Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - PSYC 210 D100

Introduction to Data Analysis in Psychology (4)

Class Number: 3480

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.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) or achieving a satisfactory grade on the Simon Fraser University Quantitative Placement Test. 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:

Understanding statistics is vitally important for work in Psychology. Data analytic techniques form the bedrock for many avenues of scientific research, and understanding their theory implies knowing when a particular approach is appropriate and, more critically, when it is not. Did your clinical intervention work? Is the hot new teaching method effective? Can we redict what someone will do under duress? Is eyewitness testimony accurate? In each of these scenarios, psychology and statistics intertwine to provide narrative and are used to sway opinion, serve as evidence, and communicate our findings to a broad audience. In PSYC210: Introduction to Data Analysis in Psychology, you will gain the foundation that other courses in your degree build upon that will enable you to conduct research, interpret results, and grasp the more complex statistical models that are widely used in our field.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, you should be able to…
1. Identify what data can be, especially in a psychological context.
2. Define key statistical and methodological terms and techniques.
3. Given a dataset, select and accurately compute an appropriate statistical test.
4. Present statistical results in numerical, tabular, and graphical formats.
5. Draw reasonable conclusions from such results and recognize how this process can be applied to topics
you are interested in.

Grading

  • Tutorial Citizenship: 10%
  • Assignment 1: 10%
  • Assignment 2: 15%
  • Midterm Exam: 30%
  • Final Exam: 35%

NOTES:

WAITLIST POLICY: This course uses standard departmental waitlist policies (see the Undergraduate FAQ).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required Text: Privitera, G. (2018). Essential Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (2nd Ed.). Sage Publishing. Student study guide also available (not required) and online resources: https://edge.sagepub.com/priviteraess2e
ISBN: 9781506386287 e-book

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.