ST. JOHN'S
UNIVERSITY SPRING, 2008
STATISTICAL METHODS FOR THE SOCIAL SCIENCES - PSY 2030
Email: roigm@stjohns.edu
Phone: 718-390-4513
OFFICE HOURS:
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
REQUIRED TEXT:
Jaccard, J. & Becker, M. A. (2002). Statistics for the Behavioral
Sciences.
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES: PSY 2030 is designed to introduce the student to the
various methods for describing and evaluating research data in the social
sciences. The course places special emphasis on understanding statistical
theory, as well as on computational techniques. Through readings, classroom
presentations, and homework exercises, you will learn the principles of data
analysis in the social sciences.
GRADE ALLOCATION
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS: 20% of your final grade will be based upon completion
of your homework exercises and lab/class assignments. All homework exercises
will be collected and reviewed. The work will be recorded in my grade book according
to criteria described on page 4. Students who submit all
homework assignments properly completed, generally correct and in a timely
fashion earn the full 20% toward this grade.
HOMEWORK PORTFOLIO: 5% - All of
homework assignments and any other course-related problems, including lab
assignments, that you complete as part of the course or on your own will be
organized in a 3-ring binder and handed in during the day of the final. The
grade for this component is somewhat subjective and will be based on the amount,
quality, and level of organization of the work that you present, as well as evidence
of the extent to which feedback from earlier homework assignments and class
discussions is incorporated into later assignments.
EXAMS: 40% - based upon 2 examinations (midterm-20%
and a final exam-20%) from textbook readings, handouts, and class material. The
midterm will have two parts; a multiple-choice and an open-book part. The final
exam will include excerpts of experiments for which you will have to identify
the relevant variables, experimental design, appropriate statistical techniques
to be used for data analyses, etc. For the final exam, you will also have to
carry out some statistical analyses. Consequently, this exam, which is
cumulative in nature and will be open-book, open-notes, etc., will be given
during the week of final exams and will take much longer than the normally allotted
two hours. A student who is thoroughly familiar with the material will be able
to complete it in nearly 2.5 to 3 hours. Others who
have shown lapses in attendance, homework assignments, and the like, will
invariable take longer to complete the final exam.
PAPER: 10% - based on a paper that will be
completed toward the end of the semester. The paper will consist of the Results
and the Discussion section of a laboratory report of an experiment for which
data have already been collected. Please note that the necessary statistical
techniques needed for the analyses of the data (e.g., Analysis of Variance, Tukey HSD) will not be covered until about the end of the
semester. As soon as the pertinent material is covered in class and the assignment
is given out, you should immediately start work on this project. For instructions
on handing in papers, point your browser HERE. Please note
that you may NOT use direct
quotes from any sources that you consult, including the original paper that you
are summarizing. That is, your paper must consist of information that has been
summarized and/or thoroughly paraphrased from the original source. Any
paraphrasing that you do from the original must conform to the guidelines
provided HERE. Inappropriate
paraphrasing will be interpreted as plagiarism as per these guidelines, thus I
strongly encourage you to review them before submitting your written work.
PRACTICUM: 25% - Based on the successful completion of
computerized data analyses using SPSS software and APA-style summaries of these
analyses and other assignments.
First
HW assignment: During the first week
of classes, you are to send me an e-mail message with your full name, student
number, and course section (e.g., PSY 2030, TR:
IMPORTANT POINTS:
1. You should expect to receive homework everyday. In most cases, the homework assignments will
come in the form of handouts that will be distributed during class or via
e-mail. Homework assignments will vary in length and complexity. However, as we
go through the course homework assignments will become progressively more
complex, particularly after the midterm examination. Except where indicated,
each homework assignment is due on the following class meeting.
