George Brown
GSCI1003
TRUTH AND LIES: UNDERSTANDING STATISTICS
Course Outline
2024-2025
- Pre-requisite(s)
- N/A
- Co-requisite(s)
- N/A
- Prepared by
- School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Approved by
- Susan Heximer, Associate Dean
- Approval date
- Thursday, August 29, 2024
- Normative hours
- 42.00
| Applicable Program(s) | Level | Core/Elective |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Programs | Multiple Levels | Multiple Core/Elective |
Course Description
Have you ever thought about how statistics affects you and the way you think about things? For example, do you think crime increasing or decreasing? Is it safer to drive or fly? Should you have much confidence in political pollsters? Does gambling really pay off? This course will introduce students to the concepts of statistics, how statistics can affect the decisions we all make, and how scientists arrive at conclusions or make predictions. Students will learn the basic methods of data collection, organization and presentation, and different techniques that can be used to analyze and make sense of data.
Essential Employability Skills
This course contributes to your program by helping you achieve the following Essential Employability Skills:
| EES 1 | COMMUNICATION: Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience. (T, P, E) |
|---|---|
| EES 2 | COMMUNICATION: Respond to written, spoken or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication. (T, P) |
| EES 3 | NUMERACY: Execute mathematical operations accurately. (T, P, E) |
| EES 4 | CRITICAL THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING: Apply a systematic approach to solve problems. (T, P) |
| EES 5 | CRITICAL THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING: Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems. (T, P, E) |
| EES 6 | INFORMATION MANAGEMENT: Analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. (T, P, E) |
| EES 7 | INFORMATION MANAGEMENT: Locate, select, organize and document information using appropriate technology and information systems. (P) |
| EES 8 | INTERPERSONAL: Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems and contributions of others. (T, P) |
| EES 9 | INTERPERSONAL: Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals. (P, E) |
| EES 10 | PERSONAL: Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects. (P) |
| EES 11 | PERSONAL: Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions and consequences. (P) |
Assessment Levels —T: Teach P: Practice E: Evaluate C: Culminate
Course Learning Outcomes
When you have earned credit for this course, you will have demonstrated the ability to:
1.
Describe and discuss the essential concepts of statistical thinking
2.
Organize and present data in appropriate format
3.
Differentiate between descriptive and inferential statistics
4.
Investigate methods used to describe data
5.
Demonstrate ways that statistics can be misleading
6.
Interpret the concepts used to analyze data in various fields (e.g., research, quality control, political polling, averages, etc)
Course Learning Outcomes / Outcome Mapping
When you have earned credit for this course, you will have demonstrated the ability to:
| Course Learning Outcomes | Outcomes Mapping |
|---|---|
| 1.) Describe and discuss the essential concepts of statistical thinking | Essential Employability Skills 1 - COMMUNICATION: Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.2 - COMMUNICATION: Respond to written, spoken or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication. 5 - CRITICAL THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING: Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems. Vocational Learning Outcomes None selected |
| 2.) Organize and present data in appropriate format | Essential Employability Skills 1 - COMMUNICATION: Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.3 - NUMERACY: Execute mathematical operations accurately. 4 - CRITICAL THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING: Apply a systematic approach to solve problems. 6 - INFORMATION MANAGEMENT: Analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. 7 - INFORMATION MANAGEMENT: Locate, select, organize and document information using appropriate technology and information systems. Vocational Learning Outcomes None selected |
| 3.) Differentiate between descriptive and inferential statistics | Essential Employability Skills 1 - COMMUNICATION: Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.4 - CRITICAL THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING: Apply a systematic approach to solve problems. 5 - CRITICAL THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING: Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems. 6 - INFORMATION MANAGEMENT: Analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. 7 - INFORMATION MANAGEMENT: Locate, select, organize and document information using appropriate technology and information systems. Vocational Learning Outcomes None selected |
| 4.) Investigate methods used to describe data | Essential Employability Skills 1 - COMMUNICATION: Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.5 - CRITICAL THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING: Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems. 6 - INFORMATION MANAGEMENT: Analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. 8 - INTERPERSONAL: Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems and contributions of others. 9 - INTERPERSONAL: Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals. 10 - PERSONAL: Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects. Vocational Learning Outcomes None selected |
| 5.) Demonstrate ways that statistics can be misleading | Essential Employability Skills 2 - COMMUNICATION: Respond to written, spoken or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.5 - CRITICAL THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING: Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems. 9 - INTERPERSONAL: Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals. Vocational Learning Outcomes None selected |
| 6.) Interpret the concepts used to analyze data in various fields (e.g., research, quality control, political polling, averages, etc) | Essential Employability Skills 1 - COMMUNICATION: Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.2 - COMMUNICATION: Respond to written, spoken or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication. 4 - CRITICAL THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING: Apply a systematic approach to solve problems. 6 - INFORMATION MANAGEMENT: Analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. 7 - INFORMATION MANAGEMENT: Locate, select, organize and document information using appropriate technology and information systems. 10 - PERSONAL: Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects. 11 - PERSONAL: Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions and consequences. Vocational Learning Outcomes None selected |
Learning Activities
The delivery methods are drawn from a range of alternatives, including lectures with visuals (e.g. slides, videos, etc), presentations, class discussions, activity based exercise, group work and independent work.
