PSYC 2444-001Research Design and Statistics IISummer II 2015
Lecture:Lab Coordinator:
Instructor: Dr. Madeline Rex-Lear Coordinator: Michael Natishyn
Class room: 101Life Science (Lecture)Email:
Class hours: Mon/ Wed 3.00-4:20pm Office: LS 536
Office hours: Wed 10-11 or by appointmentOffice hours: Mon/Wed 11am-12pm or by appt.
Contact information for Dr. Rex-LearTutor: Meghan Babcock
Email:ours:Wed: 10.30-12pm AND 12.30-2.00pm
Campus mailbox: Box 19528Office: Life Science 506 Contact: Your Lab Teaching Assistant
Instructor:
Classroom: LS
Email:
Office & hours: ______
Lab: Two (2) lab sections are available. You must be registered in lecture (PSYC 2444-001 and a lab section (PSYC 2444-002, or 003) concurrently. Please see the lab schedule for further information.
Course Information & Policy
Course description:
PSYC 2444. RESEARCH DESIGN AND STATISTICS II(3-2) 4 hours credit.Theoretical and practical approaches to research methodology, statistical analyses and techniques of reporting research.Prerequisite: PSYC 2443.
Required texts and course materials: (Note: These are the same texts assigned to PSYC2443)
1) Gravetter, F.J., & Wallnau, L.B. (2014) Essentials of Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Cengage.
ISBN: 9781133956570
2)McBride, D, M. (2013). The Process of Research in Psychology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. ISBN: 9781412999557
3) Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, D.C. APA. ISBN: 9781433805615
- A calculator with statistical functions (programmable calculators will not be permitted)
- A 3 inch (minimum), 3-ring binder which will serve as your portfolio (optional)
- This course will be computer/internet intensive. However, you do not need to own a computer to participate effectively in the class. However, you will need to access and use the computers available to you on campus on routine bases that have SPSS access.
Course goals:
This course consists of learning a variety of methods and procedures commonly used to conduct psychological research, analyzing the data collected in such research, and communicating the research results to the scientific community.
Course structure: The course is divided into 3 modules: Module 1 spans weeks 1 through 5; Module 2, weeks 6-10; and Module 3, weeks 11-16. Exams (lecture and lab) are given at the end of each module. There is no comprehensive final exam. This is a Blackboard assisted course so you will need to be proficient in the use of Blackboard to perform well.
Learning Objectives Module 1: At the end of this module, students should be able to:
(1)Explain between- and within-groups designs and compute the appropriate t statistic for each.
(2)Describe various types of confounds and the means for controlling or minimizing effects of confounds.
(3)Differentiate between experimenter effects and participant effects and how the design of experiments relates to these concepts.
(4) Review surveys and sampling methods.
Learning Objectives Module 2: At the end of this module, students should be able to:
(1)Explain the costs and benefits of using designs with more than 2 levels of an independent variable.
(2)Identify designs that use ANOVA, compute one-way randomized and repeated measures ANOVA and interpret results.
(3) Describe effect size and compute and interpret Cohen’s d.
Learning Objectives Module 3: At the end of this module, students should be able to:
(1) Describe statistical techniques for planned and post hoc comparisons; compute Tukey’s post hoc test and interpret results.
(2) Explain what quasi designs are and when and how they are used. Review case studies and their value for psychology.
(3) Identify the elements of presenting data in different media and compare components to the manuscript.
(4) Understand and experience the basics of conference presenting and poster composition and data presentation.
Assignments and exams:
LectureThe lecture grade will be based on three exam points adding up to 400 points. Each exam will be broken down to a multiple choice part given in the lecture plus a short answer (statistical exercise) part given in the lab. Exam questions will be drawn from required reading, lecture material and class activities. (See the lecture schedule for further details.)
If you are tardy on the day of the exam you will not be permitted to take the exam if any class member has completed the exam and left the room and will earn zero “0” points. All make-up exams will be given at the discretion of faculty.
Lab. Exercises, research papers, and other assignments will be scheduled throughout the term. Unless otherwise instructed, all assignments must be typewritten and in compliance with APA formatting. (See the lab schedule for further details.)
Responsibilities:You are responsible for all material contained in any handouts, all readings assigned for each lecture and lab, and for completion of all assignments by the due dates. Assignments that are not handed in on due dates at specified times will receive ZERO credit NO EXCEPTIONS FOR LATE WORK
Attendance:
Lecture. Classes are Monday - Thursday:Regular attendance is mandatory and will be taken on non-test days starting day 1. Attendance will be randomly recorded 10 times and up to 10 points will be awarded at the end of the semester – there are no make-ups for attendance points. Absentees will not be provided with lecture notes, outlines or other materials from classes missed. No make-up exam will be given unless documentation is received for a University-approved absence and are at the discretion of faculty approval.
