Course Syllabus
PSY 500.120 Behavioral Statistics
Texas A & M University —Central Texas
Department of Psychology & Counseling
Spring 2014
Course: Behavioral Statistics
Class Times: T/R 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Location: North Campus, Room 210 N
Office Hours:
M
3:00 – 5:30 p.m.
T
2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
W
3:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Th 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Professor: Richard K. Yeager, PhD
Phone: 254-519-5775
Office: 302, TAMU-CT North Campus
E-mail: yeager@ct.tamus.edu
Secretary: Barbara Peek
254-501-5879
1.0 Catalogue Course Description:
Behavioral Statistics. Review of descriptive statistics with emphasis on inferential statistics. Includes
correlation, one-way and two-way analysis of variance, regression analysis and experimental design.
Use of computer software with emphasis on experience with SPSS. Prerequisite: Undergraduate
Statistics recommended.
2.0 Course Objectives:
Course objectives and content will be covered through assigned text readings, lectures, and
homework assignments. Students will be responsible for both lecture-based material including
activities and demonstrations as well as textbook-based material for examinations.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Gain factual knowledge (terminology, classifications, methods, trends). Students will calculate
measures of central tendency and variability, z scores, correlation coefficients, regression
equations, analyses of variance and chi-square both by hand and using standard office software
and SPSS.

Learn, and apply, fundamental principles, generalizations, and/or theories. Students will read,
discuss, and write about theoretical concepts underlying descriptive and inferential statistics,
including frequency distributions and graphing, empirical distributions, theoretical distributions
(including the normal distribution), sampling distributions, and the logic underlying confidence
intervals and hypothesis testing.

Develop specific skills, competencies, and points of view needed by professionals in the field
most closely related to this course. Upon satisfactory completion of this course, students will
have content-specific knowledge to identify the variables under study, choose the appropriate
descriptive methods, identify the independent and dependent variables, locate the number of
samples under study, locate the number of scores per participant, select the appropriate
inferential or correlational tests, and draw statistical conclusions from the numerical results of
their analyses. Examples and problems will be applied to research in psychology.
1

Learn how to find and use resources for answering questions or solving problems. Given a
research question and a set of data, the student who successfully completes this course will be
able to apply the appropriate statistical techniques to answer the research question.
3.0 Required Texts:
Gravetter, F. J., & Wallnau, L. B. (2011). Statistics for the behavioral sciences (9th ed.). Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth, Cengage Learning. (ISBN: 978-1-111-83099-1)
Green, S. B. & Salkind, N. J. (2011). Using SPSS for Windows and Macintosh: Analyzing and
understanding data (6th Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall (ISBN: 0205020402 or
ISBN: 9780205020409)
3.1 Recommended Text, Software, and Equipment:
Vogt, W. P. (2005). Dictionary of statistics and methodology: A nontechnical guide for the social
sciences (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (ISBN: 0-7619-8855-6) (Recommended)
Scientific calculator capable of performing statistical functions
Data storage device (i.e., computer disks, flash drive, personal LAN space, etc.) to save SPSS/Excel
work conducted during class.
A student of this institution is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from a universityaffiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer,
including an online retailer.
4.0 Course Requirements:
4.1 Attendance: 25 total Points
Due to the nature of the material covered in this course, regular class attendance is expected
and will be taken on a regular schedule throughout the semester. Students will lose one point for
each un-excused absence up to 25 points. Students who have a University approved absence will need
to provide appropriate documentation to excuse the absence. Students who are absent from class are
responsible for that day’s material, as outlined in the syllabus.
4.2 SPSS Exercises: 10 Total Points
Eleven (11) SPSS exercises are scheduled throughout the semester (see course calendar for
dates). These exercises will cover relevant content from the assigned chapters listed in the
syllabus and are designed to introduce students to the use of computer applications to conduct
and analyze statistical problems. These exercises will be completed according to instructions on
the exercise and submitted through the Blackboard assignment link by the assigned due-date.
These exercises will be completed using SPSS and each exercise has a series of
2
activities/questions for you to answer. Students will work the exercises in SPSS and submit the
output (saved as a .pdf file) through Blackboard (see syllabus for due dates).
