Machine Computation of Elementary Statistics.

Abstract

This manual is for students learning to use computing machines in connection with courses in elementary statistical methods. It is set up to be self-teaching, so that the student, by following the procedures in sequence, may learn to use the machines with a minimum amount of help from the instructor. This sequence has been established on the basis of trials for two semesters in the psychometrics laboratory at Barnard College, and for three semesters in the statistics laboratory of Teachers College, Columbia University. Only those basic techniques which are needed in the computation of common elementary statistics are presented here. Procedures are outlined for the four fundamental operations of addition, subtrac tion, multiplication, and division. Practice is given in other opera tions used in computing measures of central tendency, variability, trends, indices, and correlation. These include complements, ac cumulative and subtractive multiplication, multiplication by a constant, reciprocals, and square root. A questionnaire concerning the need for an elementary statistics computing machine manual was sent out in March 1948 to more than two hundred teachers of statistics in more than one hundred colleges and universities throughout the country. Results indicate clearly that there is great need for such a book written for the student, which brings together instructions for different types and makes of calculating machines. The several makes of calculating machines vary in structure and design. Consequently, no one manual can set forth all details of operation for all types of machines without becoming bulky and confusing. Therefore, the three makes reported by statistics in structors as being used most often, i.e., Friden, Marchant, and Monroe, have been chosen, and specific directions have been written for certain models of these makes. Detailed instructions are included for both automatic and hand vi Preface operated calculators: the Friden ST-10, Marchant ACT-10M, and Monroe CAA (fully automatic models); Monroe M (semiauto matic) ; and the Monroe Educator and K (hand-operated) models. In certain places notation is made concerning procedures on other models, i.e., Marchant D and Monroe A-l and AA-1 machines. The student need only know whether the machine he is about to use is automatic or hand-operated, and its make; operating princi ples are the same regardless of differences in operational details. It must be stated at the outset that no attempt is made here to exhaust the possibilities of operation of the calculating machine.* An effort is made to describe only those basic techniques which are specifically needed in the computation of elementary statistics by students in economics, psychology, education, sociology, and biol ogy. These descriptions suggest methods which have been found to be effective; each instructor and computer may prefer other meth ods and other procedures. The author welcomes criticisms and comments by both instructors and students who use this book. A project such as this can be accompli...