AP Statistics  Course Overview

The AP Statistics course is equivalent to a one-semester, introductory, non-calculus-based college course in statistics. The
course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. There are four themes in the AP Statistics course: exploring data, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. Students use technology, investigations, problem solving, and
writing as they build conceptual understanding.

Prerequisite

Students must have taken second-year algebra before enrolling in AP Statistics. Use of Graphing Calculators and Computers Professional mathematics organizations have strongly endorsed the use of calculators in mathematics instruction and testing. The use of a graphing calculator in AP Statistics is considered an integral part of the course. In addition, schools should make every effort to provide students and teachers easy access to computers to facilitate the teaching and learning of statistics.

Goals of AP Statistics

Students who are enrolled in AP Statistics are expected to

  • Describe patterns and departures from patterns;
  • Plan and conduct a study;
  • Explore random phenomena using probability and simulation; and estimate population parameters and test hypotheses.
Topic Outline for AP Statistics
  • Exploring Data
    • Constructing and interpreting graphical displays of distributions of univariate data
    • Summarizing and comparing distributions of univariate data
    • Exploring bivariate and categorical data
  • Sampling and Experimentation
    • Planning and conducting surveys and experiments using appropriate methods of data collection
    • Generalizability of results and types of conclusions that can be drawn from observational studies, experiments, and surveys.
  • Anticipating Patterns
    • Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation
    • Combining independent random variables
    • The normal distribution
    • Sampling distributions
  • Statistical Inference
    • Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses
    • Tests of significance
AP Statistics Exam: 3 Hours
Assessment Overview

Exam questions are based on the topics and skills addressed in the AP Statistics course. Formulas and tables needed to complete exam questions are provided to students taking the exam. Students are expected to use a graphing calculator with statistical capabilities on the entire exam.

Format of Assessment

Section I: Multiple Choice | 40 Questions | 1 Hour, 30 Minutes |
50% of Exam Score
• Individual Questions
Section II: Free Response | 6 Questions | 1 Hour, 30 Minutes |
50% of Exam Score
• 5 Short-Answer Questions
• 1 Investigative Task