4.3 Exams: 400 Total Points
Four (4) exams will be given at regular intervals during the semester (see course calendar for
dates). These will be mixed format exams and cover relevant content from the assigned
chapters listed in the syllabus. Questions will be drawn from textbook readings, lecture
material, and class activities. All exams must be completed independently. These exams are
located in Blackboard (Assessments) and are due not later than the date/time indicated on the
syllabus/assignment link in Blackboard. Once accessed, students will have three (3) hours to
complete each the exam. Additionally, exam items may be randomly presented to the students.
If you want to challenge a test item, you will do so in writing no later than 1-day after the test
has been closed. You are required to provide me with the question number (and numbers that
appears in your test window), your argument as to why the exam question is incorrect, and any
supporting information from the text or your notes supporting your argument. Your
misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the item is not justification to present a challenge to
the exam. Students are on the honor system for these exams and any violation will result in the
student receiving a zero (0) for the exam and the possibility of further sanctions according to
university policy (see Academic Honesty & Integrity, below). Also, note that I can determine
from the responses entered into Blackboard when students are being dishonest on their exams.
4.4 Make-up Exams:
All exams will be posted in the Blackboard link. Make-up exams will be granted only for
University approved absences and written documentation for the missed test is required. Exams
may be reset only if there is a documented technical failure of the Blackboard online system.
Make-up exams are permitted but only with notification within 24 hours of the class time and
with a written excuse provided by a doctor, police officer, or coroner’s office. If you miss an
exam because of an unexcused absence, you will receive a zero (0) for that exam. Any
exceptions to the above must be discussed with the professor prior to the date of the exam.
5.0 Grading Criteria:
Attendance
Exam #1
Exam #2
Exam #3
Exam #4
SPSS Exercises
(25 points)
(100 points)
(100 points)
(100 points)
(100 points)
(10 points)
6%
23%
23%
23%
19%
2%
391 – 435 points = A
347 - 390 points = B
303 - 346 points = C
259 - 302 points = D
< 259 points = F
3
6. 0.
Course Calendar*
Date
Chapter
Topic
1/14
1 (G&W)
Introductions
1/16
2 (G & W),
Frequency Distributions
1/21
3 (G&W),
Central Tendency
1/23
4 (G&W),
Variability
1/28
5 (G&W)
Z scores
1/30
Open 2/2 – 2/10
Exam 1
2/4
6 (G&W)
Probability
2/6 – 2/11
7 (G & W)
Probability & Samples
2/13 – 2/18
8 (G&W)
Intro to Hypothesis Testing
2/20 – 2/25
9 (G&W),
Intro to t statistic
2/27 – 3/4
10 (G&W),
t statistic for independent samples
3/6 – 3/18
11(G&W),
t statistic for related samples
3/11 – 3/13
No Class
Spring Break
3/20
Open 3/16 – 3/23
Exam 2
3/25
12 (G&W)
Intro to ANOVA
3/27 –4/1
13 (G&W),
Repeated Measures ANOVA
4/3 – 4/8
14 (G&W),
Two Factor ANOVA
4/10
Open 4/8 -4/14
Exam 3
4/15 – 4/17
15 (G&W),
Correlation
4/22
16 (G&W),
Intro to Regression
4/24
17(G&W),
Chi Square Statistics
5/1
Open 5/1 – 5/6
Exam 4
* Professor reserves the right to amend this syllabus at any time. Assignment dates and times subject
to change. Please check for current dates/times in Blackboard assignment/assessment links
7. 0.
SPSS Assignment Calendar*
Date
2/2
2/9
2/23
3/2
Assignment
Read Lessons 1 – 4 (no exercises)
Read Lessons 5 – 11 (no exercises)
Read Lessons 12 – 15 (no exercises)
Exercises in Lessons 19–21 (submit through
Bb)
3/23
Exercises in Lessons 22-24 (submit through Bb)
3/30
Exercises in Lessons 25, 26, 29 (submit through
Bb)
4/6
Exercise 31 (submit through Bb)
4/13
Exercise 33 (submit through Bb)
* Professor reserves the right to amend this syllabus at any time. Assignment dates and times subject
to change. Please check for current dates/times in Blackboard assignment/assessment links
4
8.0. Academic Resources/ Expectations:
Students are expected to read the assigned materials prior to each class and be prepared to discuss those reading.
