Intro to ASQ

Introduction to ASQ


The ASQ (the Automated System for Quizzes) system has been developed to allow statistics exercises to be done on computers over the Internet. Students can work at their own pace and so the exercises need not be considered a "quiz". Exercises on the ASQ system can be answered with the use of a calculator. Exercises are computer-graded and a computer record of student progress is maintained.

The numerical values in questions are changed each time the question is displayed. This means that the numerical answer obtained in one attempt will likely not be the correct answer for another attempt at the question. The calculations must be re-done for every attempt at the question.

How to Sign On

Sign on to the ASQ system by entering your 8-digit student number.

Getting the Answers

Exercises on the ASQ system can be answered with the use of a calculator.

Alternatively, SHAZAM commands can be entered in the SHAZAM program window that is displayed below the ASQ exercise. Copy and Paste can be used to enter the list of numbers in the SHAZAM window. Some examples of SHAZAM commands are available.

Hints

Many questions have hints. To view the hint click on the link at the end of the question. The screen will be refreshed and, by scrolling down, the hint can be viewed.

How to Learn more by using ASQ

  • First read the textbook chapter before doing the ASQ questions.
  • Before attempting to answer an ASQ question, try to determine some rough estimate for the answer. Then see if your answer verifies this.
  • After a question has been answered, review the course material by trying the question again.

Rounding Problems

The ASQ exercises give instructions for the number of decimal places to report. The ASQ system will allow some tolerance to accommodate possible rounding differences. As a general rule, rounding of answers should not be implemented for any intermediate calculations. Otherwise, rounding errors may accumulate and result in an incorrect final answer.

Tolerance levels for each question can be set by the instructor.


FAQ - Frequently Answered Questions

Question:   When I login with my 8-digit student number the system responds with Unknown Student ID -- what is the problem ?
Answer:   This means that you are not on the ASQ class list. First, you must use the ASQ signon page that applies to the course that you are taking. Check that the ASQ signon page has the name of your instructor.
The ASQ class list is an unofficial class list only and so may be incomplete. If the system does not recognize your student number then ask the instructor to add your name to the ASQ class list (however, this does not imply that you are registered in the course).

Question:   Is there a logout procedure ?
Answer:   No -- when you have finished some work you can close the browser. The system will keep a record of your progress. Later, when you open a new session you can continue your work.

Question:   I have answered some questions but the system is now telling me that the questions have not been answered -- what is the problem ?
Answer:   If you press the Back button on the browser then you will return to old screens that do not have the up-to-date record of your progress. In an ASQ session you should work by clicking on the appropriate links so that you will always move forward with the work.

Question:   I have encountered some unexpected problems. For example, I answer a question and the system then responds with the answer for a different question. Or, I have obtained a green check mark on a question and the question list is now showing that the question has not been answered. Or, after a question is incorrectly answered the system does not seem to refresh the question -- it repeats the original question.
Answer:   For unexpected problems, the best approach is to close down the session. Then start fresh by opening a new session. If the problem continues then this should be reported to the instructor. Another possibility is that the browser settings may need to be checked -- the browser setting should automatically refresh pages.

Question:   Once I have successfully answered a question can I redo the question for practice without affecting my score ?
Answer:   Yes -- the system records the first date that you successfully answer a question. After a question has been successfully answered (indicated by the green check mark) -- future incorrect answers are not recorded by the system. You can review and practice questions at any time.


  The ASQ system is a University of British Columbia Innovation Fund project.