Learning Resources
Recommended / Optional: Students will be referred to resources, such as handouts, books, websites, and media documentaries to illustrate concepts introduced in the class if required.
Online resources:
www.statcan.gc.ca
www.gapminder.org/videos
www.statisticshowto.com
www.khanacademy.org
Online resources:
www.statcan.gc.ca
www.gapminder.org/videos
www.statisticshowto.com
www.khanacademy.org
Course Related Information
There are no prerequisites or corequisites for this course.
Polytechnic Related Information
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE TRADITIONAL LAND
George Brown College is located on Treaty 13, the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and neighbouring Indigenous Peoples who continue to live in the area. Today, this meeting place is still home to many distinct Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work, and live in the community with each other.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
College programs are designed to deliver program learning outcomes that relate to the unique content of a particular area of study. To review the specific program learning outcomes for your program, please go to your program page on the George Brown College website at https://www.georgebrown.ca/
IMPORTANT PROGRAM INFORMATION
Students are advised to consult program coordinators regarding specific requirements for successfully completing their program, including adding/dropping courses and other issues that might disrupt their course of study.
RETENTION OF COURSE OUTLINES
Students are expected to retain their course outlines to support learning in the course and for future use in applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions.
COLLEGE POLICIES
It is essential that students review all college policies, including Academic Policies available at https://www.georgebrown.ca/policies.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic Integrity is a commitment, even in the face of adversity, to honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage. Academic integrity ensures the credibility of our education system, promotes fair assessment, and prepares students for ethical professional practices. Use of unauthorized assistance in any form of academic work (e.g., assignments, written tests or assessments, portfolios, or any other assessment) is prohibited and constitutes academic misconduct.
Academic misconduct occurs when a student engages in a breach (such as cheating, plagiarism, or failing to disclose the use of Generative AI) to try to gain an unfair advantage. Students are required to read and understand the College’s Academic Integrity Policy. If you are uncertain about academic integrity expectations, including whether the use of generative AI is permitted, please speak to your professor. To support these principles, professors may request the use of various tools, including text matching software, to detect and prevent academic integrity violations.
LEARNING RESOURCE COSTS
The learning resource costs webpage provides students with information on the estimated mandatory and optional learning resources for their program, and their associated costs. Please review the information relevant to this course at the following link: https://www.georgebrown.ca/learning-costs. Please note that the College is not responsible for any discrepancy between any costs stated on this course outline and those listed on the learning costs webpage. Students are encouraged to refer to the learning costs resources webpage via the link above.
Program learning resources, materials and associated costs are subject to change without notice. Students should not purchase any course materials until directed to do so by program staff or course professors at the outset of their semester and/or course.
Given the dynamic nature of retail pricing, the college does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided on the learning costs’ webpage. Note, also, that these documents do not constitute a representation, offer or warranty.
DIGITAL LEARNING REQUIREMENTS
Students are required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related requirements to participate in a course, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software, etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the course outline for each course.
The Library Learning Commons (LLC) has a limited number of devices including laptops and portable WIFI devices to support students; however, the LLC cannot guarantee access to a device for all students.
ACCESSIBLE LEARNING SERVICES FOR STUDENTS
Accessible Learning Services facilitates academic support and services for George Brown College students with physical, sensory, learning, medical or mental health disabilities. Delivered in collaboration with academic departments and other service areas, these services are available to students in all programs at all campuses.
