COURSE OVERVIEW

    As a science, psychology emphasizes an empirical approach.  That is, psychologists test predictions by making observations. These observations constitute what we call data.  In turn, we assess how well the data support our predictions through the use of statistical--or mathematical--procedures.  Thus, an understanding of measurement and statistics is an important component of the psychology curriculum here at Coe College (and a prerequisite for most of our psychology courses).  Beyond science and academics, statistics are used every day in attempts to influence both personal behavior and public policies.  In order to make well-informed decisions on important issues in our lives, it is important to understand what the statistics mean.  By understanding the concepts underlying the statistics you see reported in the media, you will be better able to avoid being misled by those who might use statistics inappropriately.  This course will focus on these important concepts and provide the opportunities to develop skills in computer analysis of data as well as the interpretation and communication of statistical information.

EXAM SCHEDULE AND IMPORTANT DATES

The table below includes the dates for exams and other important dates for the semester.  The exam dates will not change except under extraordinary circumstances

 
GRADING

Final course grades will be determined by your performance on the 3 exams, weekly quizzes, forum posts, and laboratory assignments.  Quizzes will be 10 multiple choice or short answer questions and will cover class material from the previous week.  Exams will consist of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions.  Each exam will cover primarily cover the material from that particular unit.  However, the nature of the material for this course requires that you understand the earlier material to be able to understand the later material.  Important concepts from previous units may also be on an exam. 

 Grading Scale

LECTURE TOPICS

The exam dates will not be changed except under unusual circumstances.  However the topics included in each unit exam may shift.  For example, if we do not get through the final topic listed in Unit 1, Confidence Intervals & Polls, before the Exam 1 date, it will be covered on the next exam.  In other words, I will adjust the material included on a particular exam, NOT the exam date.

 UNIT 1

UNIT 2

 UNIT 3 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

 At Coe College, we expect academic integrity of all members of our community. Academic integrity assumes honesty about the nature of one's work in all situations. Such honesty is at the heart of the educational enterprise and is a pre-condition for intellectual growth.  Academic dishonesty interferes with the mission of the College and will be treated with the utmost seriousness as a violation of community standards.

Cheating, plagiarism, deliberately impeding other students' work and misuse of common academic property, in the libraries, labs, and elsewhere are all forms of academic dishonesty and will be subject to one or more of the following sanctions:

1) failure of the assignment, i.e. exam, paper, lab report, etc.

2) failure of the class

3) suspension or expulsion

Students accused of academic dishonesty have the right to appeal any sanctions.  The full policy is printed in the college catalog, the student handbook, and is available on the Dean's web site.

Students should consult their professor, as well as materials in the library and writing center to learn more about how to avoid plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. 

MAKE-UP EXAMS

It is expected that you will take each examination at the scheduled time.  A make-up exam can be taken only for excused absences.  Unless highly unusual circumstances prevail, approval for excused absences must be obtained prior to the scheduled exam.  If you fail to take an examination (an unexcused absence), you will receive a score of zero for that exam.

 ATTENDANCE

Attendance is required.   Attending class and taking good notes are important keys to your success in the classroom.  If you know that you must miss a class, please inform me ahead of time. 

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
 

If you need any special accommodations due to a disability, please see me after class and/or contact the Academic Achievement Program (Phone: x8547).  Reasonable and appropriate accommodations will be arranged.

 GETTING HELP

If you find that you are having difficulties with the any of the material please contact me as soon as possible!  Do not wait until late in the course.  It is difficult to significantly improve your grade if there is only a few weeks left in the course.  I am happy to help you.  If you are not able to see me during office hours we can make other arrangements.  Tutoring is available through the Academic Achievement Program (Phone: x8547).