PSYCHOLOGY 2317: STATISTICAL METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY
SOUTHWEST COLLEGE – WEST LOOP CAMPUS
CLASS SECTION 2317-, CLASS NUMBER: CRN
INSTRUCTOR: Joel K. Levy, Ph.D.
SECTION:
SPRING 2014: 16 weeks-Sundays 2:00PM-5:00 PM
CLASS CREDITS: 3 Hours
LECTURE HOURS: 3 Hours
TOTAL CLASSROOM CONTACT HOURS: 48 Hours
CLASSROOM (SO FAR) West Loop Center Room 103
INSTRUCTOR: Joel K. Levy, Ph.D.
email: joel.levy@hccs.edu
CELL: 713-569-9948
OFFICE HOURS: TBA
NOTE WELL: FINAL EXAM: SUNDAY, 5 / 11 at 2: 00 PM - 5:00 PM
ALSO NOTE: I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THIS SYLLABUS IF CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE.
COMPUTER/INTERNET ACCESS IS REQUIRED.
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In this course, you will use/purchase a textbook and an access code to Cengage Aplia's website.
You will have access to a digital version of your textbook on Aplia through the end of this
course.
Aplia is part of CengageBrain, which allows you to sign in and access your materials.
Registration:
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2. If you already have an account, sign in.
From your Dashboard, enter your course key in the box provided, and click the Register button.
3. If you don't have an account, click the Create An Account button, and enter the course key when prompted.
4. Continue to follow the on-screen instructions.
Access is free for three
weeks but THEN, payment must be made to continue.
Therefore, Free Access ends
2/9/2014.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the use of scientific methods in psychology and to the statistical
analysis of data. Attention is given to descriptive, correlation, and inferential statistical methodology.
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PREREQUISITE: Must be placed into college level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite), and be placed
into college level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0319 as a co-requisite), and be placed into MATH 0312 (or higher).
COURSE CALENDAR AND ASSIGNMENTS
Sunday, January 19
Introduction to Course: Syllabus.
Very Important: Monday, January 27, is the Official Day of Record (Census Day).
You all should know what this means! For any class at HCC, if one has not been marked
Present in a class by this day, one will be dropped from the class by the Big Computer
in the Sky, not me. Because you are here the first session, you are safe. If there is
anyone you know who is going to take the class and is not here, they have to come next
time. Last spring, it was decided that NO ONE WILL BE REINSTATED I cannot do
anything about it. If one wants or needs to be in this class, one must go back to
Registration so one may register for Second Start, 8-week block classes, or a mini-term
class
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Statistics
Chapter 1 – Complete Aplia Problems
Sunday, January 26
Chapter 2 – Frequency Distributions
Chapter 2 – Complete Aplia Problems
Chapter 3 – Central Tendency
Chapter 3 – Complete Aplia Problems
Monday, January 27
Official Day of Record (Census Day).
Sunday, February 2
Chapter 4 – Variability
Chapter 4 – Complete Aplia Problems
Review FOR Exam #1 – Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4
Sunday, February 9
Exam #1 – Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4
Chapter 5 – Z –scores
Chapter 5 – Complete Aplia Problems
Sunday, February 16
Review Exam #1
Chapter 6 – Probability
Chapter 6 – Complete Aplia Problems
Sunday, February 23
Chapter 7 – Distribution of Sample Means
Chapter 7 – Complete Aplia Problems
Sunday, March 2
Chapter 8 – Hypothesis Testing
Chapter 8 – Complete Aplia Problems
Review FOR Exam #2 – Chapters 5, 6, 7, and 8
Sunday, March 9
Exam #2 – Chapters 5, 6, 7, and 8
Chapter 9 – Introductions to the t-Statistic
Chapter 9 – Complete Aplia Problems
Tomorrow is the Beginning of Spring Break-No Class Next Sunday, the 16th
Sunday, March 16
Spring Break – Last Day
Sunday, March 23
Review Exam #2
Chapter 10 –Related Samples
Chapter 10 – Complete Aplia Problems
Sunday, March 30
Chapter 11 – Independent Samples
Chapter 11 – Aplia Problems
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Review FOR Exam #3 – Chapters 9, 10, and 11
Sunday, April 6
Exam #3 – Chapters 9, 10, and 11
Chapter 12 – One-Way Analysis of Variance
Chapter 12 – Aplia Problems
Sunday, April 13
Review Exam #3 – Chapters 9, 10, and 11
Chapter 13 – Two-Way Analysis of Variance
Chapter 13 – Aplia Problems
Review FOR Exam #4 – Chapters 12 and 13
No Class Next Week-Spring Holiday
Sunday, April 20
Spring Holiday-Going On
Sunday, April 27
Exam #4 – Chapters 12 and 13
Chapter 14 – Correlation and Regression
Chapter 14 – Aplia Problems
Sunday, May 4
Review Exam #4
Chapter 15 – Chi Square
Chapter 15 – Aplia Problems;
Review FOR Final Exam=Exam #5 – Chapters 14 and 15
This was the Last Day of Instruction
Monday, May 5
Finals Start
Sunday, May 11
Final for this Class = Exam #5: Chapters 14 and 15 – 2:00 PM-5:00 PM
End of the Semester; Classes Are, by the Official College Calendar,
Scheduled to End at the End of Today
Monday, May 12
Grades Due By 12:00 Noon
Friday, May 16
Grades Available to Students
It is over! Have a good Summer!