George Brown College is committed to upholding a student’s right to individualized and timely accommodation that promotes dignity, independence, autonomy, equity, and inclusion for the student. In addition to our current supports, we are working to eliminate barriers by increasing access to alternate formats, planning accessible buildings and classrooms, enhancing employee training, and adopting inclusive practices in placement and on campus.
Only those involved in a student’s accommodation plan shall be alerted to their registration with Accessible Learning Services, and a student’s registration with Accessible Learning Services will not be identified on the student’s official college transcript and/or graduation documentation. For more information, please visit the
Accessible Learning Services website at http://www.georgebrown.ca/accessible-learning-services/ or call 416-415-5000 ext. 2622 or email letstalk@georgebrown.ca
EQUITY STATEMENT
George Brown College values the diversity of our students, employees, and community partners, and is committed to providing a learning environment where all people are safe and respected. Comments, behaviours, or interactions that are inconsistent with our values may be a violation of the following college policies: Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence, Human Rights Discrimination and Harassment, and the Prevention of Workplace Violence and Harassment. These types of actions or comments are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. The commitment and cooperation of all students and employees is required to maintain a welcoming environment in which to learn and work.
Support and information are available through a Human Rights Advisor at diversity@georgebrown.ca or the Sexual Violence Response Advisor at svra@georgebrown.ca
For information on the relevant policies visit https://www.georgebrown.ca/diversity/
George Brown College is located on Treaty 13, the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and neighbouring Indigenous Peoples who continue to live in the area. Today, this meeting place is still home to many distinct Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work, and live in the community with each other.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
College programs are designed to deliver program learning outcomes that relate to the unique content of a particular area of study. To review the specific program learning outcomes for your program, please go to your program page on the George Brown College website at https://www.georgebrown.ca/
IMPORTANT PROGRAM INFORMATION
Students are advised to consult program coordinators regarding specific requirements for successfully completing their program, including adding/dropping courses and other issues that might disrupt their course of study.
RETENTION OF COURSE OUTLINES
Students are expected to retain their course outlines to support learning in the course and for future use in applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions.
COLLEGE POLICIES
It is essential that students review all college policies, including Academic Policies available at https://www.georgebrown.ca/policies.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic Integrity is a commitment, even in the face of adversity, to honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage. Academic integrity ensures the credibility of our education system, promotes fair assessment, and prepares students for ethical professional practices. Use of unauthorized assistance in any form of academic work (e.g., assignments, written tests or assessments, portfolios, or any other assessment) is prohibited and constitutes academic misconduct.
Academic misconduct occurs when a student engages in a breach (such as cheating, plagiarism, or failing to disclose the use of Generative AI) to try to gain an unfair advantage. Students are required to read and understand the College’s Academic Integrity Policy. If you are uncertain about academic integrity expectations, including whether the use of generative AI is permitted, please speak to your professor. To support these principles, professors may request the use of various tools, including text matching software, to detect and prevent academic integrity violations.
LEARNING RESOURCE COSTS
The learning resource costs webpage provides students with information on the estimated mandatory and optional learning resources for their program, and their associated costs. Please review the information relevant to this course at the following link: https://www.georgebrown.ca/learning-costs. Please note that the College is not responsible for any discrepancy between any costs stated on this course outline and those listed on the learning costs webpage. Students are encouraged to refer to the learning costs resources webpage via the link above.
Program learning resources, materials and associated costs are subject to change without notice. Students should not purchase any course materials until directed to do so by program staff or course professors at the outset of their semester and/or course.
Given the dynamic nature of retail pricing, the college does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided on the learning costs’ webpage. Note, also, that these documents do not constitute a representation, offer or warranty.
DIGITAL LEARNING REQUIREMENTS
Students are required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related requirements to participate in a course, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software, etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the course outline for each course.
The Library Learning Commons (LLC) has a limited number of devices including laptops and portable WIFI devices to support students; however, the LLC cannot guarantee access to a device for all students.
ACCESSIBLE LEARNING SERVICES FOR STUDENTS
Accessible Learning Services facilitates academic support and services for George Brown College students with physical, sensory, learning, medical or mental health disabilities. Delivered in collaboration with academic departments and other service areas, these services are available to students in all programs at all campuses.
