DSST Principles of Statistics study guide
DSST Principles of Statistics · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Principles of Statistics is a DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) exam that can earn you 3 semester hours of baccalaureate credit at participating colleges and universities. It is aimed at students who already know introductory statistics, either from coursework, self-study, or work experience, and who want credit by examination instead of repeating a course. The exam is classified under Math at Level 3 Baccalaureate, and the official description lists four content areas: principles and concepts underlying higher-order statistics, continuous and discrete distributions, use of predictive statistics using the linear model, and confidence intervals. The test is delivered in multiple-choice format, either internet-based or paper-based, at authorized testing centers. The DSST Principles of Statistics study guide has 4 sections and about 1,750 words.
01Principles and concepts underlying higher-order statistics
This domain tests distribution shape - the third and fourth standardized moments - and the consequences of skewness and kurtosis for summary statistics and inference. Questions typically ask you to classify a distribution from its mean and median, interpret a reported skewness or kurtosis value, or choose a procedure that is robust when shape is non-normal.
478 words, about 2 min02Continuous and discrete distributions
This domain tests probability models: which distribution applies to a given random variable, the parameters that define it, and how to compute probabilities, means, and variances. Expect binomial, Poisson, uniform, normal, and exponential items, plus normal approximations and continuity corrections.
378 words, about 2 min03Use of predictive statistics using the linear model
This domain tests correlation and least-squares regression: describing a linear relationship, predicting a response, and judging whether the model is appropriate. Items ask for the slope or intercept, the meaning of r and r², residual interpretation, and the assumptions behind inference on the slope.
417 words, about 2 min04Confidence intervals
This domain tests interval estimation: constructing and interpreting intervals for means and proportions, and understanding how confidence level, sample size, and variability affect width. Items ask for a margin of error, the correct critical value, or the proper interpretation of 95% confidence.
477 words, about 2 min