PSYC 2330 - Psychological Statistics

Course Syllabus - Spring, 2000

INSTRUCTOR:

• Dr. Bill Lammers  
• Office: MAS 257
• Phone: 450-5415 (office); 329-7494 (home)
• E-mail:  billl@mail.uca.edu
• Office Hours: MWF 8:00-9:00, 10:00-11:00, 1:00-2:00; TTh 8:00-10:45 and by appointment.

TEXT: Essentials of Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (5th edition) by Gravetter & Wallnau (2000).

STUDY GUIDE: There is a copy of the Study Guide available on reserve at the circulation desk in the library.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the course is to introduce you to some of the statistical techniques which are used to understand and interpret research data. By the end of the course, you should know what techniques to use for a given research design, how to perform the calculations using the SPSS statistical software package, and how to interpret the results of the analyses. While the examples and problems presented in class will be from the field of psychology, the techniques can be applied to any discipline.

MORE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES THAT RELATE TO TECHNOLOGY:

Students will understand

• the general purpose and function of SPSS-X
• how to access SPSS-X
• the layout of SPSS-X (data window, output window, etc.)
• how to create, edit, save, and retrieve data files
• how to generate the mean, median, mode
• how to generate minimum, maximum, variance, SD
• how to generate line graphs, bar graphs, histograms, scatterplots, contingency tables
• how to conduct and interpret an independent samples t-test
• how to conduct and interpret a correlated samples t-test
• how to conduct and interpret a one-way independent samples ANOVA (with post hocs)
• how to conduct and interpret a Pearson r
• how to conduct and interpret a simple linear regression
• how to conduct and interpret a Chi-Square
• how to cut & paste output (text, tables, figures) into word processing document to generate a report
• how to generate a decision tree using Inspiration software

ATTENDANCE: Attendance is expected at every class meeting. Failure to attend class will be clearly reflected by poorer test performance.

GRADING: All grades are based upon the student's total points (see below). Active student participation is encouraged but does not influence the final grade. All students who earn at least 90% of the TOTAL POINTS are guaranteed an A; 80% a B; 70% a C; and 60% a D.

 

TESTS: The four regular tests will be multiple choice in format. Students will be notified of the tests in advance. If a student misses a class, it is the student's responsibility to get the notes and check if a test was announced. It is also the student's responsibility to bring to each test a pen or pencil, and a calculator. Make-up tests will only be given where clear medical or legal reasons can be documented in writing. After being graded, tests will be handed back to the students at the beginning of a class. At this time, students may briefly review their tests and will then hand them back in. Students are encouraged to review their exam in more detail in Dr. Lammers' office. The comprehensive final exam will include a one-hour multiple choice portion and a one-hour computer portion.

IN-CLASS EXERCISES: During class, we will often engage in active learning exercises by working in small groups. These exercises are designed to help you learn the SPSS statistical software, learn the concepts, and apply the concepts to real-world situations. Click here to view the in-class exercises.

COMPUTER ASSIGNMENTS: For each chapter in the textbook, there will be a set of problems listed on our course homepage. The problems will require brief written responses and some will require statistical analysis using SPSS. All answers will be placed in a word processing document (output from SPSS will be cut and pasted), saved on a disk, and the printout will be turned in at the beginning of the designated class period. Ten of these assignments will be graded. Each graded homework assignment will be worth 20 points and is an important factor in determining your grade. Each computer assignment should be done INDEPENDENTLY. If you are late in handing in a homework, you will be penalized 3 points per day. It is your responsibility to make sure that you know when each assignment is due and to turn in the assignment on the day it is due even if you cannot come to class. The purpose of these assignments is to provide experience using computerized statistical analysis, to help you learn the material, to find your strengths and weaknesses, and to help you prepare for your tests. Click here to view the computer assignments. Click here to view the schedule of open times for the computer classroom.

 SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS: The University of Central Arkansas adheres to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you need an accommodation under this Act due to a disability, contact the Office of Disability Support Services at 450-3135.

ACADEMIC HONESTY: While student cooperation in studying the material is greatly encouraged, cheating on tests or computer assignments will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action according to University policy (see the Undergraduate Bulletin for details).

SCHEDULE OF READINGS: Readings will be assigned according to the following schedule. It is the student's responsibility to make sure readings are completed before each test. Indicated test dates are approximate only.