2. You should do
your readings, homework (approximately 30 homework assignments for the
semester), and any other work as soon as I assign the work. Late homework
submissions will be penalized, without exception (see formula below). In the
event that I forget to ask for the homework assignment on the date that it is
due, YOU are held responsible to hand it in. Any other assignments and exam
dates will be announced in class ahead of time. Assignments are to be handed in
to me at the end of class. I do not accept assignments via e-mail or
fax. However, if the student expects to be absent on the day an
assignment is due, it may be e-mailed or faxed (718-3904347) to me with the
time stamp that indicates that it has been sent before the end class. If the
automatic time stamp indicates a later time of delivery, it will be marked
late.
3. Attendance and punctuality
are extremely important in this course. Active and responsible participation is
encouraged, as it will greatly facilitate the learning process, however, class
participation per se is not going to be formally graded (or the lack of it
penalized). Class participation constitutes asking a question or making a
comment when the student raises his or her hand and the instructor calls on the
student. You are also strongly encouraged to work out a problem or part of the
problem on the black board if I call on you. During lectures, no other
interaction between students will be tolerated. I reserve the right to dismiss
from class any student who, in my view, is disruptive. If you are absent, it is
your responsibility to obtain class notes from your peers. On the day of
the absence, before the absence or when feasible, contact me to obtain any
homework assignments. You are not make copies of
another students assignment
because in some cases each student will receive a slightly different assignment.
Please note that I do not repeat lecture material.
4. The assigned readings
should be done on time as doing so will enable you to come prepared to class,
to ask intelligent questions, and to make intelligent comments. When asking
questions or making comments please raise your hand and wait until I call on
you. Also, it is strongly recommended that attempt to complete the exercises at
the back of each chapter, ideally before we cover the material in class. Note
that the following words/phrases are not to be used in this course: prove,
proven, society, like a, sort of, you know. Be sure to use the terms hypothesis
and theory correctly (see also below).
5. You will need an
electronic calculator with at least the following functions: square root,
squaring operation, n!, additional memories
(optional), and the capability to handle large numbers. You need to bring your
calculator, statistics book and a RED PEN to class EVERYDAY. Please note that
you are NOT to use your cell phone as a calculator.
6. Do not submit any type of
plastic, paper, or any other type of covers for your homework assignments or
for the paper. When necessary, all papers, homework, etc., must be neat and
stapled at approximately 45 degrees from the top and left edge of the paper. No
homework assignments will be accepted if the papers are not stapled or if they
are submitted on ripped paper from spiral- or any other type of binders or
notebooks. Also, be mindful of the fact that paper is derived from trees and
that trees are a treasured resource. Use 2 sides of a sheet whenever possible, alter the margins as I have done with this course
outline, etc.
7. Although I encourage you
to study in groups and to help each other out, your papers, homework,
and all other assignments are expected to be the student's own original work.
That is, when writing your assignments use your own words and expressions; not
your peers. When seeking help in carrying out a statistical technique, you never
merely copy from someone elses homework as this will be deemed as cheating.
You may seek and be given guidance as to what the different elements of a
formula mean and how to carry out a series of calculations, but you are to
carry out all of the calculations on your own and not simply copy them from
someone else. Any detection of inappropriate collaboration or any other form of
academic dishonesty will result in strict adherence to the school's
guidelines on this subject (see catalog and student handbook). - ANY STUDENT
CAUGHT CHEATING ON AN EXAM, SUBMITTING OTHERS IDEAS, TEXT, ETC., AS HIS/HER
OWN WORK, OR FABRICATING OR DOCTORING DATA, WILL BE GIVEN A ZERO FOR THAT
ASSIGNMENT. Please note that when writing papers for any of my courses you are
not allowed to use direct quotes. You must always paraphrase material from your
original sources and all sources must be Primary Sources of information (i.e.,
journal articles. You are never to use book chapters, magazine or encyclopedia
articles). In addition, any homework that
involves writing (i.e., text, not data organization or calculations) must be
typed.
WARNING: IN THE
EVENT THAT AN INCIDENT OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY COMES TO LIGHT AFTER THE
CONCLUSION OF THE COURSE, THE ABOVE RULES WILL CONTINUE TO APPLY AND, IF
WARRANTED, THE COURSE GRADE WILL BE RETROACTIVELY ADJUSTED.