Lab. Lab sessions are every Tuesday and Thursday: Lab attendance is mandatory. The information you receive in the lab sections is necessary to aid you in writing papers and doing homework assignments. The information obtained will carry over from the first semester into the second semester.
Important lab notes:
Review: Given the “hands on” nature of instruction, Lab Attendance is crucial to your success in this course. You must attend every lab meeting. The information you receive in the lab sections is necessary to aid you in writing papers and doing homework assignments. The information obtained will carry over from the first semester into the second semester.
- Assignments are due at the beginning of the lab meeting, within the first 10 minutes of lab.
- Failure to hand in assignments on time will result in a grade of zero for that assignment.
- Any work presented using previous assignments from other classes/projects is considered academic dishonesty (See Academic dishonesty section below) and will not be accepted as gradable material.
If you are caught plagiarizing, you will receive a grade of “F” for the entire course.
If in doubt, ask your TA to look at your work and the sources that you are citing from before you hand in an assignment.
Similarly, if you are caught cheating on an exam, you will receive a grade of “F” for the entire course.
Make-up work:
For exams and homework you must make faculty and Lab TAs aware of any absence within 5 working days or you will not be permitted to make-up any missed work or exams.THERE ARE NO MAKE-UPS FOR IN LAB ASSIGNMENTS - MISSED WORK WILL COUNT AS ZERO.
Extra credit:
TBA
Grading:Point Distribution and Grading Policy
LECTURE POINTSExam 1 (lecture) / 100 Lab 30 / LAB POINTS
Manuscript 100 / Total possible points = 800 (+5)
Letter % # of Points
Exam 2 (lecture)
Exam 3 (lecture)
Attendance
Extra credit / 100 Lab 30
100 Lab 30
10
5 / Poster Presentation 100
In class Lab Assignments 100
Homework Assignments 100 / A 90 - 100 % 716-800
B 80 - 90 % 636-715
C 70 - 80 % 556-635
D 60 - 70 % 476-555
F <60% <476
Total Lecture / 400 (+5) / Total Lab 400
You will receive one course grade for your combined performance in the lecture and laboratory.
Students must receive a passing grade (a “C”) in both lecture and lab (278 points out of 400 possible points or 69.5 % in each section) to pass the course and become eligible to enroll in upper-level courses that have 2444 as a prerequisite. Any student earning a “D” (238 -277.5 points out of 400) or “F” (<238 points out of 400) in the lecture OR in the lab will receive a “D” or “F” as the final course grade. (Please note that the last day to withdraw from this course is August 4, 2015).We will also examine your grades to determine if you have a statistical outlier in your performance and make adjustments to your final letter grade accordingly. Students who meet the minimum requirements of 278 points in BOTH lecture and lab will have their final course grades calculated by adding their lecture and lab points together and assigning final letter grades as shown above:
(Note: while the short answer parts of the tests are given during labs, they are part of the lecture grade!) In lab, we will be using embedded assessment techniques throughout the course for 2 major evaluation projects:The remaining points from the lab portion of the grade will be based points on weekly assignments.
Be sure to check the schedule below for interim evaluation dates!
NOTE: Grades are calculated from the base points allotted in the syllabus – any extra points available are included to benefit you.
From the UT Arlington Undergraduate Catalog: Student Grievance Procedures Related to Grades. In attempting to resolve any student grievances regarding grades, it is the student’s obligation first to make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the individual with whom the grievance originated. Individual course instructors retain primary responsibility for assigning grades. The instructor’s judgment is final unless compelling evidence shows discrimination, preferential treatment or procedural irregularities. For further information see:
Student Support Services:
- Computers in LS 314 are available for your use on weekdays 8 am-4.30 pm. (as per availability)
From the UT Arlington Undergraduate Catalog: Student Grievance Procedures Related to Grades: In attempting to resolve any student grievances regarding grades, it is the student’s obligation first to make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the individual with whom the grievance originated. Individual course instructors retain primary responsibility for assigning grades. The instructor’s judgment is final unless compelling evidence shows discrimination, preferential treatment or procedural irregularities. For further information see:
- Library information: Useful information for psychology at or simply go to the library ( and select Subject Guides and select Psychology.
- Writing Center: The UT-Arlington Writing Center (Central Library 411) offers assistance on a wide variety of writing assignments and needs. Contact: (817.272.2601).
- Other services can be obtained from the University. The University supports a variety of student success programs to help you: learning assistance; developmental education; advising and mentoring; admission and transition; and information about federally funded programs. Students seeking assistance with academic, personal or social problems should contact the Office of Student Success Programs at 817.272.6107 or see . Many students formerly enrolled in this class have found this web page to be very useful for a variety of services!
