Statistics for Psychologists (PS115) Click here for the handout for the PS115 Introductory Lecture.pdf Print the handout before watching the lecture Watch the PS115 Introductory Lecture on the University Vimeo Channel We recommend that you select HD (High Definition) when you watch the lecture. PS115-4-FY: Statistics for Psychologists  The module is co-ordinated by Dr Tim Rakow in Term 1 and by Dr Tom Foulsham in Term 2 to whom queries should be addressed. A full outline of the module will be distributed during the first lecture. PS115 provides step-by-step training in the analysis of psychological data, including the use of computer packages for data analysis. The module covers descriptive statistics (emphasising the best way to summarize findings), and inferential statistics (deciding what conclusions can be made from data). The main purpose of the module is to make you a better psychologist by giving you the skills to analyse and present psychological data, and to improve your ability to understand and assess the psychological research that others have carried out. The techniques covered in the module will be used in the Year 1 research methods module (PS114), in Year 2 coursework practical reports, and in final-year projects. To ensure that we can cover the statistical techniques that you need in time for your first piece of research methods coursework, the introductory lecture for PS115 will be available on line from 16th September 2013. You should watch this lecture and do the reading and questions associated with it before the end of Welcome week. You will be emailed details of how to access this lecture in mid-September. Module textbook The module textbook is a ‘custom text’, which has been compiled specially for this module. It includes the most recent edition of the main textbook for PS115, plus additional material from other books. This custom text is on sale in the University Bookshop: Howell, D.C., & others (2014). Fundamental statistics for the behavioural sciences (8th ed.): Plus additional material for PS115 Statistics for Psychologists. Andover, UK: Cengage Learning Custom Publications. Note that it is cheaper to buy the custom text than to buy a new copy of Fundamental statistics for the behavioral sciences (even though the custom text includes this book plus extra material). Module assessment The assessment for PS115 consists of two Coursework Tests and an End-of-year Examination. ¥ Statistics Test 1 is an 80-minute written test and takes place in the first week of Term 2. The test assesses the Term 1 material, and contributes to 25% of the final mark for the module. ¥ Statistics Test 2 is a 100-minute computer-based test and takes place in the first week of Term 3. This test primarily assesses the data analysis skills that are taught in the practical classes in Terms 1 and 2. It contributes to 25% of the final mark for the module. ¥ The End-of-year Examination is a 2-hour written examination, which tests all of the material covered in PS115. It contributes to 50% of the final mark for the module. You must pass PS115 in order to proceed to the second year of the Psychology Degree Course. To pass PS115, you need to achieve a final aggregate mark of 40 or more for the module. PS115 Practical Classes and Workshops The statistics practical classes are for one hour each week (you will be assigned to one of three classes starting at different times). These sessions provide training in analysing data, usually involving the use of a computer package. You will be given a series of booklets to work through in these classes: these provide guidance and plenty of practice on the techniques covered in the module. Please bring a calculator, notebook for recording your answers, and your most recent set of lecture notes to these classes. Some weeks, there are also workshops that use practical work to introduce or consolidate some of the module’s more difficult material. We will teach you to use a specialized computer package for data analysis named IBM SPSS Statistics. This software package is installed on computers in the Psychology Department, and on many other computers on campus. You are strongly encouraged to use computers outside of the statistics classes. The University permits you to install SPSS free of charge on your own computer, as it is an annually renewable University Site licence. PC and Apple owners are able to borrow overnight an install DVD and install instructions with license codes from the Psychology Department Technical offices 2.707 and 2.709. Prompt return of these install DVD’s is required to allow others to install. Note: Make sure you know which version of SPSS (19 or 20) is currently in use, and be aware that there may be updates and patches to load also periodically. module_PS115_files/Handout%20for%20the%20PS115%20Introductory%20Lecture.pdfhttp://vimeo.com/74456335mailto:timrakow@essex.ac.uk?subject=PS115mailto:foulsham@essex.ac.uk?subject=PS115mailto:foulsham@essex.ac.uk?subject=PS115shapeimage_2_link_0shapeimage_2_link_1shapeimage_2_link_2shapeimage_2_link_3shapeimage_2_link_4