Introduction to Course

Psychologists use statistics for a number of reasons, including to find relationships between different variables, identify correlations among different things, and to use data to draw more general conclusions about our society. When psychologists begin a research project, they start with a hypothesis. Psychologists are interested in understanding a variety of phenomena and they use a wide variety of methods and measures to study the objects of their interest. Regardless of the content or conditions for study, statistics serve as important tools for making sense of the data that are collected. We need statistics to describe the data clearly so that the findings can be communicated to others. We also need statistics to use a specific data set as a basis for more general conclusions. That is, we can use statistics to infer general conclusions from the data collected. In this course, we’ll primarily focus on inferential statistics as descriptive statistics have already been covered during your previous semester. Topics to be covered include measures of association, introduction to hypothesis testing, parametric tests, and nonparametric tests.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the z, t, chi-square, and F probability distributions.
• Appreciate the procedures of inferential statistical analysis concerning two population parameters, regression and correlation, analysis of variance, and analysis of categorical data.
• Demonstrate proficiency in basic inferential statistical data analysis.
• Comprehend and interpret statistical results in research articles accurately.

Books Recommended

Gravetter, F. J. & Wallnau, L. B. (2013). Essentials of statistics for behavioral sciences. (9th ed.). New York: Thomson/Wadsworth.

The suggested readings for this course include but are not limited to:

Howell, D. C. (2008). Fundamental statistics for the behavioral sciences (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson.

Guilford, J. P. (1995). Fundamental statistics in psychology and education. (4th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

System of Evaluation

Mid-term = 30

Final-term = 50

Sessional = 20 (Class participation, Class Test and Attendance = 10, Home Assignments = 10)

Total = 50

CLASS TIMINGS: BS 6th Reg (Thursday: 09:30 - 11:00 AM) (Friday: 09:30 - 11:00 AM)