statistical software.

Course Objectives
The students will be able to recognize important types of categorical data and use appropriate methodology and computer software to make valid inferences about the associated populations.

Dennis D. Boos     212 Patterson Hall
email: boos@stat.ncsu.edu   phone: 515-1918
Office Hours: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Wednesday (but feel free to drop in when convenient)

Mingyan Huang     320 Patterson
Office Hours: Wednesday, 1-2 pm -- 9 Patterson Hall.

By the end of the course, the student will be able to

• identify the main distributional structures: multinomial, product multinomial, product binomial, multiple hypergeometric.
• identify important statistical models and their associated notation: independence in an I by J table, conditional independence in an I by J by K table, logistic regression model, Poisson regression model, generalized linear model (GLM), baseline category model, proportional odds model, generalized estimating equations model.
• identify appropriate null hypotheses in the above models.
• test appropriate null hypotheses in the above models with Wald, likelihood ratio, and score statistics.
• apply appropriate computer programs to analyze the above models.
• interpret the output from sas programs to analyze the above models.
• decide which statistical procedure should be used in a given situation.

Categorical Data Analysis , Alan Agresti (2002), 2nd Edition, Wiley

This is a classic text with a new edition. We will be following the book fairly closely, covering Chapters 1-7 and portions of 10-12.

Plus/minus grading will be used. The course grade will be based on homework assignments, exams, and class participation. The relative weight given to each of these components is

Homework	10%
Mid-Term Exam	45%	Tuesday, Feb. 28, 6-9 pm, 307 Mann
Final Exam	45%	Tuesday, May 9, 8-11 am

Class participation refers to willingness to ask and answer questions and to participate in class exercises and discussions. It will be used to improve borderline grades.

Range	Grade
99< WA < 100	A+
92 < WA < 99	A
90 < WA < 92	A-
88 < WA < 90	B+
82 < WA < 88	B
80 < WA < 82	B-
78 < WA < 80	C+
72 < WA < 78	C
70 < WA < 72	C-
68 < WA < 70	D+
62 < WA < 68	D
60 < WA < 62	D-
0 < WA < 60	F

I might adjust the ranges down a little at the end of the semester. Thus an 88 final average could be an A if I adjust ranges.

1. Students are expected to attend every class. Class time will be devoted to help you learn the material but not to cover every detail . Part of your responsibility is to ask questions in class to help you and others understand the text or handout material. Please read ahead and be prepared for class.

2. Homework will be assigned almost every week. It will be due at the beginning of class. Late assignments (due by the next lecture after the official due date) will be accepted, but only one late homework will get full credit; the others will be multiplied by .75.   I encourage students to work in groups on homework if they like, but no one should copy directly from someone else's paper (either present or past students).

3. The exams will be in-class, closed book exams. You will be provided with calculators and scratch paper. No cell phones or other electronic devices should be in sight or used in any way.

4. Audit credit requires a score of at least 50% on the homework. In general I think audits are a questionable use of student time.

5. Academic Integrity: It is the understanding and expectation that a student's signature on any test or assignment means that the student neither gave nor received unauthorized aid. Consult the following website for further details on the code of student conduct: http://www2.ncsu.edu/prr/student_services/student_conduct/POL445.00.1.htm

6. I will regularly ask for feedback on how the class is going. Please help me with your suggestions.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653.

http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/offices/affirm_action/dss/

For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation

http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/courses_undergrad/REG02.20.1.php