HUNTER COLLEGE

PSYCH 248.03: STATISTICAL METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY

SUMMER 2019

Instructor: Rossi A. Hassad, Ph.D., MPH

Phone: 212-772-5550 E-mail: Rhassad@hunter.cuny.edu

Lecture Monday & Wed 5:45PM – 8:53PM North Bldg - HN C108

Lab Tues & Thurs 5:45PM - 8:10PM East Bldg - EB118

Course Description: 4 hrs., 4 cr. - An introduction to common statistical methods and their
applications in psychology and other behavioral sciences, as well as considerations for collecting,
organizing, analyzing, interpreting and presenting data. This course covers descriptive and inferential
statistics; including frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency, measures of variability,
sampling, probability, z-score, and the normal distribution; and tests of hypothesis such as: t-tests,
ANOVA, linear correlation and regression, and chi-squared. Effect size, study designs (observational and
experimental) and research concepts (association and causation; confounding and interaction) will also be
addressed. The IBM-SPSS software will be used for data analysis.
Prerequisites:
1. PSYCH 100
2. Completion of one of the following math requirements: MATH 120, or STAT 113 with
a C or CR, or pass on Part I of the Calculus Readiness Test
3. Declaration of psychology major

Required Textbook: Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences 10e, by Gravetter & Wallnau, from
Cengage, with Mindtap Psychology online learning platform for homework
Cengage microsite: http://services.cengagebrain.com/course/site.html?id=3649913

Course Learning Objectives:

1. To identify and apply appropriate statistical methods based on research design,
hypothesis/objective, type of data, number of variables, assumptions, etc.
2. To differentiate between “association” and “causation” in the analysis of research outcomes
3. To recognize and explain the utility and limitations of statistical techniques
4. To read and understand the statistics presented in the scientific literature
5. To compute and communicate statistical information
6. To interpret statistical notations and outcomes, and write a scientific report

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Departmental Learning Outcomes:
1. Understand descriptive statistics and the logic of hypothesis testing in inferential statistics.

2. Learn to calculate and apply appropriate statistical tests for a given research design and level of
measurement.
3. Utilize SPSS software to conduct and interpret statistical analyses.

4. Understand properties of distributions and how sample size influences power.

5. Understand and appreciate the role of statistics in everyday life.

Assessment:
In general, all students will be required to participate in group problem-solving, discussions, computer
laboratory exercises, demonstrations based on class-generated and secondary data, critique of statistics in
peer-reviewed articles and the popular press, as well as written and oral presentations. Multiple
assessment methods and active learning strategies will be used to meet your diverse learning styles. It is
your responsibility to obtain the required material and complete all assignments in a timely manner.
NOTE: All assignments (including deadlines), course notes, and other material will be posted on
Blackboard. Also, a basic calculator is required for this course.
Homework: The course will be taught in a modular format (moving from descriptive to inferential
statistics) with each module addressing a particular statistical test or set of closely related concepts.
Accordingly, there will be eight (8) graded homework assignments, each with two components; manual
calculations, and SPSS analysis and report.

The IBM-SPSS software will be used for data analysis, and laboratory assistance will be provided. All lab
assignments can be completed in the Hunter College computer labs.

Exams: There will be one midterm and one cumulative final exam.

Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) Project: In order to demonstrate the integration and application of
knowledge and skills in a meaningful way, you will be required to complete a project during the semester
in which you will explore and analyze secondary data using the IBM-SPSS software, interpret your
results, and provide a coherent written report following the APA guidelines. You will be required to work
in small groups of 3 to 4 students. Other requirements and expectations will be discussed in class, and a
template will be provided.
Assessment Weighting and Grading Scheme
Homework (combined manual calculations, SPSS analysis, and report): 25%
Midterm Exam: 20%
Final Exam: 40%
Project (EDA – Exploratory Data Analysis): 10%
MindTap Assignments: 5%

A+ 97.5 - 100 C+ 77.5 – 79.9

A 92.5 - 97.4 C 70.0 – 77.4
A- 90.0 - 92.4 D 60.0 - 69.9
B+ 87.5 - 89.9 F 0.0 – 59.9
B 82.5 – 87.4
B- 80.0 – 82.4
All components of the assessment must be completed satisfactorily in order to obtain a passing
grade.