8. If you wish to review an
exam you are to make an appointment with me and I will give you access to the
exam paper. If you want to double check an answer or find the correct answer to
a question that was marked wrong, bring your textbook, calculator and class
notes to the office and look up the answer there. I will not provide you with
the answers for you. However, I will be happy to explain a particular answer
only after you have searched for the answer on your own.
MONITORING YOUR GRADES - The following is the grading system used in all of
my classes.
00.00 - 56.99 ----- F 57.00
- 65.99 ------ D 66.00
- 69.99 ------ D+
70.00 - 72.99 ----- C- 73.00
- 76.99 ------ C 77.00
- 79.99 ------ C+
80.00 - 82.99 ----- B- 83.00 - 86.99 ------ B 87.00 - 89.99
------ B+
90.00 - 92.99 ----- A- 93.00
- 100 -------- A
DISSEMINATION OF GRADES: The professor retains all exam papers and answer
sheets. As soon as the midterm and final
exams are graded they will be posted HERE. Your grade
will be listed according to the 4 digit letter-number combination that you
supplied at the beginning of the semester.
Please keep in mind that under no circumstances do I give out grades
over the phone or via e-mail.
EXAM REVIEW PROCEDURE: If you wish to review the exam you are to make an
appointment with me and I will give you access to the exam for as long as it is
necessary. I encourage all of you to come to the office at some point and
review your exams. If you want to double check an answer, or find the correct
answer to a question that was marked wrong, bring your textbook to the office
and look up the answer there. I will be happy to explain a particular answer if
you are not clear about it, but only after you have searched for the answer in
the textbook.
The following are some of the
words which are frequently misspelled or misused in this course: effects/affects,
conclusion, experimenter, results, hypothesis/hypotheses,
qualitative/quantitative, theory, dependent/
independent, repetition, study/experiment. Be sure that you spell them and use
them correctly. Please be mindful of their use in your homework assignments and
class participation.
GENERAL CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR, CELL PHONE USE, AND LAPTOP POLICY: I expect that
you conduct yourselves as respectful adults and in accordance with university
tradition: to remain silent and attentive while I am lecturing or while a
fellow student is asking a question; to clean up your area if you have littered
it, etc. No smoking, food, or beverages are allowed in class. I am particularly
sensitive about class disruptions, such as students talking to each other while
I am lecturing or engaging in other academic work not related to the class.
Such behavior will not be tolerated as I consider it to be rude and
disrespectful not only to me but also to your classmates.
I consider any use of cell
phones during class to be highly distracting and disrespectful. Thus, the use
of cell phones is not permitted during class time for any purpose, including
its use as a calculator, and they are to be kept turned off and out of view
inside pocketbooks, knapsacks, etc. Only 2 students designated by the
instructor will be allowed to have their phones on and only in vibrate mode to
be alert for any campus emergency. Any other student whose phone rings during
class is hereby asked to leave the class (no need to wait for me to ask you to
leave). For the second offense, the matter will be forwarded to the Dean of
Students for disciplinary action. Laptops are not to be used during class time
and should be turned off.
SPECIAL NOTE:
PSY 2030 is one of the most difficult (its math!) and intensive (lots of
homework) courses in the Psychology curriculum. The grade obtained in this
course will be of keen interest to graduate school admissions officers who
review your application. Be advised that if you ask me and I agree to write a
letter of recommendation for you (for whatever purpose, graduate school, job,
etc.), my comments about you will, to a large extent, be based on your general
performance in this class (aptitude, attitude, academic performance, etc.). I
strongly recommend that you keep this special note in mind throughout the
semester. For my policy on letters of recommendation go HERE.
If you have any
questions about the course, consult your course outline first, particularly the
online version. If you need further clarification then see me. In fact, you
should always bring the course outline to class (you should staple it to your
notebook) and refer to it from time to time to remind you of deadlines,
policies, etc. If lose your course outline, however, you can always download
one from my home page.
