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PY-281, Introduction to Statistics INSTRUCTOR:
Frank L. Conner TEXT BOOK: Levin, J. & Fox, A.F. (2002) Elementary Statistics in Social Research. (9th ed.) COURSE DESCRIPTION: Descriptive techniques in gathering data. Measures of central tendency. Measures of dispersing with particular emphasis on s-scores, using t-tests and chi-square. Sampling techniques of sample differences. STUDENT OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of the class, a student will be able to: ·
Understand the application of research and statistics in the
behavior and social sciences. EXPECTATIONS: This
class requires a personal and social commitment to succeed. On a personal level,
you are expected to ingest the readings prior to class. This suggests a
thoughtful and critical approach to the material. Don’t just read the words,
but search for the meaning within the body of the text. Work through the sample
problems. Conceptualize how you might use the statistical tools being provided
to design your own research project. Reading the material in this manner implies that you will come to class prepared. Prepared means cognitively, physically, and emotionally. While all of us have bad days, to succeed in this class (as with college in general), you must commit your life as a whole toward doing the required work. Know yourself, all of us are different. Some of us come with more background knowledge, others require less sleep, some of us have children, others work, some of us are very confident, while for others this is their first experience in college. Take the time to understand what works best for you and arrange your life for success. ATTENDANCE: To
meet the expectations of the class you must attend class. There is a very high
relationship between attendance and success in all college classes. You will not
be fulfilling your personal and social obligations to this class if you are not
in attendance. My assessment of your fulfillment of this obligation is
integrated into the grading process. · Students will not be dropped from the class. College policy allows a student to initiate a "W" at the registrars office up until 70% of the class has been completed. After that point, the student will receive his or her appropriate, earned grade. · Students who miss a test may reschedule to take the test within one week. However, you must contact the instructor to schedule the test and you will receive a grade no better than a B. · No other graded material will be accepted after the due date. If a class is cancelled for any reason, check my
web site for information about future classes. REQUIREMENTS Tests (4) Tests are designed to assess comprehensive understanding
and application of the tools and concepts presented in the class. Tests will be
two pats. The first part will be a combination of multiple choice, matching,
true-false and fill-in-the-blank. The second part will be applied statistical
problems. You may use your notes for the second part of the test. (65% of
final grade) Application Exercises (2) The application exercises are two, two-page papers applying the concept being introduced in the class to issues in the real world. The first exercise will be applied to the use of data in the popular press. The second exercise will be a review of data used in a scholarly journal. This paper should summarize the social issue being researched, how it was researched, and the results. Once you have presented the research aspect of the article, provide a critical analysis of the research method and stated results. Provide an answer to how is the analysis is being interpreted and if the stated results are appropriate to the type of statistical analysis used in the research. (15% of final grade) The document must be typed. The document is to be two pages double spaced. Use standard 1” margins and a font size of 12. Classroom Research (2) Classroom research will be two projects implemented by the class. This process will include the development of a research question, designing the research, collecting the data, analyzing, and interpreting the results. The results of this work will be a written document. (15% of final grade) Team Work Much of the work in this class will be done in teams. The assessment of your success in your team will come from a 10-minute communiqué (paper, presentation, skit, etc.) that answers the following question, “What has the team done to insure that every member has been successful in this class?” The paper guidelines are the same as an application paper. (5% of final grade) |