Statistical Methods in Psychology (201-CN-66)
Instructors
Benjamin J Gorvine
847/467-1839
Swift 306
Ben Gorvine is a Professor of Instruction in the Department of Psychology at Northwestern, where he is also currently serving as the Assistant Chair and Lead Adviser. He received his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Michigan in 2002. His academic interests center on understanding the influences, both positive and negative, that fathers and father figures (i.e., men other than the biological father who may be fulfilling the fathering role) have on their children’s socioemotional development. He also has an interest in research on pedagogical practices for college teaching. He is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Illinois.
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-425: Thurs 6:15PM - 9:15PM
Overview of class
This course explores techniques for describing the real world with numbers and for making educated guesses about how the world works by manipulating these numbers. Students acquire a knowledge of how to execute statistical tests, but more importantly when and why to execute these tests. Emphasis is placed on understanding and interpreting data as well as on techniques of statistical analysis. A secondary goal of this course is to provide a framework from which to think critically about statistical evidence presented in the media and research reports from journals in psychology. Classes will consist of lecture and problem-based group work. The assessments include quizzes, exams, a series of "team" problem sets, take home problem sets, and a short paper (1-2 pages) analyzing the use of statistical information in the media. May not be audited. Carries social science or science credit.
Registration Requirements
PSYCH 110 and comfort with high school algebra.
Learning Objectives
After completing this course, you will be able to summarize datasets using a variety of descriptive statistics, test for relationships between variables, and make group comparisons using inferential statistics. You will also be able to understand scientific notation that you may encounter when reading journal articles in other courses and in your own research.
Teaching Method
Class participation, discussion, group work, problem sets, readings, writing assignments
Evaluation Method
Midterm and final exam
Group work (problem sets)
Homework (take-home problem sets)
Quizzes (short quizzes)
Writing assignment (one 1-2 page paper)
Class Materials (Required)
Materials may include the following. Confirm course texts and materials by contacting instructor or viewing course Canvas site or University bookstore website.
Scientific calculator.
Glenberg, A. & Andrzejewski, M. (2008). Learning from Data: An Introduction to Statistical Reasoning (3rd Edition) Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum. ISBN: 0 -8058-4921-1.
Class Notes
This course is not designed to: (1) scare you; (2) create intense amounts of math anxiety; or (3) turn you off to the field of psychology. I will do my best to ensure that, at the end of the course, you will find yourself reflecting, "Wow, that wasn't all that bad!"
Class Attributes
Face to face: In person, in campus space