Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - PSYC 301 D100

Intermediate Research Methods and Data Analysis (4)

Class Number: 4225

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 11, 2017
    Mon, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201 and 210 and a minimum CGPA of 2.67.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A continuation of PSYC 201 and 210. Provides extensions of the basic theory and methods of research design and data analysis. Includes discussions of the analysis of substantive problems, the choice of appropriate research designs, and special problems that arise in the analysis of psychological data. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Handouts: You will also be responsible for having a basic understanding of the material presented
in a series of handouts that will be assigned each week, and which will be available on Canvas. Please
take note that these notes are quite detailed and will take some working through on your part. They
also include examples that will help to demonstrate the major concepts that are covered each week.
However, although you are responsible to know the material from these notes, we do not expect you
to memorize the content. They are intended to provide you with the foundation upon which the
lectures are built, so that you can read them prior to each lecture to prepare for the content that will
be presented.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Aim of the course:

• Mastery of a number of fundamental statistical concepts.
• Practice in thinking logically and making logically sound inferences.
• Demonstrating, both in writing and in application, your understanding of the basic logic of statistical inference and of the particular statistical tools that are covered in the course.

Grading

  • 3 assignments: 30%
  • Midterm exam: 35%
  • Final exam: 35%

NOTES:

Office hours: To be announced on Canvas

REQUIREMENTS:

Assignments will consist of 3-5 questions, one of which will be a conceptual question, dealing specifically with the core concepts of the course in order to give you an opportunity to practice writing about statistical concepts. The other questions will predominantly involve applications of particular methods and techniques to data sets.

Exams will consist of short essay, short answer and/or definitional questions concerning the core course concepts. There will be no proofs, derivations, or calculations (other than very simple ones). However, you will need to understand the statistical and other mathematical concepts and relations that are presented to you in class. You will be evaluated primarily on your ability to articulate your knowledge of these course concepts. The final is not cumulative except in the sense that you will be
building on material learned in the first half of the course.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Howell, D. C. (2013). Statistical methods for Psychology (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS