Statistics and Research Methods
Chatham University
MA Program
Title and Number of Course:
Semester/Year:
Instructor:
Office:
Office Phone:
E-Mail:
Classroom:
Meeting Day and Time:
Office Hours:
Psychology 555, section 01
Spring 2014
Jennifer Q. Morse, PhD
Dilworth 201
412-365-1366
jmorse@chatham.edu
I prefer to be contacted by email or at my work phone.
Please do not call my cell or home or text without prior arrangements.
Jennie King Mellon Library LCC1
Tuesdays 12:45-3:45
Mondays 1-3 and by appointment
Credit Hours (3 credits)
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, a semester credit hour represents a unit of curricular
material that normally can be taught in a minimum of 14 hours of classroom instruction, plus
appropriate outside preparation (PDE Code, § 31.21). Therefore, a 3-credit course should meet for a
minimum of 42 hours.
According to the federal government, a credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning
outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency
that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a
minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one
semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent
amount of work over a different amount of time (HEA 34 CFR 600.2).
 Classroom time 3 hours/week x 14 weeks = 42 hours
 Expect an average of 2 hours a week of outside work per each credit hour = 6 hour per week
 Some weeks will be more and others less
Course Description and Course Objectives
This course provides a basic review of descriptive and inferential statistics and how these techniques are used
with research methods appropriate for counseling psychology. Students will become proficient in computer
analysis of data sets, designing and evaluating research designs and techniques, and understanding primary
research in counseling literature.
Program
Outcome
I-8-a
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Recognize the relevance of research to the work of
counseling professionals.
I-8-b
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the contrasting world views
underlying qualitative and quantitative research, and of the
contrasting goals of the two approaches.
3. Distinguish between experimental and non-experimental
quantitative research.
4. Evaluate published experimental research with respect to
internal and external validity.
5. Identify the purpose and characteristics of single-subject
research and evaluation or outcome based research.
6. Use SPSS statistical software to compute measures of
central tendency and variability for a data set; write an
interpretation of the results.
7. Use SPSS statistical software to carry out the following
basic inferential procedures: Pearson correlation, simple
I-8-b
I-8-b
I-8-b
I-8-c
I-8-c
Assessment Method
Article Evaluation, Group
Methodology Presentation,
Participation in class discussions
Participation in class discussion,
Article Evaluation
Homework, Exams, Article
Evaluation
Homework, Exams
Participation in class discussion,
Group Methodology Presentation
Homework, Exams
Homework, Exams, Article
Evaluation
I-8-c
I-7-d,e
I-7-d,e
I-8-b
linear regression, chi-square test, independent and
dependent-samples t-tests, and oneway analysis of variance;
write an interpretation of the results.
8. Identify the inferential procedure that should be used to
address particular research questions or hypotheses.
9. Demonstrate awareness of the important role of
measurement in the research process and understanding of
the concepts of validity and reliability of data collection
instruments.
10. Evaluate the appropriateness, validity, and reliability of
data collection instruments used in published research.
11. Read a published article critically and discuss strengths
and weakness of the methodology.
Homework, Exams, Article
Evaluation
Participation in class discussion,
Exams, Article Evaluation
Homework, Exams, Article
Evaluation
Exams, Article Evaluation
Learning Methods
Classes will generally include a mix of lecture, discussion (led by both Dr. Morse and by student groups),
videos, and in-class exercises. Readings will be assigned for each week and it is expected that students come
to class having read the materials and prepared for discussion, including asking questions or responding to
discussions in class. Participating in class discussion and activities is mandatory and will be one means by
which students will be evaluated.
Required Texts:
Coolican, H. (2009). Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology (5th edition). Hodder & Stroughton, Ltd.
Additional Readings:
Additional journal articles and book chapters will be assigned to supplement material in the texts. Such
supplemental readings are required reading and will be uploaded onto Moodle2.0.
