PSYCHOLOGY 201
STATISTICAL METHODS
COURSE SYLLABUS 

Note: To Access Computer Assignments, Click Here

Stat. Tutor Hours: Mon. 12:00-1:30 p.m.; Tues. 4:15-5:45 p.m.; Wed. 12:00-1:00 p.m.; Thurs. 4:15-5:15 p.m.; DMH 202b

Texts: 

• Basic Statistics (7th Ed.), by Spatz
• Study Guide for Basic Statistics, by Spatz
• Behind the Windows: Understanding Research and Data Analysis Using SPSS-for-Windows, by Arkkelin, Rowland & Winquist

Course Description: This course has two specific goals: (1) to provide the student with the skills to understand, calculate and interpret various statistics, and (2) to provide the ability to determine when and how to apply a particular statistical technique. From a broader perspective, however, the course has several additional purposes. It will familiarize students sufficiently with the terms and procedures of statistics to enable them to understand scientific reports. It will attempt to teach students to view statistical techniques (as well as computer skills) as scientific tools for generating and interpreting data. Finally, it will strengthen students' general problem-solving skills and their understanding of the use of the scientific method for testing ideas in the social, behavioral and health sciences.

Computer Requirement: Students will be required to learn how to use the the computer facilities to aid them in the statistical analysis of data. Each student will be issued a user name and password, and will be expected to carry out a number of exercises on the computer. An introductory session will be conducted at the computer center (time and date to be announced). Students who do not attend this session will still be responsible for being able to logon to the central computer, create and modify data files, execute statistical routines with SPSS, and generate printouts of the required exercises.

Attendance Policy: Class attendance is essential to successful performance in this course, and you are responsible for all class activities. Attendance for scheduled quizzes and exams is mandatory, and make-up quizzes/exams will be considered only in cases of extreme personal hardship.

Evaluation Policy: There will be four exams (50 pts. each), six quizzes (10 pts. each), and ten computer assignments (5 pts. each; points will be deducted for late assignments), for a total of 310 pts. Grades will be assigned according to the following criteria: 90-100% = A; 80-89% = B; 70-79% = C; 60-69% = D; < 60% = F. The instructor retains the right to lower these criteria, but they will not be raised under any circumstances.

COURSE SCHEDULE & ASSIGNMENTS