Departmental Syllabus for PSYC 2317
Statistical Methods in Psychology
Department: Psychology |
Effective Date: Fall 2005 |
Course Number and Title: 2317 - Statistical Methods in Psychology
Credit Hours: 3 Hrs/wk lec.: 3 Hrs/wk lab: 0 Lec/Lab Comb.: 0
I. Catalog Description
This course examines basic descriptive and inferential statistics including hypothesis testing for both correlational and experimental techniques applicable to the behavioral, social, and medical sciences and to education. Frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and variability, probability, sampling theory, and hypothesis testing are studied. Various parametric and nonparametric tests of significance are covered.
II. Pre-requisites, co-requisites and other requirements:
Prerequisite: MATH 1314 (College Algebra) or MATH 1332 (Liberal Arts Mathematics)
III. Texts, Other Reference Materials
Gravetter, Frederick J., & Wallnau, Larry B. (2004). Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (6th ed). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. ISBN 0-534-35926-4.
Gravetter, Frederick J., & Wallnau, Larry B. (2004). Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences-Study Guide (6th ed). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. ISBN 0-534-37081. (Optional)
Calculator with square root function
IV. Methods of Instruction
Lecture/Discussion
Demonstration
Student Independent Practice
V. Course Content
Basic Concepts and Measurement
Frequency Distributions and Graphs
Measures of Central Tendency
Measures of Variability
Z -scores and the Normal Curve
Probability
Sampling Theory
Hypothesis Testing
Correlational Techniques and Linear Regression
Testing for Significant Differences Across Two or More Groups
VI: Learner Outcome: Students will gain a foundation for advanced statistics by being able to identify common statistical techniques, conduct statistical analyses and apply these objective statistical processes to collected data across various disciplines.
Performance Objective: Using common statistical techniques to analyze research data, the student will reach objective conclusions based on the manipulation of the data through sound, basic statistical practices and demonstrate these processes in writing or orally, manipulating the data manually or using statistical software.
Measurement of student competency of learner outcome: In written exams, working problem sets, and in class discussions, the student will be able to define statistical terms and measurement scales, represent data in appropriate format, and conduct data analysis of data using appropriate statistical tools (75% of grade) as well as pass a comprehensive final examination with 70% accuracy.
VII. Course Requirements and Grade computation
A. College Requirements:
A written, comprehensive final examination, not to exceed three hours in length, shall be given at the end of each semester for each course at the regularly scheduled time. Any exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the appropriate dean. Other examinations are given at the discretion of the instructor.
A student who must be absent from a final examination should petition that instructor for permission to postpone the examination. A student absent without permission from a final examination is graded “F.” Postponed examinations result in a grade of “I.” The final exam must be taken within 120 calendar days from the end of the semester or the grade automatically becomes an “F.” (San Antonio College Bulletin, Faculty Handbook - January 1995)
B. Departmental Requirement:
Written Examinations (may consist of essay and/or objective questions)
Problem Sets
Comprehensive Final Examination
C. Instructor Requirements:
The student will be able to use basic mathematical skills, incorporating them into various statistical procedures, and will be able to:
Define basic statistical terms.
Describe the four measurement scales.
Construct frequency distributions and represent them graphically.
Define and calculate percentile ranks and percentiles.
Define and calculate measures of central tendency to include mode, median, and mean.
Define and calculate measures of variability to include the variance and standard deviation.
Define and calculate z-scores.
Describe the normal curve and use the normal curve to solve various problems including probability.
Explain the basic concepts of probability and discuss the importance of probability in statistics.
Explain the basic concepts of sampling theory to include sampling distributions.
Explain the basic concepts of hypothesis testing to include the null hypothesis, statistical significance, and errors in decisions concerning the null hypothesis.
Distinguish between point estimation and interval estimation.
Define correlation, calculate the appropriate correlation coefficients for interval and ordinal data, and use the obtained correlation coefficient to predict unknown values using linear regression.
Use various inferential techniques to test for significant differences between a sample mean and a population mean, between two sample means, and across more than two groups to include single-factor analysis of variance and two-factor analysis of variance.
Use the appropriate statistical tool to measure the size of the treatment effect as a supplement to hypothesis testing.
Distinguish between two-tailed and one-tailed tests of significance.
Distinguish between a priori and post hoc statistical procedures and give an example of a statistical technique belonging to each group.
Distinguish between parametric and nonparametric statistical techniques.
Use chi square to test for significant differences between observed and expected frequencies.
VIII. College Policies:
San Antonio College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability with respect to access, employment programs or services.
Students are urged not to bring children to either a class or a lab. Minors under the age of twelve (12) must not be left unattended on campus. College Academic Council - April, 1998
ADA Statement: “As per Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if accommodation is needed contact the Office of DisABILITY Support Services, CAC 124C, Phone: (210) 733-2347.
A Rapid Response Team exists for the purpose of responding to emergencies. If you have a disability that will require assistance in the event of a building evacuation, notify Disability Support Services, Chance Academic Center 124C, Phone: (210) 733-2347.
Academic Dishonesty: Students may be subject to disciplinary proceedings resulting in an academic penalty or disciplinary penalty for academic dishonesty. Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion. For additional information refer to the “Student Code of Conduct” in the San Antonio College Bulletin.
Students are required to silence all electronic devices (e.g., pagers, cellular phones, etc.) when in classrooms, laboratories and the library. College Academic Council, 01/ 2000.
San Antonio College Attendance Policy: Regular and punctual attendance is required. A student absent for any reason is responsible for all work missed. Absences are recorded from the first day of class. A student absent the equivalent of two weeks of instruction, may be dropped by the instructor with a grade of “W.” Both tardiness and early departure from class are forms of absenteeism. The instructor establishes the policy with regard for each.
San Antonio College is a smoke free campus.
ACCD DPS Emergency Phone Numbers:
ACCD DPS Emergency Phone (210) 222-0911
ACCD DPS General Phone (210) 208-8099
ACCD DPS Weather Phone (210) 208-8189 (For information on college closures)
Students must also abide by the policies, procedures, and rules set forth in the “Student Code of Conduct” and all other policies set forth in the San Antonio College Bulletin. www.accd.edu/sac/sacmain/schedule/SAC_Bulletin_05-06.pdf