Elementary Statistics in Psychology (4) Frequency distributions and graphs; measures of central tendency and variability; normal probability curve; elementary sampling and reliability; correlations; simple regression equations.
PSYCH 200 Elementary Statistics in Psychology (4)
Psychological science is based upon empirical research. Questions about behavior and experience are answered by gathering and analyzing data. In upper-level classes students will be expected to read and understand this research, and many will be expected to design sensible investigations of their own. At the core of these skill sets is the ability to understand and perform statistical analyses, and the ability to evaluate the match between statistical analysis and experimental procedures. This course provides an introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics commonly used in psychology, and introduces hypothesis testing as a method of scientific investigation. In addition, it explores the ways in which the assumptions of statistical tests place constraints on experimental design and, conversely, how the design of experiments can dictate the statistical test appropriate for data analysis. Specific topics include probability theory, measures of variability and central tendency, normal curves, the relation between samples and populations, correlations, and simple regression. Classes may also cover z-tests, t-tests, ANOVA, or other techniques commonly used in psychology. Content is presented through a combination of lectures, readings, and demonstrations. Evaluation is primarily on the basis of objective exams given in class. The course introduces students to quantitative procedures used in psychological research and practice. It also promotes thinking about how students can apply this knowledge to answer self-generated questions. With PSYCH 301W (Basic Research Methods in Psychology) the course provides an excellent two-course sequence to prepare students for upper level courses. After taking this course students should be able to make more informed decisions about majoring in psychology. This course serves as a prerequisite for PSYCH 301W, which itself prerequisite for many some upper-level psychology courses. PSYCH 200 or Stat 200 is required for the Psychology majors and minor.
General Education: GQ
Bachelor of Arts: None
Effective: Spring 2011
Prerequisite: PSYCH 100;MATH 021
Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.