COURSE GOALS: To develop knowledge and skills in the use of proper statistical methodology (both descriptive
and inferential statistics) in analyzing data collected by scientific methods in psychology.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Define and identify basic concepts in inferential and descriptive statistics.
2. Explain and apply the concepts and procedures of descriptive statistics.
3. Describe and utilize principles of probability and hypothesis testing.
4. Apply and interpret common inferential statistical tests and correlational methods.
OBJECTIVES:
Part I: The basic components of statistics.
1. To learn the basic terminology and logic of statistical analysis.
2. Master definitions and computations with the exception of the
Power Curve and the Sample Size requirements.
Part II: Applications of inferential statistics to the scientific method
1. The t test will be introduced to replace the z test.
2. Compute one sample, independent sample and related sample t-tests.
3. Identify, apply, compute and interpret ANOVA, correlation and regression, and Chi Square
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Gravetter, F.J. and Wallnau, L.B. (2011). Essentials of Statistics for the Behavioral
Sciences, 8 th Ed., Wadsworth
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STUDY GUIDE: Gravetter, F.J. Study Guide for Essentials of Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, Wadsworth.
The accompanied textbook website offers some useful information concerning the statistical concepts.
CLASSROOM ACTIVITY:
Read the assigned chapters prior to class and complete the homework assignments.
Come prepared to participate by asking questions, sharing examples and giving your opinion.
There will be an opportunity for questions during class, and to review tests items after they are graded.
INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Prepare class activities, lectures and exams; Review and evaluate
results;Assign grades.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
Attend classes in a timely manner and participate.
Read and comprehend the textbook
Complete required assignments and exams
Request help in the event of questions or problems
Maintain copies of paperwork, handouts, and assignments, including this syllabus
HCC POLICIES:
HCC POLICY STATEMENT: STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to
arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective college at the
beginning of each semester. Faculty members are authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the
Disability Support Services Office.
The ADA office for the Southwest College and Dr. Becky Hauri can be reached at 713-718-7910. Special
accommodations can be provided to only those students who show proper documentation.
HCC POLICY STATEMENT: ACADEMIC HONESTY:
A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the coursework has been learned, and
that student is claiming an advantage not available to other students. The instructor is responsible for measuring
each student's individual achievements and also for ensuring that all students compete on a level playing field. Thus,
in our system, the instructor has teaching, grading, and enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the
University's Policy on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog. What that means is: If you are charged with an
offense, pleading ignorance of the rules will not help you. Students are responsible for conducting themselves with
honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by
College System officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty”: includes, but is
not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:
 Copying from another students’ test paper;
 Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test; includes cell phone
 Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
 Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of a test
that has not been administered;
 Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in one’s
own written work offered for credit.
Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for credit.
Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F in the particular assignment, failure in
the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System. (See the Student Handbook)
Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F on the particular assignment, failure in
the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System (Not worth the cheating, is
it, folks, when I can probably help you with what you need). (See the Student Handbook)
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HCC POLICY STATEMENTS: ATTENDANCE:
Class Attendance - It is important that you come to class! Attending class regularly is the best way to succeed in this
class. Research has shown that the single most important factor in student success is attendance. Simply put, going
to class greatly increases your ability to succeed.
You are expected to attend all lectures regularly. We only meet once a week, so each session is kind of critical.
You are responsible for materials covered during your absences.