Drop for non-payment of tuition: If you are dropped from this class for non-payment of tuition, you may secure an Enrollment Loan through the Bursar’s Office. You may not continue to attend class until your Enrollment Loan has been applied to outstanding tuition fees.
Academic dishonesty: It is the philosophy of The University of Texas at Arlington that academic dishonesty is a completely unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form.
Any form of academic dishonesty will be reported.“Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that is attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts.” (Regents’ Rules and Regulations, Part One, chapter VI, Section 3, Subsection 3.2, Subdivision 3.22.) All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may include suspension or expulsion from the University.
Americans with Disabilities Act: The University of Texas at Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, reference to Public Law 93112—The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With the passage of federal legislation entitled, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens. As required by law, we will provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. However, the student is responsible for informing faculty at the beginning of the semester of a disability requiring special accommodation and providing authorized documentation through designated administrative channels.
Title IX: The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to upholding U.S. Federal Law “Title IX” such that no member of the UT Arlington community shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity. For more information, visit
E-Culture Policy: The University of Texas at Arlington has adopted the University email address as an official means of communication with students. All students are assigned an email account and information about activating and using it is available at New students (first semester at UTA) are able to activate their email account 24 hours after registering for courses. Students are responsible for checking their email regularly. In this course, please communicate with the instructor, the tutor and teaching assistants by assigned emails only.
Student Evaluation of Teaching: Online evaluation forms provided by the University will be used for student course evaluation. Students will receive notification of the opportunity to complete evaluation forms via University email. I strongly encourage you to complete these evaluations, they are important, and do matter
Emergency Exit Procedures:Should we experience an emergency event that requires us to vacate the building, students should exit the room and move toward the nearest exit. When exiting the building during an emergency, one should never take an elevator but should use the stairwells. Faculty members and instructional staff will assist students in selecting the safest route for evacuation and will make arrangements to assist handicapped individuals.
PSYC 2444 Lecture Schedule
This schedule is subject to change at faculty discretion.Lab schedule
Wk / Date / Lecture Topic / Instructor / Reading Assignments / Date: / Lab Exercises/Assignments (*) / Assignments Due1 / 7/14-7/16 / 2444 course overview
Surveys and sampling
T tests for one sample
Between groups designs
T tests for Independent samples / Rex-Lear / Mc Bride Chapter 11/12/14
G & W Ch 9
G & W Ch 10 / Week 1
7/14 & 7/16 /
- Lab Overview
- Decision trees,
- Projects /Poster templates
- Survey materials
- t-tests- single sample
AND
10 Homework Assignments = 10 points each
Due Dates will be announced in labs – check in lab
2 / 7/20-7/23 / Within groups designs
Matched participants
T test for Dependent samples / G & W Ch 10
G & W Ch 11 / Week 2
7/21 & 7/23 /
- Independent t tests, Dependent t tests
- Exam 1 review
Poster Template
Manuscript Portion 1
3 / 7/27-7/30 / Monday :
Lecture Exam #1 (MC part 1)
Mixed and complex designs
ANOVA part I
Repeated measures / Mc Bride Chapter 11
Mc Bride Chapter 14
G & W CH 12 / Week 3
7/28 & 7/30 / Tuesday 7/28
Lab Exam #1 (WP part 2)
- Concept Maps
- LOP
- ANOVAS
Wk / Date / Lecture Topic / Instructor / Reading Assignments / Date: / Lab Exercises/Assignments (*) / Assignments Due
4 / 8/3-8/6 / ANOVA part II
Factorial designs
Understanding interactions
Effect size
Planned and post hoc comparisons / Mc Bride Chapter 14
G & W CH 12 & 13
MC Bride Chapter 8
G & W CH 12.6 / Week 4
8/ 4 & 8/6 /
- Complex ANOVAs
- Fig.s/Tables
- Exam 2 Review
5 / 8/10-8/13 / Monday: 8/10
Lecture Exam # 2 (MC part 1)
Elements of proposal writing
Quasi designs
Developmental designs
Case studies
Conferences & Presentation type
Poster Presentations (All labs) / Mc Bride Chapter 12 & 13 / Week 5
8/11 & 8/13 / Tuesday 8/11
Lab Exam #2 (WP part 2)
- More Fig.s/Tables for poster presentation
- Exam 3 Review
Final Draft Manuscript – due online 11.59pm
6 / M 8/17 / Monday 8/17
Lecture Exam # 3 (MC part 1) / Week 6
8/17 / Monday 8/17
Lab Exam #2 (WP part 2)
Exams: “MC” means “multiple choice”: “WP” means statistics word problems.
Note (*) Lab assignments and topics are subject to change.
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