Professor: Grant Willis, Ph.D.; Jerry Cohen, Ph.D.; Lisa Harlow; Ph.D.
Semester: Spring
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: PSY 113, at least one college-level mathematics course, and sophomore standing

Catalog Description: Basic concepts and techniques of quantification in psychology. Emphasis on application of certain descriptive and inferential statistical tools in the analysis of psychological measurements of behavior.

The purpose and objectives of this course are to develop both a conceptual and an applied understanding of statistics. At the end of the course, students will be able to understand the mathematical basis behind several statistical methods. Additionally, students will know what purpose these methods serve, the circumstances in which they are used, and what questions they answer.

Success in this course requires that the student be an active participant in class discussions and class readings. Students will demonstrate competency via multiple quizzes. The quizzes are designed to assess understanding and application of concepts as well as knowledge about facts. Practical applications using computer programs may be undertaken and/or other lab exercises.

Class Topics:

• Frequency distributions and central tendency
• Variability
• Z-scores, probability, and the normal curve
• Distribution of sample means
• Hypothesis testing and the t-statistic
• T-tests: Independent amd related samples
• Estimation
• One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)
• Correlation and regression

Dr. Willis is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and a School Psychologist. His research interests are in the areas of developmental neuropsychology and psychoeducational decision-making.

Dr. Cohen is a Professor in the Department of Psychology affiliated with the Behavioral Science area. His research interests are in the areas of social motivation, methodology, and cognition.

Dr. Harlow is a Professor in the Department of Psychology affiliated with the Behavioral Science area. She is interested in increasing interest, participation, performance and diversity in quantitative science; multivariate statistics, structural equation modeling, methodology, meaning in life, and women's health.

This is a required course for Psychology majors. This course lays the foundation for understanding basic concepts of statistics in psychological research. It is a prerequisite for PSY 301, PSY 385, and PSY 434.

• Tutorials in Quantitative Methods for Psychology is a peer-reviewed electronic journal that publishes articles and tutorials in all areas of quantitative psychology.
• The Joy of Stats