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Academic Year 2002/2003


Statistics: An Activity-Based Approach
PSYC 200 FA

This course will introduce the concepts and methods used in the analysis of quantitative data in the behavioral and life sciences. The approach will emphasize activity-based learning. Students will engage in hands-on exercises in which they uncover the critical ideas underlying the basic statistical methods. The lecture format will be retained for the initial presentation and wrap-up of topics, but approximately half of class time will be devoted to activities in which students generate data, perform analyses, and discuss results. The topics to be covered will include descriptive statistics, sampling distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, and regression. Although the course is oriented toward laying a conceptual base and will not emphasize the use of specialized statistical programs, students will learn basic computer methods for computation and graphics. The course is appropriate for first- and second-year students who are considering majors in fields that use statistical methods. This course will satisfy the statistics the requirement for the Psychology major and the methodological requirement for the Neuroscience and Behavior major. The experiential approach of this course may be of interest to students in the arts and humanities who would like to develop the ability to critically interpret findings presented by scientists.

MAJOR READINGS

Moore & McCabe. INTRODUCTION TO THE PRACTICE OF STATISTICS. Freeman.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Short weekly assignments, two in-class tests, and comprehensive final examination.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Students who are considering Psychology or Neuroscience & Behavior majors must take this course graded.

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Laboratory

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM PSYC    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Sinnamon,Harry M.   
Times: ..T.R.. 01:10PM-02:30PM;     Location: SCIE74
Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 20)
SR. major:    Jr. major:
SR. non-major: 2   Jr. non-major: 2   SO: 10   FR: 6

Special Attributes:
Curricular Renewal:    Quantitative Reasoning, Focused Inquiry Course
Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-18-2003


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