Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - PSYC 210 D100

Introduction to Data Analysis in Psychology (4)

Class Number: 2387

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 15, 2023
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    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 FAN X99 taken at SFU with a minimum grade of C (2.00). Corequisite: PSYC 201W, but prior completion recommended.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Covers basic descriptive and inferential techniques most appropriately applied to the various forms of data from psychological research. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to statistical concepts and techniques applied in the field of psychology. Successful completion of the course is a requirement for students to formally declare as a psychology majors within the department. The course aims to teach students three broad categories of statistical knowledge. First, students will learn how to organize, describe, and represent actual data (e.g., measures of central tendency and dispersion, tabular and graphical displays of data, etc.), as well as be introduced to fundamental concepts such as measurement, sampling, and probability. Second, students will learn the conceptual frameworks for assessing the probability of sample data (e.g., standardized scores, sampling distributions, and null hypothesis significance testing). Finally, students will learn to apply those frameworks by conducting inferential statistical tests applicable to numerous research scenarios (e.g, single- and multiple-group designs, between- and within-subjects designs).

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon successful completion of this course, it is my aim that students are able to:

• Employ basic descriptive statistics, graphs, and tables to summarize sample data

• Explain the role of sampling distributions and z-scores in the logic of inferential statistics

• Apply the logic of null hypothesis significance testing by translating psychological research questions into testable research hypotheses and articulating the appropriate null and alternative hypotheses

• Choose appropriate statistical analyses for the testing of psychological hypotheses

• Interpret the meaning of a p-value with respect to reject or non-rejection of a null hypothesis and interpret p-values in published psychological research

• Conduct and interpret hypothesis tests on behavioral data using z-tests and t-test

• (If time permits) Understand the core concepts of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and why it is favoured over multiple t-tests

• (If time permits) Understand the core concepts of simple ordinary least squares regression, including calculating the slope parameter, intercept parameter, and predicted scores, as well as conduct tests of model fit

Grading

  • Weekly Lecture Quizzes: 10%
  • Assignment 1: 20%
  • Assignment 2: 20%
  • Midterm Exam: 25%
  • Final Exam: 25%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

A free textbook will be provided to students by the instructor. Students are not required to purchases a textbook for the course.

Supplemental (not required) additional resource for students that want it:
David C. Howell, Statistical Methods for Psychology. (any version) Cenage.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.