Lecture Vocabulary: Statistics and Exam Strategy (Biology Class)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on statistics, grading, and study strategies.

Bimodal distribution

A distribution with two distinct peaks (modes); in the notes, some students score high and some score low, with few in the middle.

Average (mean)

The arithmetic mean of scores; does not always represent how most students performed and can be influenced by variation or outliers.

Variation

The spread or differences among scores around the average.

Standard deviation

A measure of variation that indicates how much scores typically deviate from the mean.

Total course points

The maximum points possible in the course; here, 500 points.

Exam point progression

The increasing point weights for each exam: Exam 1 = 25, Exam 2 = 50, Exam 3 = 100, Exam 4 = 125.

First exam (25 points)

The initial exam worth 25 points toward the 500-point total.

Second exam (50 points)

The second exam worth 50 points toward the total.

Third exam (100 points)

The third exam worth 100 points toward the total.

Fourth exam (125 points)

The fourth exam worth 125 points toward the total.

Extra credit

Additional points available to improve the final grade; opportunities occur throughout the term.

Diagnostic extra credit quiz

A potential quiz used to gauge understanding and grant extra credit.

Attendance

Being present in class; can influence participation and opportunities for extra credit.

Front-row seating effect

Sitting in the first one to three rows can improve attention and likelihood of being called on, potentially aiding performance.

Learning curve

The idea that performance improves with practice over time; early scores may be low but tend to rise.

DNF category

Did Not Finish category; indicates students who did not perform well on an exam.

A-grade threshold

The score boundary for earning an A; in the notes, missing up to 50 points out of 500.