GRADING
CRITERIA FOR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS: Acceptable homework assignments
will get a check mark with my initials. Deficient home works will get one or
more of the following:
INC A component of the assignment has not been completed.
POOR Homework is either sloppily
done or it contains two or more calculation errors.
LATE The assignment is handed in
after it is due date and time. Please note that no excuses will be accepted for
late homework assignments. If you are
sick or for whatever reason you cannot attend class you must contact me and
inquire about any missed assignments. If
you have completed a homework assignment but will not be able to attend class,
you can either e-mail me the assignment (if feasible) or fax it to me (see
above), but note that only up to 2 assignments may be faxed or e-mailed.
OTHER The assignment is unstapled
(always staple at 45°), or not typed (for those that do not involve
calculations, such as the one due every Wednesday where you have to identify
the variables, etc.), or handed on ripped paper, or having some other problem.
For every two deficient or
late homework assignments handed in, the student will lose one homework
assignment. Your final Homework grade will be calculated as a proportion of
completed homeworks over total number of homework
assignments. Thus, for example, if there a total of 30 homework assignments and
a student hands in all 30 in acceptable form, s/he will get a 100. If the student
fails to submit a homework assignment or hands in two deficient home works,
then s/he will get a 97 (29/30). If a student fails to submit an assignment
AND, in addition, hands in 4 deficient assignments (27/30) s/he will earn a 90,
etc., etc.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Homework assignments involving calculations
should be completed in pencil. Those that involve text must be typed.
2. Each individual step/calculation should be
documented as indicated in the book and as reviewed in class. Your calculations should show every step in
an organized, clear, and neat manner.
- Each calculation
should be repeated at least twice. If a discrepancy occurs, it should be
repeated a third or fourth time until the discrepancy is reconciled.
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE. Please note
that we will adhere to following schedule as best as closely as possible. By the same token, however, you should expect
a certain degree of flexibility in what gets covered when. So, be sure to be up to date on what is being
covered in class each day and come prepared.
TENTATIVE
M W F
01-
23, 24 - Course overview and chapt. 1
01- 28, 30, -
Chapts. 1 & 2
02- 04, 06 08 - Chapts. 2 & 3
02- 11, 13, 15 - Chapts. 4
& 5
02- NS,20, 22 - Chapts. 5 & 6
02- Spg Brk - Chapt. 6
03- 03, 05, 07 - Chapts. 7
& 8
03- 10,12, NC -
Midterm.
03- 17, 19,NS - Chapts. 9 & 10
03- NS,26, 28 - Chapts. 10 & 11
03- 31 -
04- 05, 07 - Chapts. 12 & 13
04- 14, 16, 18 - Chapt. 17
04- 21, 23, 25 - Chapts. 14 & 15
04- 28, 30 -
Chapts. 16 & 18
05- 02 - Review
05- 05 - Review
05/08 TO 05/14 FINAL EXAM WEEK
HOW TO SUCCEED IN
THIS CLASS: Come prepared for class. Read the assigned chapter before I
cover it in class and take lots of notes while preparing for class at home. Most
importantly: DO THE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS AND DO THEM ON TIME. There is no room
for procrastination in this class.
Sign and return to the
professor by the first Monday of the semester. Note: You may not be given credit
for this course unless I have this portion of the course outline in my
possession (Cut with scissors along the dotted line; ripped stubs are
not acceptable). CHANGES: I reserve the
right to change or add to assignments and make changes to this course outline,
for good reason and with adequate notice.
I
_____________________________________ have received a copy of the course
outline for Statistical Methods for the Behavioral Sciences (PSY 2030). I have read the course outline and have
reviewed the on-line version. I have been given an opportunity to discuss and
ask questions about the content of these documents and understand and agree to
the requirements of this course.
Students
signature: ________________________________________ Date: _________ Student No.: ____________