Skip to main content

Study information

Statistical Inference: Theory and Practice - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEStatistical Inference: Theory and Practice CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEMTH3028 MODULE CONVENERDr Christopher Ferro (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 weeks 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 80
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Statistical models help us to describe and predict the real world, and are used in sectors as diverse as finance, insurance, economics, marketing, pharmaceuticals, sport, environment and government to name only a few. Statistical inference is the way that we use data and other information to learn about and apply our models. This module introduces you to some of the main approaches to statistical inference and explains their associated procedures. It is designed for students who want to understand the ideas and mathematical theory that lie behind many modern statistical methods. The module establishes key theoretical concepts and results alongside explanations of their practical purpose and application. We will use computer simulations to illustrate basic concepts and as a tool for comparing procedures. You will gain practical experience with the methods through a series of worked examples and exercises.

Prerequisite module: MTH2006 Statistical Modelling and Inference or equivalent

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to help you to develop a thorough understanding of statistical inference from a frequentist perspective. This includes understanding the underlying concepts, the mathematical theory, and how to apply the inferential methods to a range of statistical models. Such understanding is important for any job that involves conducting statistical investigations.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of statistical inference, different approaches to statistical inference, and the key theoretical results and inferential procedures associated with these approaches;

2 apply these procedures to draw inferences about parametric statistical models, and compare different procedures critically.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

3 demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which statistical inferential procedures and their performances may differ;

4 demonstrate an understanding of inferential concepts integral to statistical science;

5 progress to study a wider range of statistical inferential approaches in more detail.

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and  Knowledge:

6 demonstrate an understanding of key mathematical arguments, statistical concepts and practical issues important for advanced study, application and development of statistical science;

7 use the statistical programming environment 'R' to implement generic inferential procedures and to conduct simulation studies.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

1. Classical Inference:

- The principles and methods of classical frequentist inference are explained. These include point estimators, bias and efficiency; hypothesis tests, the Neyman-Pearson Theorem and uniformly most powerful tests; confidence sets and their construction from hypothesis tests; prediction intervals and their construction from ancillary statistics.

2. Likelihood Inference:

- Inferential approaches based on the likelihood are introduced. These include maximum likelihood estimators and their asymptotic properties; likelihood-based hypothesis tests and confidence sets; and pseudo-likelihoods.

3. Computational Inference:

- Inferential approaches based on resampling are introduced. These include Monte Carlo and bootstrap tests; the jackknife and bootstrap estimates of bias and variance; bootstrap confidence sets; and bootstrap prediction intervals.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 33 Guided Independent Study 117 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 33 Lectures/example classes
Guided independent study 20 Study of lecture notes
Guided independent study 50 Unassessed and formative exercises
Guided independent study 27 Revision
Guided independent study 20 Summative Assessment
     

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Coursework - set questions 10 hours (1 hour each week) All Oral feedback in tutorial and office hour.

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 20 Written Exams 80 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written exam – closed book

80

2 hours (summer) All Written/verbal on request

Coursework – set questions

20 20 hours All Written/verbal on request

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
Written exam* Written exam (2 hours) (80%) All August Ref/Def period
Coursework* Coursework (20%) All August Ref/Def period

*Please refer to reassessment notes for details on deferral vs. Referral reassessment

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or written exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.  

Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module only. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 40%.  

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk


 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Garthwaite, Ph; Jolliffe, IT; Jones, B Statistical Inference 2nd Oxford University Press 2002 978-0198572268
Set Azzalini, A Statistical Inference - Based on the Likelihood Chapman and Hall 1996 978-0412606502
Set Cox, D.R.; Hinkley, D.V. Theoretical Statistics Chapman and Hall 1974 978-0412161605
Set Davison, A.C.; Hinkley, D.V. Bootstrap Methods and their Application Cambridge University Press 1997 978-0521574716
Set Efron, B; Tibshirani, R.J. Introduction to the Bootstrap Chapman and Hall/CRC 1994 978-0412042317
Set Pawitan Y In All Likelihood: Statistical Modelling and Inference Using Likelihood Oxford University Press 2001 978-0198507659
Set Silvey, S.D. Statistical Inference Chapman and Hall 1975 978-0412138201
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES MTH2006
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 26th January 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Statistics; mathematics; probability; data; analysis; modelling; inference.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.