Useful Resources
Cronk, B. C. (2008). How to use SPSS 7th edition). Los Angeles: Pyrczak Publishing. (optional, not
necessary)
Software
Five homework assignments require the use of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)
software to enter and/or analyze data. SPSS is available in most of the computer labs on campus and the
IT Helpdesk can load it on laptop.
Course Requirements
Readings and Participation in Class Discussion
This course requires a lot of reading and you are expected to do it ahead of time. Please note that the readings
listed for each class are in preparation for the next week. Please post 1-2 questions to Moodle andyou’re your
questions during class.
Assignments
All assignments will be submitted through Moodle2.0. You will need to create a single file that has your SPSS
output (where applicable) and your written answers to the homework questions. You can use the File Export
function to export the SPSS output to RTF/Word and then use Word to add in the text answers needed. Please
explore these options before the day the first assignment is due, technical difficulties are not a good reason to
turn an assignment in late.
Four homework assignments: Each homework assignment is worth 20 points. Homework assignments and the
associated data are available on Moodle2.0.
Three paper interpretation: Each paper interpretation will focus on interpreting the results of a published article.
Each is worth 25 points.
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Take-Home Mid-term: The mid-term is a take-home exam worth 75 points. It will be released on Moodle at the
appropriate time. The associated data will be available on Moodle2.0.
A group presentation on the methodological strengths and weaknesses of a published research article is worth
40 points. Groups will be created based on student interest as much as possible.
Class participation in the form of asking questions in class or on Moodle is worth 30 points.
Course Policies
Attendance
University Policy: Every student enrolled at Chatham accepts the responsibility to attend all required class
meetings. To obtain the fullest benefit from their courses, students must participate fully. This implies attending
regularly, engaging in course activity, completing work on time, and making up work missed because of an
emergency absence. It is the student’s responsibility to let the course instructor know within the dropadd period if he or she will have to miss class for religious reasons, athletics, or other.
Additional Class Policy: Class attendance is important. Students are expected to attend every class, to arrive
on time, and to return promptly from class breaks. To obtain the fullest benefit from the course, students must
participate fully. This implies attending each class, engaging in course activity, completing work on time, and
promptly making up work missed because of an emergency absence. More than one absence or a pattern of
lateness may result in a drop in the final grade of one full letter grade (for example, A- to B-). If a student
misses a class, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain notes, assignments, and other information from
classmates prior to the next class. Students are expected to communicate directly with Dr. Morse prior to an
absence, if possible. Dr. Morse may request documentation for absences.
Grading
Per Chatham College policy, no course with a grade of C+ or below will count toward a graduate degree.
If a student earns a C+ in any of the courses required for a graduate degree, the course must be repeated. A
second C+ in a repeated course will be cause for dismissal from the program. Any grade below a C+ may be
cause for dismissal from the program.
Grading will be based on the class requirements outlined in this syllabus. Dr. Morse reserves the right to
add/subtract or alter this grading system as she deems necessary.
Consistent with Chatham University policy, grading for this course will be as follows:
Requirements
Homework
Paper Interpretations
Take-Home Mid-Term
Group Methodology Presentation
Participation
Points
total
80
75
75
40
30
Total
Late assignment
Cell phone or pager going off
Points
each
20
25
75
Grade
A = 95-100%
A-= 90-94%
B+= 87-89%
B = 83-86%
B-= 80-82%
C+= 77-79%
325
-5% of assignment grade
-1% of final grade
Missed/Late Assignments
Assignments are due at the beginning of class or at the completion of the activity, as relevant. Assignments
due at the beginning of class may also be emailed prior to class. If you choose to email assignments, be sure
to email them in plenty of time so the email does not arrive late.
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For late assignments, up to 5% may be deducted from the assignment grade for each day the assignment is
late (including weekends). A smaller deduction may be taken for assignments that are less than one day late.
