This unit provides an introduction to univariate techniques in data analysis and the most commonstatistical distributions that are used to model patterns of variability. Common discrete randomvariable models, like the binomial, Poisson and geometric, and continuous models, including thenormal and exponential, will be studied. The method of moments and maximum likelihood techniques for fitting statistical distributions to data will be explored. The unit will have weeklycomputer classes where candidates will learn to use a statistical computing package to performsimulations and carry out computer intensive estimation techniques like the bootstrap method.
