Computer Lab Syllabus for PSYCH 248: 01 L4Statistical Methods in Psychology

Lab sessions meet in library B1 - HE B118 (Social Science Comp Lab)

3:20 – 5:40 pm
May 29 - July 10

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Understand descriptive statistics and the logic of hypothesis
1
testing in inferential statistics.
Learn to calculate and apply appropriate statistical tests for a
2
given research design and level of measurement.
Utilize SPSS software to conduct and interpret statistical
3
analyses.
Understand properties of distributions and how sample size
4
influences power.

5 Understand and appreciate the role of statistics in everyday life.

This computer lab is designed to provide you with a better understanding of statistical concepts
through more hands-on experience with real data. You will learn to use SPSS, a powerful and
widely used statistical software program, to organize, analyze, and present data and to answer
research hypotheses. Using computers and web resources you will see demonstrations of
statistical concepts that cannot easily be grasped through lecture alone. In addition, the lab will
allow you opportunities to interact with your instructor, your lab TA, and your classmates in a
more informal way that we hope will help you learn actively and will stimulate your curiosity.

Computer skills and data analytic knowledge are very practical and useful. Even if you have
limited computer skills now, you can learn to use SPSS quickly. We predict with a 95%
confidence level that you will never be sorry that you invested your time and energy in this area.
You may end up using these tools years from now to analyze and present data, or make
reports.

COURSE POLICIES:
Attendance. Attendance and participation is expected at all lab sessions. Absence from labs will
have a small effect on your grade, (probably 3 points per lab) but can leave you feeling lost.
Lab points may NOT be made-up if you are absent. However, you can do the activities and
complete the lab worksheets on your own (see the master Bb site, under course materials, and
the week of lab) which may keep you from getting behind. Ask your instructor about excused
absences.

Evaluation. You will receive one final grade in this course, based primarily on your performance on
the tests and homework given in the lecture portion of the class. However, lab assignments will also
contribute to your grade (about 20% in most sections). Most weeks in lab you will complete some
type of worksheet which will be collected and recorded. These worksheets will be worth about 11%
of your grade. You will also be given several larger computer assignments that require written
analysis of data you’ve analyzed (about 9%). Weekly worksheets must be completed during lab
time and will not be accepted later without special arrangement with your professor. Computer
assignments will be specific to each section-you will have time and help with these during a lab
session but need to do your own work on the written parts of assignment. Printing costs only $.05 a
page on the laser printer–use it. Bring your one-card to swipe.
Academic Integrity: Hunter College regards acts of academic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism,
cheating on examinations, obtaining unfair advantage, and falsification of records and official
documents) as serious offenses against the values of intellectual honesty. The College is
committed to enforcing the CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity and will pursue cases of
academic dishonesty according to the Hunter College Academic Integrity Procedures.

From the Office of AccessABILITY: In compliance with the American Disability Act of 1990
(ADA) and with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Hunter College is committed to
ensuring educational parity and accommodations for all students with documented disabilities
and/or medical conditions. It is recommended that all students with documented disabilities
(Emotional, Medical, Physical and/ or Learning) consult the Office of AccessABILITY located in
Room E1124 to secure necessary academic accommodations. For further information and
assistance please call (212- 772- 4857)/TTY (212- 650- 3230)

Sexual Misconduct
In compliance with the CUNY Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Hunter College reaffirms the
prohibition of any sexual misconduct, which includes sexual violence, sexual harassment, and
gender-based harassment retaliation against students, employees, or visitors, as well as certain
intimate relationships. Students who have experienced any form of sexual violence on or off
campus (including CUNY-sponsored trips and events) are entitled to the rights outlined in the
Bill of Rights for Hunter College. a. Sexual Violence: Students are strongly encouraged to
immediately report the incident by calling 911, contacting NYPD Special Victims Division Hotline
(646-610-7272) or their local police precinct, or contacting the College's Public Safety Office
(212-772-4444). b. All Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct: Students are also encouraged to
contact the College's Title IX Campus Coordinator, Dean John Rose (jtrose@hunter.cuny.edu
or 212-650-3262) or Colleen Barry (colleen.barry@hunter.cuny.edu or 212-772-4534) and seek
complimentary services through the Counseling and Wellness Services Office, Hunter East
1123. CUNY Policy on Sexual Misconduct
http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/diversityandcompliance/repository/files/cuny-policy-on-sexual-
misconduct.pdf

A+ 97.5 - 100 C+ 77.5 – 79.9

A 92.5 - 97.4 C 70.0 – 77.4
A- 90.0 - 92.4 D 60.0 - 69.9
B+ 87.5 - 89.9 F 0.0 – 59.9
B 82.5 – 87.4
B- 80.0 – 82.4
 Free Tutoring and other Resources

TUTORS: Undergraduate statistics tutors will be available during specified office hours for help with
homework, computer assignments, and studying for exams. Computer labs will have a TA to assist
during lab time. Tutoring hours will be held in 627HN during hours that will be posted on Bb.

BLACKBOARD: Syllabi, assignments, lab materials and much more will be available to you via the
Master248 blackboard site--see Announcements, Lab materials, External Links.

LAB: Our lab activities often use this statistics web site: http://onlinestatbook.com/rvls/

Computer Lab Schedule – your instructor may modify this

Week1: Introduction to SPSS, WebAssign, Data Entry & Research Basics

Week 2: Displaying Data using Graphs & Tables; Frequencies, Means, etc

Week 2: More Descriptive Statistics; Data transformations (z-scores)

Week 3: Probability & Sampling distributions; Inference & Confidence Intervals

Week 3: Assignment 1: Descriptive Statistics & Sampling Distributions

Week 4: Hypothesis Testing Concepts; single-sample z and t-tests

Week 4: Comparing 2 groups - Independent & Dependent-sample t-tests

Week 5: More t for two - Comparing & selecting the right t-test

Week 5: Assignment 2: Using t-tests to analyze data

Week 6: Comparing more than 2 groups - One-way ANOVA

Week 6: Adding I.V.s - Two-Way ANOVA & Interactions

Week 7: Pearson Correlation & Linear Regression

Week 7: Assignment 3: Using ANOVA, Correlation & Regression

Week 7: Assessment Test & Review; Chi-Square & Non-parametrics

Notes:
1) Labs do not meet during Finals Week and will end with the last day of regular classes.

2) Statistics tutoring office hours (in 627HN) begin about a week after classes start and end with the last
day of classes, although some review sessions will be held during finals week.