Open, active discussion and questions related to course concepts are strongly encouraged. Such discussion
fosters a critical evaluation and understanding of concepts.
Students who are absent from class are responsible for that day’s material, as outlined in the syllabus.
Students are responsible for reviewing the course calendar included with this syllabus and in Blackboard for all
assignment deadlines so they can plan to complete the assignment in a timely manner and/or before the deadline.
It is the student’s responsibility to plan accordingly so that all deadlines are met. Please note that all
requirements are outlined in the syllabus and in the Blackboard course section.
It is against TAMU-CT policy to bring children to class. This includes leaving children in the campus library or
Warrior Hall. If you have a problem with school/day care for a minor child, PLEASE do not bring them to
campus.
Please silence cell phones and other electronic devices. While the latest Lady Gaga ring-tone is possibly very
cool, it is also distracting to me and you fellow students. Please only share it with us OUTSIDE of class.
Please refrain from engaging in “sidebar” conversations with your fellow students. It is disrespectful to your
fellow students and to me. Asking quick, class related questions is fine. Engaging in extended and loud
socializing is not acceptable.
Finally, please show respect for everyone in the class. Try to avoid monopolizing class discussions, insulting
other people, etc. Everyone deserves the chance to be engaged in the class and to be treated as a fellow scholar.
9.0. Drop Policy:
If you discover that you need to drop this class, you must go to the Records Office and ask for the
necessary paperwork. Professors cannot drop students; this is always the responsibility of the student.
The record’s office will give a deadline for which the form must be returned, completed, and signed.
Once you return the signed form to the records office and wait 24 hours, you must go into DuckTrax
and confirm that you are no longer enrolled. If you are still enrolled, FOLLOW-UP with the records
office immediately. You are to attend class until the procedure is complete to avoid penalty for
absence. Should you miss the deadline or fail to follow the procedure, you will receive an F in the
course.
10.0. Library Services:
Information literacy focuses on research skills that prepare individuals to live and work in an
information-centered society. Librarians will work with students in the development of critical
reasoning, ethical use of information, and the appropriate use of secondary research techniques. Help
may include, yet is not limited to: exploration of information resources such as library collections and
services, identification of subject databases and scholarly journals, and execution of effective search
strategies, retrieving. Library Resources are outlined and accessed through the web page:
http://www.tarleton.edu/centraltexas/departments/library/
5
11.0. Academic Integrity:
Texas A&M University - Central Texas expects all students to maintain high standards of personal and
scholarly conduct. Students found responsible of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary
action. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other
academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials. The faculty member is
responsible for initiating action for each case of academic dishonesty and report the incident to the
Associate Director of Student Conduct. More information can be found at
http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/studentconduct/facultyresources.php.
12.0. Disability Support Services
If you have or believe you have a disability and wish to self-identify, you can do so by providing
documentation to the Disability Support Coordinator. Students are encouraged to seek information
about accommodations to help assure success in their courses. Please contact Vanessa Snyder at (254)
501-5836 or visit Founder's Hall 114. Additional information can be found at
http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/disabilitysupport/index.php.
13.0. Tutoring
Tutoring is available to all TAMUCT students, both on-campus and online. Subjects tutored include
Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, and Writing (APA). Tutors are available at the Tutoring
Center in Founder's Hall, Room 204, and also in the Library in the North Building. Visit
www.ct.tamus.edu/AcademicSupport and click "Tutoring Support" for tutor schedules and contact
info. If you have questions, need to schedule a tutoring session, or if you're interested in becoming a
tutor, contact Academic Support Programs at 254-501-5830 or by emailing
cecilia.morales@ct.tamus.edu.
Chat live with a tutor 24/7 for almost any subject on your computer! Tutor.com is an online tutoring
platform that enables TAMU-CT students to log-in and receive FREE online tutoring and writing
support. This tool provides tutoring in Mathematics, Writing, Career Writing, Chemistry, Physics,
Biology, Spanish, Calculus, and Statistics. To access Tutor.com, click on www.tutor.com/tamuct.
6