PSY 230 Introduction to Statistics

COURSE SYLLABUS

Instructor: Dr. Steve Lewis e-mail:stephen.k.lewis@asu.edu

Section: 76677 Fall 2014 Classroom: Sands 105 Class Day: M/W

Office: FAB S170F Office Hours: Wed: 2:15-2:45 Thurs. 3:00-3:30 or by appointment

REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Textbook: Aron, Coups & Aron., Fifth Edition (2011). Statistics for the Behavioral & Social Sciences Prentice hall Publishing.
ISBN: 9780205797257

Prerequisites: PGS 101 and MAT 117

Course Description:
An introduction to basic concepts in descriptive and inferential statistics, with an emphasis upon application to psychology.
Consideration given to the methods of data collection, sampling techniques, graphing of data, and the statistical evaluation of data collected
through experimentation. The purpose of this course is to acquaint you with the basic principles, methods, interpretation of statistical
analysis and to know which statistic to use with various types of data and experimental designs.

Course Objectives:
1. To be able to define and give examples of common terms used in statistics.
2. To be able to perform statistical analysis on data of various types.
3. To understand the use of statistical tests and probability statements in hypothesis testing.

Attendance, tardy, assignment & test deadlines, missed tests, withdrawal policy:
Attendance is mandatory, and will be taken at the beginning of each class. If you enter the class after I have taken attendance, you will
be counted absent. It is the students responsibility to ensure that I mark you present. If you enter the classroom after attendance has been taken,
you must see me at the end of class to have the absence changed to a tardy. If you are tardy for the class, you will only receive credit for the
reflection paper and homework submitted that day.
Note: There is no make-up for missed tests, late assignments, homework or reflection papers. Work will not be accepted late, by email,
by having someone else submit your paper, you submitting the paper prior to the end of class, or showing up at the end of class and submitting
the work. All Reflection papers and Homework must be submitted in person.

Some students may find it necessary to withdraw from this course. It is the students responsibility to withdraw from the class. If the
student does not take the responsibility for withdrawal, the students final grade may be an E. The following link will take you to information
about the withdrawal policy and procedures for completing a withdrawal from a course. http://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/usi/usi201-08.html

Grading policy:
Your final grade will be based on the points earned divided by the total points possible for this class. There will be 3 tests, plus a
final exam. All tests are multiple choice.
Note: The Final exam may be used to replace either the Test 1, 2, or 3 score. You are not required to take the Final Exam, but may use
it to improve your grade on any of the previous exams. If your Final Exam is not an improvement over any of the regular exams, then the Final
Exam will not be counted.

Graded performance will consist of the following:
Tests: 3 tests @ 100 points each = 300 points
Reflection Papers 11 @ 5 points = 55 points
Homework 11 @ 5 points = 55 points
= 410 Total points

Semester Grade
A = 100% - 90%
B = 89% - 80%
C = 79% - 70%
D = 69% - 60%
E = 59% - 0%


Critical Thinking Reflection Papers:
You must write a reflection paper on each chapter we cover in this course. The reflection paper is due at the beginning of the class in
which the chapter is discussed, must be typed on the Reflection Paper Template (hand written will not be accepted), and will be submitted at
the end of class (if requested). All or some of the reflection papers will be collected at the end of the class. When only part of the class is
requested to submit their reflection paper, the papers chosen for collection will be randomly selected. If you do not submit the reflection paper,
you will lose the points for the chapter. Your reflection paper will be graded. You will receive full credit for any reflection paper that I do not
collect, but not if you are absent or tardy. If you were tardy, then you are eligible for 1/2 credit on your paper. Each reflection paper is worth 5
points.
Note: I will not accept the Refection Paper via e-mail, nor may you submit it prior to the end of class, have someone else submit the paper for
you, or show up at the end of class to submit your paper. Copying someone elses paper is not acceptable.

Homework:
Homework will be assigned for each chapter, and must be completed prior to coming to class. The homework may be corrected and
improved during class as we work through the problems, but it not acceptable for you to begin the homework in class or simply copy the work
from the board. Submission of the homework follows the same guidelines as the Reflection papers, though it is not expected that the homework
is typed.


Reading Assignments, Key Terms, and Homework:
You will be given a reading assignment, provided a list of key terms, and homework problems for each of the 11 Chapters.
Completing the reading, key terms and homework is considered essential, preparing you for the tests. You may use the homework, key
terms and any notes you compile to assist you on the tests.

Calculators:
You will need to be proficient with the basic functions of a calculator (adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, squaring, square
roots and memory). You do not need to have an expensive calculator to perform the calculations in this course.

Cheating and plagiarism policy:
I have little tolerance for cheating and plagiarism. Do your own work and give credit to others for their work. A loss of points, referral
to administration, failing grade or withdrawal from class are possible outcomes for this behavior and will follow the Academic Integrity policy.
See the following link for more information. http://provost.asu.edu/academicintegrity

Audio / video taping:
Taping is not allowed without prior consent of the instructor (this includes Livescribe audio recording).

Phones in class:
Please turn your phones to vibrate. Absolutely do not send or read Text Messages during class.

Computer usage:
Computer usage in the classroom is restricted.

Children and visitors in the classroom:
Children and visitors are not allowed in the classroom.

Student disabilities & special needs:
I am supportive of special needs students and will do whatever is appropriate to ensure success of special needs students. You
must register with the college as a special needs student. Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this
class are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center, UCB 130, (602) 543-8145, or http://www.west.asu.edu/drc

Special notes to the student:
My goal is to have you learn about statistical methods and enjoy the experience. You should read the student handbook section on
student rights and responsibilities. You should also read the registration guidelines to obtain withdrawal dates. The policy is that withdrawal
from class is the students responsibility.
I reserve the right to alter items in this syllabus. The student is responsible for noting any changes and acting accordingly.