George Brown College is committed to upholding a student’s right to individualized and timely accommodation that promotes dignity, independence, autonomy, equity, and inclusion for the student. In addition to our current supports, we are working to eliminate barriers by increasing access to alternate formats, planning accessible buildings and classrooms, enhancing employee training, and adopting inclusive practices in placement and on campus.
Only those involved in a student’s accommodation plan shall be alerted to their registration with Accessible Learning Services, and a student’s registration with Accessible Learning Services will not be identified on the student’s official college transcript and/or graduation documentation. For more information, please visit the
Accessible Learning Services website at http://www.georgebrown.ca/accessible-learning-services/ or call 416-415-5000 ext. 2622 or email letstalk@georgebrown.ca
EQUITY STATEMENT
George Brown College values the diversity of our students, employees, and community partners, and is committed to providing a learning environment where all people are safe and respected. Comments, behaviours, or interactions that are inconsistent with our values may be a violation of the following college policies: Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence, Human Rights Discrimination and Harassment, and the Prevention of Workplace Violence and Harassment. These types of actions or comments are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. The commitment and cooperation of all students and employees is required to maintain a welcoming environment in which to learn and work.
Support and information are available through a Human Rights Advisor at diversity@georgebrown.ca or the Sexual Violence Response Advisor at svra@georgebrown.ca
For information on the relevant policies visit https://www.georgebrown.ca/diversity/
Pre-defined Evaluation / Earning Credit
The following list provides evidence of this course's learning achievements and the outcomes they validate:
Quiz(zes)/Test(s) (60%)
in-class or online tests and quizzes
Validates Outcomes: CLO 1, CLO 3, CLO 4, CLO 5, CLO 6, EES 3, EES 5, EES 6
Project(s) (15%)
group projects
Validates Outcomes: CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, CLO 5, CLO 6, EES 6, EES 9
Activity / Activities (25%)
in-class or/and online learning activities, such as discussions, case studies, homework, etc
Validates Outcomes: CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, CLO 5, CLO 6, EES 1, EES 5
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Students who wish to apply for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all outlined course learning outcomes. Evidence of learning achievement for PLAR candidates includes:
- This course is PLAR eligible, please see Program Coordinator/Chair for more information.
Grade Scheme
The passing grade for this course is 50% / "D"
Refer to the Evaluation System on this outline for information on how marks are distributed. More detailed information on assessments may also be found in your Course Section document.
As per Office of the Registrar Policies:
“A” Range = GPA 4.0-Consistently exceeds (course) requirements; shows evidence of being well-organized; shows original and creative thinking and a superior grasp of subject matter.
“B” Range = GPA 3.0-Shows consistent performance and evidence of being well-organized, shows elements of original and creative thinking; has a strong grasp of subject matter
“C” Range = GPA 2.0-Applies the subject matter appropriately; comprehends the subject matter.”
"D" Range = GPA 1.0-The student inconsistently applies and communicates knowledge of the subject matter
"F" Range = GPA 0.0-The student fails to apply and communicate an understanding of the subject matter.
Additional information regarding grading for this course may also be found in the "Course Related Information" section of this course outline.
| Final Grade | Percentage | Weight |
| A+ | 90-100 | 4.0 |
| A | 86-89 | 4.0 |
| A- | 80-85 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 77-79 | 3.3 |
| B | 73-76 | 3.0 |
| B- | 70-72 | 2.7 |
| C+ | 67-69 | 2.3 |
| C | 63-66 | 2.0 |
| C- | 60-62 | 1.7 |
| D+ | 57-59 | 1.3 |
| D | 50-56 | 1.0 |
| Below 50 | 0.0 |
Refer to the Evaluation System on this outline for information on how marks are distributed. More detailed information on assessments may also be found in your Course Section document.
As per Office of the Registrar Policies:
“A” Range = GPA 4.0-Consistently exceeds (course) requirements; shows evidence of being well-organized; shows original and creative thinking and a superior grasp of subject matter.
“B” Range = GPA 3.0-Shows consistent performance and evidence of being well-organized, shows elements of original and creative thinking; has a strong grasp of subject matter
“C” Range = GPA 2.0-Applies the subject matter appropriately; comprehends the subject matter.”
"D" Range = GPA 1.0-The student inconsistently applies and communicates knowledge of the subject matter
"F" Range = GPA 0.0-The student fails to apply and communicate an understanding of the subject matter.
Additional information regarding grading for this course may also be found in the "Course Related Information" section of this course outline.