Psychological Statistics

Course Details

Course Number: PSYC 3314  Section Number: 101, 102, 103, 104

Fall 2011

Location: Prothro-Yeager Hall

Classroom Number: 101

Days & Times:

Sections 101 and 102:  TR 8-9:20

Sections 103 and 104:  TR 11-12:20

Course Attachments

Syllabus  psyc_3314_syllabus_fall_2011-20120321-141643.doc

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. George M. Diekhoff   
view Profile »

Course Objectives

 

In this course you will be exposed to the full range of basic statistics as they are used by administrators and researchers in the social, behavioral, and biomedical sciences. The course begins with descriptive statistics, methods by which we can best describe individual cases, samples of several cases, and even populations. Univariate significant difference tests come next, where you will learn how to determine if a difference that is observed between a sample and a population or between several samples is a difference that is large enough to be attributed to factors beyond the natural variability that is characteristic of samples. Bivariate correlational statistics help us to determine which variables covary or move together and give us ways of measuring the strength and reliability of those connections. Finally, bivariate regression analysis allows us to use an established correlation between two variables to predict a case’s score on one variable when provided with a score on the other variable. Throughout the semester the emphasis will be on applications of statistical procedures. However, this is not a “cookbook” statistics course. You will learn how statistical analyses work in addition to learning how to use them. Ten 50-minute computer labs will provide you with training in the use of the Statistical Package for the Social and Behavioral Sciences (SPSS). This collection of statistical software will enable you to perform a full range of basic statistical analyses.


Course Expectations

 

REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS

 

  • Diekhoff, G. M.  Basic Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences.  Zip Publishing reprint. Available in campus bookstore and the College Store.
  • Diekhoff, G. M. SPSS for the Social and Behavioral Sciences (2011-2012). Zip Publishing reprint. Available in campus bookstore.
  • Salkind, N. & Green, S. (2011). SPSS QuickStarts. Pearson Publishing.  Available in campus bookstore and online.
  • Battery-operated hand calculator with the following functions: +, -, x, /, x2, sq. root, and memory.
  • Travel Drive

 

 

 

 

TOPICS

 

READING ASSIGNMENTS

 

Introduction and summation notation

 

Chapter 1, Appendix A

 

Data distributions: tables and graphs

 

Chapter 2

 

Descriptive statistics

 

Chapter 3

 

EXAM ONE

 

Standard scores, the normal distribution, and the standard normal distribution

 

Chapter 4

 

Sampling distributions and interval estimation

 

Chapter 5

 

EXAM TWO

 

Significant difference tests: One- and two-sample tests; one-way ANOVA; factorial ANOVA

 

Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9

 

EXAM THREE

Correlation and regression

 

Chapters 10, 11

 

EXAM FOUR (FINAL)

Grading Standards

 

GRADING

 

There will be four tests in the lecture portion of the class, each worth 100 points. There will be three tests in the computer lab, each worth 100 points. Finally, there will be 10 computer lab homework assignments each worth 10 points. Course grades will be based on your accumulated point totals, weighted so that the lecture portion of the course contributes 75% to your total and the lab contributes 25%. Finally, unexcused absences in excess of the four that are allowed will lower the total.  Your accumulated point total will be calculated as follows:

 

Total = .75 x (Lecture Test Total)  +  .25 x (Lab Test Total + Lab Homework Total)  -  (20 x # of absences beyond 4)   

 

Course letter grades will be assigned on the following scale:

 

Point Total          Letter

360-400                    A

320-359                   B

280-319                 C

280-319                 D

279 or less                F

 

Each unexcused absence beyond the four that are allowed will result in a 20 point (half letter grade) reduction of your weighted course average.  Remember that each tardy counts as one-half absence. Grades on lecture exams taken late because of an unexcused absence will be lowered by one letter grade. Grades on computer lab exams taken late because of an unexcused absence will be lowered by one letter grade. Homework turned in late for any reason other than an excused absence will receive only half credit.


Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

 

Lectures:

 

Students are allowed four unexcused absences (as defined below) in PSYC 3314 lectures during the fall 2011 semester. Each additional unexcused absence beyond these will result in the reduction of your course grade by 20 points (half a letter grade). Each tardy is counted as one-half absence, but if you are tardy you must alert me to your presence at the end of the class period.  Leaving class prior to dismissal is considered equivalent to a tardy.

 

Students who miss one or more lecture exams because of absences will be allowed to take makeup exams, but there will be a one letter grade penalty for exams that were missed for unexcused reasons.

 

Absences are excused only under the following circumstances:

  • the student provides a written excuse from a medical practitioner stating that the student was unable to attend class on the day(s) of the absence;
  • the student provides a written excuse from a medical practitioner stating that the student=s dependent child was ill on the day(s) of the absence;
  • the student provides a written excuse from an official of Midwestern State University stating that the student was in attendance at a mandatory university function on the day(s) of the absence.

 

Funerals, employment-related absences, illnesses not requiring medical attention, job interviews, family emergencies, automobile malfunctions, court appearances, etc. do not constitute excused absences.  Please reserve your allowed unexcused absences to cover these situations.

 

Computer Labs:

 

Attendance in computer labs is optional except on days of computer lab exams. (Your lab instructor will give you a schedule of events in your lab section.) If you think that you can learn the material on your own, complete the homework assignments, and pass the lab exams, you do not need to attend labs.

 

Students who miss one or more lab exams because of absences will be allowed to take makeup exams, but there will be a one letter grade penalty for exams that were missed for unexcused reasons.

 

There will be no penalty for late lab homework assignments if homework is late because of an excused absence. Homework turned in late for any reason other than an excused absence will receive only half the credit it would otherwise receive.

 

DO NOT COME LATE TO A COMPUTER LAB. Once the lab begins, the door is locked. No one will be admitted to the lab after it has begun.

 

DO NOT LOSE YOUR TRAVEL DRIVE! By the end of the semester if will contain many files that you will need for in-class exercises and for homework. Put your name on your travel drive so that it can be returned if found.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.