Advanced Statistics &
Research Methods
PSYC 818 | Summer 2008| MW 1-4, TTH 9-12:30| Buswell
Computer Lab | John Vessey, Ph.D. 752-5761
COURSE OVERVIEW AND
GOALS
The central goal of this course is to provide you with the experience of
working with many of the quantitative techniques currently used in the research
process of clinical and scientific psychology. We will focus primarily on
understanding how psychologists describe and analyze numerical data; some of
the specific topics we will cover include an overview of basic statistics,
hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, correlational and regression
techniques, and psychometrics.
My goal for this course is to help you construct both a conceptual framework for understanding quantitative issues and the practical skills needed to conduct your own empirical research. I have designed it to be a "bridge" course between what is typically learned in undergraduate statistics courses and what you will be expected to be able to do to complete your doctoral project in this program. As such, it will be conducted with both a seminar format, with class time being used to collectively discuss issues and a hands-on, computer tutorial for data analysis. After this course, it is my desire that you'll consider your quantitative skills to be an important and integral part of your expertise as a clinical psychologist.
The objectives of this course are to develop your understanding of three broad but foundational aspects of empirical research: design, analysis, and communication. The focus of each of these aspects can be summarized by the following questions:
In order to address these questions, during the semester we will address each of these questions for each statistical procedure we cover. More specifically, we will cover the major types of quantitative analyses you'll likely see as a clinician and use in your doctoral research.
BACKGROUND AND SOFTWARE
Regarding previous coursework, my assumption is that you have successfully
completed at least one undergraduate course in statistics. Although this is not
an inflexible requirement, I would suggest you spend some time doing background
reading if you feel you'll be rusty (i.e., a good undergraduate statistics text
should suffice). Unfortunately for most of us, learning statistics is not like
riding a bike; therefore we will begin the course with a series of topics meant
to reinforce the basic principles of quantitative analysis and research design.
It will also be to your benefit to have some experience with computers. We will be using SPSS (Statisical Program for the Social Sciences) for data analysis.
CLASS SESSIONS
We will meet MTWTH in the Buswell Computer lab, except on Memorial Day. Class
time will be spent in a seminar format, which will involve discussing issues
from our readings, presenting mini-lectures, performing analyses, and
interpreting statistical results. Because of the cumulative nature of the
material covered in the class, it is crucial for you to attend class every
session. If you have to miss class, please see me for any missed assignments or
material. For each class session you are expected to have completed the
readings and assignments for that week (see the course calendar below for
specific reading assignments). This will enable you to follow the material
presented in class and increase your learning.
Because of their length, each class session will be split up into three main parts, with two 15-minute breaks in between. As much as possible, we will try to keep the following schedule:
|
First Hour |
Review |
|
Second Hour |
New material |
|
Third Hour |
Computer Demonstration /New assignement |
TEXTBOOKS
There is one required textbook for this course.
Bibliographic information is given below; any additional readings will
be placed on reserve in the PsyD reading room.. The statistical software
package we will be using in this course will be SPSS for Windows (Version 14.0).
Required:
George, Darren and Mallery, Paul (2007). SPSS for Windows: A Simple Guide and Reference, 14.0 Update.
Allyn &Bacon,
ASSESSMENT
Your grade in this course will be determined by your combined performance on
your class participation and an individual project portfolio. Below is a brief
description of each of these. Please see me if you have any specific questions
about any of them or the class grading policy in general.
Grading System—The grading system specified in PsyD student handbook will be used in PYSC 818; please refer to it regarding the interpretation of final course grades.
Class Participation—Because of the conceptual nature of this course, your understanding of the issues involved in quantitative analysis—and your ability to orally communicate that understanding—is crucial. Therefore you will be expected to actively be involved in class discussions based upon your reading, your work on SPSS programs, and your general psychological knowledge. Further, we will begin and end class on time and you are expected to be available and attentive during that full time. I will provide you feedback concerning the quality of your class participation at mid semester; also, I encourage to periodically check with me if you wish to have additional feedback.
Assignments—The major portion of your grade in this course will be assignments using SPSS (including programs and results) and your interpretation of research problems we will address. Assignments will be turned in and graded each week during the semester:.
Late Work—All assignments are due at the beginning of the next class period after they are assigned.
Plagiarism—Please
be aware that cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated in this course.
Familiarize yourself with the
Office Hours—Once the semester is underway, I will post office hours outside my office door. Please take advantage of these times to meet with me about your work in PSYC 818. I will be more than happy to discuss lecture material, look over printouts, even advise you on research you may be planning as you move through the PsyD program. If my available times are not convenient for you, please email me about setting up an alternative time.
Final Grades—Final grades will consist of a combination of class participation and assignments.
|
|
Date |
Topic(s) |
Resources |
|
1 |
May 19 |
Overview of statistics and SPSS |
Course Syllabus George 1-3 |
|
2 |
20 |
Data Management/ Graphs |
George 4-5 |
|
3 |
21 |
Frequencies and Descriptive Statistics |
George 6-7 |
|
4 |
22 |
Crosstabs and Tables |
George 8 |
|
5 |
27 |
Correlations |
George 10 |
|
6 |
28 |
Independent and Dependent t-tests |
George 11 |
|
7 |
29 |
ANOVA |
George 12 |
|
8 |
June 2 |
Two-Way ANOVA and Interactions |
George 13 |
|
9 |
3 |
Simple Linear Regression |
George 15 |
|
10 |
4 |
Multiple Regression |
George 16 |
|
11 |
5 |
Multiple Regression |
George 16 |
|
12 |
9 |
Logistic Regression |
George 25 |
|
13 |
10 |
Reliability/Validity/Factor Analysis |
George 18,20 |
|
14 |
11 |
Reliability & Factor Analysis |
George 18,20 |
|
15 |
12 |
Course Wrap-Up |
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