Dr. Morse reserves the right to refuse to accept assignments that are more than a week late, resulting in 0
points for that assignment. If you cannot complete an assignment for a personal reason, you are encouraged
to contact Dr. Morse immediately to discuss your options. Serious illness, family illness, other crisis situations
(and possibly other circumstances based on the instructor’s opinion) may qualify as acceptable reasons to turn
in an assignment late. Dr. Morse will require documentation of the situation as is appropriate.
Behavior
Students are expected to behave professionally and abide by the behavioral guidelines outlined in the Student
Handbook and all Chatham University documents related to behavior (Graduate Student Handbook,
Catalog). The learning process in this class will be enhanced for you and your peers if you are willing to
participate in discussions, share your ideas and reactions, and ask questions when you do not understand
something or need additional information. You are expected to conduct yourself in a mature and respectful
manner. This includes being prepared for class (i.e. completed all readings and assignments), respectful
toward Dr. Morse and your peers, and compliant to requests to change your behavior if it is disruptive to the
class.
Mobile Devices
Cell phones and pagers should be off or set to vibrate/silent during class and may be checked during breaks
only. If there is a compelling reason to leave your phone on (e.g., if you are on call for a job) please let Dr.
Morse know at the start of class. Laptops or tablets may be used for taking notes only. Other than note taking,
each instance of using cell phones, internet, or other electronic means of communication during class may
result in a final grade reduction of 1% of final grade per instance.
Chatham University Honor Code
Chatham University students pledge to maintain the Honor Code, which states in part: “Honor is that principle
by which we at Chatham form our code of living, working, and studying together. The standards of honor at
Chatham require that all students act with intellectual independence, personal integrity, honesty in all
relationships, and consideration for the rights and well-being of others.”
Additional information about the Honor Code is available in the Student Handbook.
Cheating and Plagiarism
Cheating is defined as the attempt, successful or not, to give or obtain aid and/or information by illicit means in
meeting any academic requirements, including examinations. Plagiarism is defined as the use, without proper
acknowledgement, of the ideas, phrases, sentences, or larger units of discourse from another writer or
speaker. Cheating and Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Students who are caught cheating or plagiarizing the
work of others will be penalized to the fullest extent specified by the student handbook.
Turnitin.com and FERPA
The instructor may use the Turnitin service for assignments in this class. Student papers are protected by the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act as they are educational records that contain personally identifiable
information. If the instructor submits a paper or an excerpt from a paper on behalf of a student for evaluation by
Turnitin, an alias will be used instead of the student's name and faculty will ensure that any identifiable
personal information is removed before submission.
Disability Statement:
Chatham University is committed to providing an environment that ensures that no individual is discriminated
against on the basis of her/his disability. Students with disabilities, as defined under the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and who need special academic accommodations, should notify the assistant
dean of the PACE Center as soon as possible. The PACE Center will work with students and the course
instructor to coordinate and monitor the provision of reasonable academic accommodations.
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Non-Registered Students Policy:
In accordance with University policy, only officially registered students may attend this class and all other
classes offered at the University after the drop/add period. Please confer with your academic advisor if you
need assistance with the registration process or you need additional information.
1
Date
1/7
Topic
Orientation to course,
research and statistics
Required Reading
2
1/13
End of Drop/Add
1/14
Descriptive Statistics
and SPSS
Required Reading
3
1/24
Quantitative research,
Variables, Shapes of
Distributions
Required Reading
4
1/28
Hypotheses,
Sampling and
inferential statistics
Required Reading
5
2/4
Error and Association
Required Reading
6
2/9
Withdrawal Deadline
2/11
Regression,
Difference between
Means
Required Reading
Focus:
Orientation to course
Why this course?
Why research?
Why statistics?
Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
Scales of Measurement for Variables
Coolican pp. 1-27: Psychology, science and research
Coolican pp. 222-230: Qualitative approaches in psychology
Coolican pp. 244-260: Statistics – Organizing the Data
Frequencies and Percentages
Descriptive Statistics: measures of central tendency and variability
Orientation to SPSS
Coolican pp. 261-271: Statistics – Organizing the data (SPSS: 275-286)
Types of quantitative research
Independent and dependent variables
Shapes of distributions, normal distribution, graphing
Homework Assignment 1 due
Coolican pp. 287-304: Graphical representation of data
Coolican pp. 305-312: Frequency and Distributions (SPSS: 319-321)
Null and alternative hypotheses
Introduction to sampling: populations and samples, random vs. non-random
methods, bias in sampling
Inferential statistics concepts: probability, sampling error
Homework Assignment 2 due
Coolican pp. 38-48: Measuring people – variables, samples, and the
qualitative critique
Coolican pp. 322-341: Significance testing – was it a real effect?
Inferential statistics concepts: Type I and Type II error
Relational inferential statistics: correlation, chi-square
Take-home midterm distributed
Coolican pp. 428-439 and 446-454: Correlation (SPSS: 450-452)
Coolican pp. 397-409: Tests for categorical variables and frequency tables
(SPSS: 410-415)
Regression analysis and prediction studies
Inferential statistics that compare means: t-test and ANOVA
Homework Assignment 3 due
Coolican pp. 350-361: Testing for differences between two samples (SPSS:
379-382)
Coolican pp. 475-483: Multi-level analysis – differences between more than
two conditions (SPSS: 495-497)
Page 5
7
2/18
Review of inferential
statistics (so far),
Application of
Advanced Statistic
Required Reading
Review of inferential statistics
Understanding articles with advanced statistics – MANOVA, Multiple
regression, Logistic Regression, Structural Equation Modeling
Homework Assignment 4 due
none
8
2/25
Continued application
of Advanced Statistics
Understanding articles with advanced statistics – MANOVA, Multiple
regression, Logistic Regression, Structural Equation Modeling
Take-home midterm exam due
Coolican pp. 463-467: Correlation
Required Reading
9
3/4
Measurement
Required Reading
10 3/18
11 3/25
Role of measurement in research; validity and reliability
Developing surveys and attitude scales
Application of Factor Analysis
Article Interpretation #1 Due
Coolican pp. 172-186: Psychological tests and measurement scales
Coolican pp. 194-205: Psychological tests and measurement scales (SPSS:
196-197)
Experimental
Research, Validity,
Ethics
Experimental research part 1: nature of experiments, internal and external
validity of experiments
Ethics in research
Required Reading
Coolican pp. 56-69: Experiments and experimental designs in psychology
Coolican pp. 100-101: Validity in Psychological Research
APA General Ethical Principles
APA Ethical Standards for Research
Experimental
Research, Two-way
ANOVA, Effect size
and meta-analysis
Discussion of midterm
Experimental research part 2: Two-way ANOVA
Effect size and meta-analysis
Application of Mediation and Moderation
Explanation and discussion of group article evaluation assignment
Homework Assignment 5 due
Coolican pp. 501-507: Multi-factoral designs
Coolican pp. 585-586: Testing for differences between two samples
Required Reading
12
4/1
Qualitative and mixed
methods research,
Single Subject
research
Required Reading
Introduction to qualitative and mixed-methods research
Introduction to single-subject research
Article evaluation group meetings
Article Interpretation #2 Due
Coolican pp. 48-53: Measuring people – variables, samples, and the
qualitative critique
Coolican pp. 554-558: Analysis of qualitative data
Coolican pp. 74-76: Experiments and experimental design in psychology
13
4/8
Advanced qualitative
research
Required Reading
Group article presentations
Review
Article Interpretation #3 Due
14 4/15
TBD
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Final Note
The syllabus and class schedule serves as a guide for the course. As much as possible, we will follow this
schedule. However, classes may vary in terms of pace. Thus, we may need to modify the schedule based on
pace. Changes in class schedule will be announced in class and posted on Moodle2.0.
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