Research and Statistical Analysis

Course Details

Course Number: PSYC 5113  Section Number: 101

Fall 2011

Location: O'Donohoe Hall

Classroom Number: OD-110

Days & Times:

MW 10-11:20

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. George M. Diekhoff   
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Course Objectives

 

PURPOSES AND GOALS OF THE COURSE

 

We will spend the first half of the semester reviewing the basic concepts of univariate statistics, filling in some of the details that were probably missing from your undergraduate statistics class. During the second half of the semester we will cover topics in bivariate and multivariate statistics that were certainly not covered in your undergraduate course.  In addition to acquiring a conceptual understanding of these statistical procedures, you will be expected to develop the ability to evaluate research problems in order to identify the research questions being asked and determine which statistical techniques are most appropriate to answering those questions.  You will become skilled in the use of statistics through regular homework and in-class assignments that require both manual calculation and computerized data analysis. Your training will include a thorough introduction to the use of SPSS 16.0 for Windows and most class sessions will include at least some time spent in the computer lab working with SPSS.  The ultimate goal of this course is to train you to be intelligent and critical consumers of the technical and professional research literature in the social and behavioral sciences and capable users of applied statistics.  


Course Expectations

 

TOPICS                                                         ASSIGNED READINGS

 

Introduction, Scales of measurement                      Chapter 1

 

Descriptive Procedures

            Data distributions and Graphs                                    Chapter 2

            Descriptive Statistics                                      Chapter 3

            Std. Scores, Std. Normal Distribution                       Chapter 4

            Interval estimation                                          Chapter 5

 

EXAM 1

 

Univariate Significant Difference Tests

            One-sample tests                                             Chapter 6

            Two-sample tests                                            Chapter 7

            One-way ANOVA                                         Chapter 8

            Factorial ANOVA                                          Chapter 9

 

EXAM 2

 

Bivariate Correlation and Regression

            Bivariate correlation                                        Chapter 10

            Bivariate regression                                         Chapter 11

 

Multivariate Correlation and Regression

            Partial and semi-partial correlation                 Chapter 12

            Multiple correlation and regression                 Chapter 13

 

EXAM 3

 

Multivariate Significant Difference Tests  

            Discriminant analysis                                      Chapter 14

            MANOVA                                                      Chapter 15

           

Examining Data Structure

            Factor analysis                                                Chapter 16

            Cluster analysis                                               Chapter 17

            Multidimensional scaling analysis                   Chapter 18

 

EXAM 4

 

 

 


Grading Standards

 

GRADING

 

Course grades will be largely determined by your average on the four exams. The fourth exam is the final which will be comprehensive.  These exams will cover definitional and conceptual knowledge as well as your ability to evaluate research problems, select appropriate statistical procedures, and use statistics effectively to answer research questions. Borderline grades will be affected by such factors as attendance, timely completion of homework assignments, and quality of participation.


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

 

Students are expected to attend class regularly, to complete homework assignments in a timely manner, and to participate in the activities of the class.


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.