Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - PSYC 210 D100

Introduction to Data Analysis in Psychology (4)

Class Number: 8643

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2018
    Fri, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201W and BC high school Math 12 with a minimum grade of C (2.0) or BC high school Math 11 with a minimum grade of B- (2.67) or any level MATH or STAT course with a C- (1.67) or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Covers basic descriptive and inferential techniques most appropriately applied to the various forms of data from psychological research. Should be completed by majors and honours before the end of term 4. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This is an introductory course focusing on descriptive statistics (numerical and graphical summaries of research data) and inferential statistics (the drawing of reasonable conclusions from such data). The principal goal of the course is to introduce students to the fundamentals of statistical reasoning and to the role of statistical methods in psychological research. Students are expected to become familiar with the use of a range of statistical techniques commonly used in psychological research. You should be able to select an appropriate statistical test, given a particular dataset, accurately compute the relevant statistical tests, and clearly and correctly interpret the results. While some calculation will be required, emphasis will be placed on theoretical understanding and graphical methods.

Grading

  • Assignment 1 (February 1st): 10%
  • Mid-Term Exam (February 22nd): 35%
  • Assignment 2 (March 22nd): 15%
  • Final Exam (TBD): 40%

NOTES:

Midterm and Cumulative Final Exam: The exams will cover the lectures, textbook readings, handouts, and materials presented in class and tutorial. Questions will be constructed using a combination of conceptual and computational items. While a calculator is required for both exams, please note that graphing calculators and cellphones are not acceptable and, if they are used, will be confiscated for the duration of the exam. Both exams will consist of multiple-choice, as well as short answer/analysis based questions.

Missed Exams: Failure to take any test as scheduled will result in a score of zero. Special arrangements are granted at the discretion of the instructor for personal medical emergencies with proper documentation, however you must contact the instructor and your teaching assistant within 48 hours of the exam. Until official documentation is submitted, special arrangements will not be made and a grade of zero will be recorded for that course component. A “Certificate of Illness” is required for students requesting accommodation for medical reasons: https://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/students/pdf/healthcare-statement-general.pdf  

Late Assignments: No late assignments will be accepted. Assignments received after the due date/time will receive a grade of 0 unless accompanied by legitimate documentation.  

Final Grades: Final letter grades will be assigned based upon the official SFU Grading System. The range of values listed below reflects anticipated values for letter assignments only; the actual values may vary depending on the performance of the class and final grades will be scaled if necessary.
A-/A/A+ = 80+; B-/B/B+ = 70-79; C-/C/C+ = 55-69; D = 49-54; F = 0-48.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Pagano, R. (2012). Understanding Statistics in the Behavioral Sciences (10th Ed.). Wadsworth.

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