Class Web Page: http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~moses/410/410.htm

Course Description: This course is an intermediate level class in statistics and data analysis that builds on material taught in Psychology 302 (or a similar introductory statistics course). The aim of the course is to help students develop practical skills in the analysis and interpretation of real psychological data. To that end, our focus will tend to be conceptual rather than mathematical, applied rather than theoretical (e.g., it will be more important to understand why a particular statistical technique is appropriate, and how to make sense of the results obtained from its use, than to understand the full mathematical underpinnings of the statistic). During the course we will make heavy use of the computer, although you will also be asked to carry out hand computations illustrating key statistical principles.

Course Prerequisites: Psychology 302 and 303; access to email and an internet browser (e.g., Netscape or Internet Explorer).

Required Textbook: Glass, G.V., & Hopkins, K.D. (1996). Statistical Methods in Education and Psychology (3rd. Ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Lectures and Laboratories: Attached is a list of lecture topics and reading assignments. The course labs will be held each Friday from 12-12:50 in 180 Straub. The labs will provide an opportunity to gain hands-on computing experience illustrating concepts discussed in lectures. They will also involve discussion of the weekly problem sets and reviews prior to exams, as well as allowing you the chance to raise any questions you have concerning lectures or the textbook.

Software: In this course we will be using SPSS for Windows Version 8. The software is installed on the machines in 180 Straub (open 8-5 Monday through Friday). It is also available in the Social Science Instructional Laboratory (72 PLC). SSIL is open at night and on weekends, as well during the day. There is a $10 fee per term for use of SPSS at SSIL. Please contact me if you are interested in using SSIL. If desired, PC users can purchase their own copy of SPSS from the software section of the Bookstore. Be sure to get the right version: SPSS Graduate Pack 8.0 for Windows Advanced Version (Base, Professional, and Advanced Modules).

Exams: There will be two exams: an in-class midterm (open book) and a take-home final. Exams will be cumulative, with an emphasis on more recent material. It will be helpful to have a calculator for the exams but to receive credit for calculation problems you will need to show each step of your calculations; do not rely on an advanced calculator in using complex formulas.

Problem Sets: Problem sets will be assigned most weeks. Normally, the problem sets will be handed out on the Tuesday (thus giving you the opportunity to try them before the Friday lab) and will be due in class the following Tuesday. The problem sets will be graded on a 10 point scale. If you want to work with other students on the problem sets, feel free to do so. Just make sure you understand what is going on. If you have difficulties with the problems, please consult with Gretchen or me.

Grading: The problem sets will count for 35% of your grade, the midterm for 30%, and the final for 35%. Graduate students will be required to carry out an additional project (please consult with me about this early in the course).

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moses@darkwing.uoregon.edu ; Last updated 10/5/98.