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Academic Integrity: Hunter College regards acts of academic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating
on examinations, obtaining unfair advantage, and falsification of records and official documents) as
serious offenses against the values of intellectual honesty. The College is committed to enforcing the
CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity and will pursue cases of academic dishonesty according to the
Hunter College Academic Integrity Procedures.

From the Office of AccessABILITY: In compliance with the American Disability Act of 1990
(ADA) and with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Hunter College is committed to ensuring
educational parity and accommodations for all students with documented disabilities and/or medical
conditions. It is recommended that all students with documented disabilities (Emotional, Medical,
Physical and/ or Learning) consult the Office of AccessABILITY located in Room E1124 to secure
necessary academic accommodations. For further information and assistance please call (212- 772-
4857)/TTY (212- 650- 3230)

Sexual Misconduct: In compliance with the CUNY Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Hunter College
reaffirms the prohibition of any sexual misconduct, which includes sexual violence, sexual harassment,
and gender-based harassment retaliation against students, employees, or visitors, as well as certain
intimate relationships. Students who have experienced any form of sexual violence on or off campus
(including CUNY-sponsored trips and events) are entitled to the rights outlined in the Bill of Rights for
Hunter College. a. Sexual Violence: Students are strongly encouraged to immediately report the incident
by calling 911, contacting NYPD Special Victims Division Hotline (646-610-7272) or their local police
precinct, or contacting the College's Public Safety Office (212-772-4444). b. All Other Forms of Sexual
Misconduct: Students are also encouraged to contact the College's Title IX Campus Coordinator, Dean
John Rose (jtrose@hunter.cuny.edu or 212-650-3262) or Colleen Barry (colleen.barry@hunter.cuny.edu
or 212-772-4534) and seek complimentary services through the Counseling and Wellness Services Office,
Hunter East 1123. CUNY Policy on Sexual Misconduct
http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/diversityandcompliance/repository/files/cuny-policy-on-sexual-
misconduct.pdf

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 PSYCH 248.03: STATISTICAL METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY – SUMMER 2019
(R. Hassad)
DATE LECTURE TOPIC READING
ASSIGNMENT
(Chapter)
Overview of Statistics (including historical perspective and 1, 2
statistical literacy)
Types of Data and Levels of Measurement
Organizing & Exploring Data: Frequency Distributions & 3
Measures of Central Tendency
Measures of Variability 3, 4, 5
z-scores & the Standard Normal Distribution
Probability & Sampling 6, 7
Standard Error & Distribution of Sample Means
Hypothesis Testing & Estimation: Significance, Confidence Interval 8, 11

Association & Causation (Experimental and Supplementary material

Observational Research Designs) will be provided.
Statistical Considerations for Data Collection and Data Analysis
-Reliability, Validity, Confounding, interaction
EDA (Exploratory Data Analysis) Project
Introduction to the t-statistic (one sample) 9

Mid-Term Exam Review

The Independent Samples t-test, Effect Size 10
The Independent Samples t-test, Effect Size 10
13th June MID-TERM EXAM Covers all material up to
and including the one-
sample t-test
The Dependent (paired) Samples t-test 11
One-way ANOVA 12
Repeated Measures ANOVA (logic and overview) 13 & 14
ANOVA (two-factor/factorial design)
Simple Linear Correlation Analysis 15
Simple Linear Regression Analysis 16
Introduction to Multiple Regression Analysis 17 & 18
Chi-Squared and other Non-Parametric Tests
Final Exam Review
10th July FINAL EXAM