If you are not attending class, you are not learning the information. As the information that is discussed in class is
important for your career, students may be dropped from a course after accumulating absences in excess of 16%
hours of instruction. The seven or eight hours (0.16 X 48 hours) of class time would include any total classes
missed or for excessive tardiness or leaving class early. Your instructor is NOT required to notify you prior to
completing the drop.
Class attendance is checked each session. Although it is your responsibility to drop a course for nonattendance or
inability to attend, the instructor has the authority to drop you for excessive absences. I never have though, because I
think people “make their own beds to sleep in.” If you don’t come, you may fail on your own, and that is your
responsibility.
If you do not to attend, I would really appreciate it if you did notify me, either prior to, or, certainly, after the
missed class. The reason for this is that the absence I input on the computer listing can be categorized as
sickness, religious holidays, family emergencies, etc. If you let me know what happened, I will classify the
absence thusly, and it can be excused. However, if this happens too many times, you may suddenly find that you
have been “left in the dust” the class.
It is a good idea to find a friend or a buddy in class (“Cooperation leads to Graduation!”) who would be willing to
share class notes or discussion or be able to hand in paper if you unavoidably miss a class.
Class attendance usually equals class success
HCC COURSE WITHDRAWAL POLICY:
If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course prior to the final date of
withdrawal (this semester, March 31, before 4:30pm). Before you withdraw from your course; please take the time
to meet with the instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor may be able to provide you
with suggestions that would enable you to complete the course.
Your success is very important to me.
Beginning in the fall of 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting first time entering freshmen to no more
than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert process by
which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a class because of excessive absences
and/or poor academic performance. It is your responsibility to visit with your professor or a counselor to learn about
what, if any, HCC interventions might be available to assist you – online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job
placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your academic performance.
Faculty and students are only allowed to withdraw students prior to the official last date for administrative/student
withdrawal (this semester, March 31, before 4:30pm). Students are responsible for withdrawing themselves prior to
the official date by dropping online, completing a withdrawal form on campus, sending a postmarked letter, or
faxing a letter of withdrawal to the Registrar at 713-718-2111. A grade of FX (stopped attending and failed) can
be assigned along with notation of the last class date attended for students who do not withdraw but stop attending.
Students may not be withdrawn for poor classroom performance or for inappropriate behavior -only for excessive
absences according to stated policy. Inappropriate behavior, however, will get you ejected from that class session.
If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST complete the process PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline to
receive a “W” on your transcript. You can drop a course by returning to the same online enrollment page that you
used to originally register for classes. From the drop-down menu, select enrollment – drop instead of enrollment. If
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you do not withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you are making in the class as your final
grade (but that means that if you miss tests and the Final, those will be averaged in as Zeros! Don’t do this to
yourself.). Remember to allow a 24-hour response time when communicating via email and/or telephone with
a professor and/or counselor. Do not submit a request to discuss withdrawal options less than three days
before the deadline. Remember to allow a 24-hour response time when communicating via email and/or
telephone with a professor and/or counselor.
Repeat Course Fee: The State of Texas “encourages” students to complete college without having to repeat failed
classes. To “encourage” student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice, are required to pay
extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to lean on students to pass their courses and to graduate. If you
are considering course withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor
as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework, test taking skills, attendance, course
participation, and opportunities for tutoring, extra credit, or other assistance that might be available. HCC will
charge a higher tuition rate to students registering the third or subsequent time for a class.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:
As your instructor and as a student in this class, it is our shared responsibility to develop and maintain a positive
learning environment for everyone. Your instructor takes this responsibility very seriously and will inform members
of the class if their behavior makes it difficult for him/her to carry out this task. As a fellow learner, you are asked to
respect the learning needs of your classmates and assist your instructor achieve this critical goal.
HCC POLICY ON USE OF CAMERA AND/OR RECORDING DEVICES:
As a student active in the learning community of this course, it is your responsibility to be respectful of the learning
atmosphere in your classroom. To show respect of your fellow students and instructor, you will turn off your phone
and other electronic devices, and will not use these devices in the classroom unless you receive permission from the
instructor.
On test days, before the tests are handed out, you will be requested to put your phone on the table in the front of the
room and retrieve them after the test.
Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in classrooms, laboratories,
faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs, due to copyright laws. Students
with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable accommodation should contact the Office for
Students with Disabilities for information regarding reasonable accommodations
Use of Computers in Class
If you use a computer to take notes, this instructor does not mind that, but wants to assure you that surfing the net, or
emailing during class is not permitted, and may result in your losing the privilege to use the computer for legitimate
note-taking for the rest of the semester!
TESTING:
TESTING PROCESS:
The tests will consist of multiple-choice items. Most will be selected from the text, but a few may come from class
activities, and lecture. The comprehensive Final Exam will also be multiple-choice questions. You will also need to
purchase and bring your own Scantrons® and several good, sharpened No. 2 pencils, or a mechanical pencil with
HB leads to class for every exam. Bring a good eraser to the exam and erase changes completely. The white
rectangular ones work the best. No grades will be changed due to poor erasures after your exam is graded
and returned. Please be careful.
:
Plan to take all examinations. THERE ARE NO MAKE-UP EXAMS PROVIDED, with the exception of very
drastic circumstances or emergencies. ONE MISSED EXAM SCORE WILL BE DROPPED.” The final
examination grade will not be dropped.
USE OF NOTES ON TESTS:
Examinations will be open-note but you must refer to your own notes during the exam.
You may not use the interior of the textbook, the quizzes, or the actual chapter content, but you may refer to the
statistical tables in the rear of the book, the formulas listed on the inside of the book cover and any personal
notes/homework solutions YOU prepare.
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Photocopies of ANY textbook material other than tables MAY NOT BE USED DURING ANY EXAMINATION.
Only notes that you type or write prior to the tests may be used during examinations. Nothing else printed or
photocopied may be used, except for what I hand out to you.
ON A TEST DAY:
PLEASE TAKE CARE OF ALL PERSONAL NEEDS prior to the beginning of an examination. No one will be
allowed to leave the room after beginning an exam without submitting their answers as complete. Anyone arriving
more than 15 minutes late for any examination will be considered tardy; you will not receive extra time to finish the
test.
Please mute electronic devices before class. You can be asked to leave for the day, and considered absent if a pager
or cellular telephone continues to interrupt class or an examination (more than once).
Mobile phones or computers are not to be used during class or examinations. Seriously, looking at or using a phone
or computer in any manner during an examination is a zero which will not be dropped. But this won’t happen
because you are going to put your phones on the table in the front of the room.
EVALUATION AND GRADES:
Your final grade will be calculated according to the following core competency formula:
A) The best four of five exams will be averaged and weighted 90%. B) Homework assignments (10%)
Final Averages will earn the following grades
A = 100- 90
4 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress) 0 points per semester hour
B = 89 - 80:
3 points per semester hour
W (Withdrawn) 0 points per semester hour
C = 79 - 70:
2 points per semester hour
I (Incomplete) 0 points per semester hour
D = 69 - 60:
1 point per semester hour
AUD (Audit)
0 points per semester hour
F = 59 and below
0 points per semester hour
FX (Failed and Stopped Coming to Class): 0
IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must re-enroll to receive credit. COM
(Completed) is given in non-credit and continuing education courses. To compute grade point average (GPA), divide
the total grade points by the total number of semester hours attempted. The grades "IP," "COM" and "I" do not
affect GPA.
I will keep a running spreadsheet of grade averages across the semester, updated after each test, and will endeavor to
make copies of it to pass out to you after every exam so that you can see how you are standing.
Plan to take all exams. There can be no make-up exams provided, with the exception of very drastic circumstances
or emergencies, which I will rule on. This semester moves too fast to try to catch up with a missed exam.
Remember, one missed exam score will be dropped. Please make this the lowest of the scores of the exams you
took, not the one you missed.
EXTRA CREDIT:
You may earn two bonus points per chapter added to each test score by completing and submitting the practice
quizzes provided on the student companion website to the textbook. Wow, that’s a possible 30 points!
EGLS3 (EVALUATION FOR GREATER LEARNING STUDENT SURVEY SYSTEM)
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve
teaching and learning. During a designated time near the end of the term, you will be asked to answer a short online
survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made
available to your professors and department chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Go to
www.hccs.edu/egls3 for more information.
Also, keep in mind for the end of the semester that this instructor will award 3 extra points to your final grade to
students who complete the EGLS3 survey about this class, and then print out and bring me the confirmation
that you did it. The EGLS3 survey period will be over before the course is over, so you will have time to show me
your printout before I formulate the final grades. Wow! Another 3 free points.
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