Psy 202-04
Science Hall 217A
Tuesdays 2:00-5:55
Professor: Office Phone: Web: Office Hours: |
Elizabeth L. Haines, Ph.D. Science Hall 246 hainese@wpunj.edu 973.720.2500 http://euphrates.wpunj.edu/haines/ 1:00-2:30 Mondays and Fridays and by appointment |
Gravetter, F.J., & Wallnau, L.B.(2005). Essentials of statistics for the behavioral sciences, 4th edition. New York: Brooks/Cole. ISBN 053463396X Click here for he student companion site.
Prerequisites: PSY 110. Recommended: Math 120
Experimental Psychology I is an introduction to basic statistical procedures for the behavioral sciences including: descriptive and inferential statistics, probability, correlation analysis, hypothesis testing, analysis of of variance, and nonparametric statistics. Laboratory sessions enable you to apply concepts from the classes using computer and other computational approaches. The course will follow a lecture/discussion format and will include in-class activities and labs to do computer analysis on a PC.
My goal and responsibility is to provide you with the skills and knowledge to become a practitioner of statistics in psychology. Skills gained in this course include:
- interpreting and critically analyzing the "Method" "Results" and "Discussion" sections of research reports
- becoming a better consumer and interpreter of statistics by fostering analytical and abstract reasoning.
- learning SPSS on a PC
- enhancing critical thinking skills and to provide you with the tools of discovery
- reducing "math anxiety" and preparing students for Experimental Psychology II.
Equipped with these skills you will be (a) a clearer thinker, (b) more marketable in the job market, (c) able to discover the relationship between observation, statistical analysis, and interpretation (to name a few). These skills will also assist in your understanding of psychological research in your future psychology courses.
Evaluation
Evaluation is based on the course objectives.
These objectives will be met by completing assignments, quizzes, exams as
well as active participation and class attendance.
(30%)Assignments.
Six assignments will be given throughout the semester. These assignments will require you to compute statistics and interpret statistical outputs. Assignments will often be started in the labs and finished at home. Assignments will be graded on accuracy of computation, interpretation of the data, and clarity of presentation. Written portions of assignments must be typed, stapled together, spell-checked, and proofread. Late assignments will not be accepted.
Quizzes/Exams. (60%)
Six Quizzes will be given (about one every other week) and will cover the material since the last quiz or exam. Quizzes will be conceptual as well as computational. Thus, you will have to understand the concepts behind the statistical procedures as well as show proficiency in your ability to compute statistics and interpret statistical output. Quizzes are worth 30% of the grade. All quizzes are cumulative.
There will be two exams throughout the semester. These exams will draw on lecture, reading, and assignment material and will assess your ability to integrate your knowledge and perform statistics. Exams are worth 30% of the grade. All exams are cumulative.
THERE WILL BE NO MAKE UP TESTS OR QUIZZES.
Class participation/In-class Assignments/Homework (10%)
Involvement in class is essential for understanding and learning. Questions are encouraged. Working on other assignments during class, instant messaging, checking email, and surfing the web is not acceptable.
Approximately 14 graded homework assignments will be given to practice your mathematical and statistical concepts. Late assignments will not be accepted.
Attendance
Attendance is required. More than one unexcused absence will lower your grade. No
exceptions.
Advice
This course is intense. We will progress quickly through the course material and it will be easy to
fall behind. The following four points are essential for success in this course.
- Focus. Come to class ready to learn. If you prepare for class and concentrate on the lecture and in-class activities you will need to spend less time studying.
- Prepare. Skim over the reading assigned for the day PRIOR to coming to class. After class, go back and thoroughly read the entire chapter.
- Read. Keep up with the material. Reading the summaries will give you an overall outline for the important points as you read the chapters making it easier for you to absorb information Skim and then read the chapters as they are assigned so you can understand the in-class activities.
- Rehearse. When quizzes and assignments are returned, review the answers to understand where you have gone wrong (and where you have gone right). Learning occurs best when you have feedback on your performance and use that feedback to enhance your learning.
Communication
Communication is essential to the learning
process and I understand that students need individual
attention. If you would like to discuss a class-related issue,
please do not approach me before or after class when my attention is on the day's material
and when privacy is at a minimum. Instead, make an appointment with me and give me some
information regarding the question(s). These appointments allow the privacy
and individual attention you deserve. If the question is brief, email is the most efficient method of
contact. Email also reduces the "phone-tag" that can occur
between us.
Communication between students is strongly encouraged. The
first day of class you should get two students' phone numbers and email addresses so that
you may collaborate on notes and have a study partner.
Important Withdrawal Dates: 9/9 last day for 100% refund for withdrawal from a course; 10/7 last day for 50% refund for withdrawal from a course; 10/21 last day to academically withdraw from course (no refund).
Academic Honesty (from
the William Paterson University Student Handbook)
It is expected that all work handed in for this
class is based upon your learning and personal effort. Violations of academic integrity,
including cheating, plagiarism,
collusion, and lying
can not be
tolerated. Please familiarize yourself with the University's Academic Honest
Policy.