Reasoning in Psychology Using Statistics Psychology 138 Spring 2015

Reasoning in Psychology Using Statistics Announcements Outline –Course format Lecture classes Labs: Calculations and SPSS –Brief syllabus review –30 min intro video

Reasoning in Psychology Using Statistics What are Statistics? “It’s about almost everything in modern society.” Bennett, Briggs, Triola (2003), Statistical Reasoning for Everyday life Statistics: tools, used to make decisions –Descriptive statistics –Inferential statistics Data: numbers with a context –How were numbers measured, what do they mean? –Understanding the contextUnderstanding the context

Reasoning in Psychology Using Statistics Syllabus Where is it?: ReggieNet (via MyIllinoisState) Direct link to syllabus: Contact information: for me and your GAs Course Calendar and Outline Powerpoint lectures, links to labs, due dates, etc. Evaluation: 1000 points total, for A, etc. I don’t round up, so 899 is a B Exams: In-lecture & in labs, quizzes, final project, labs

Reasoning in Psychology Using Statistics Reading Packet (download the pdf) Instead of an expensive textbook Read it before coming to lecture and going to labs Practice questions (solutions are in the back)

Reasoning in Psychology Using Statistics Video review Main points from the video –Every statistical test starts with an appropriate selection of subjects –Inferences must be based on more than one observation because of variability –Two types of error must be controlled while testing hypotheses –A decision is based on two things: The difference between groups The variability of the scores Week 3 Weeks 5&6 Week 10 Weeks Inferential statistics: hypothesis testing – rats, robots, and roller skatesInferential statistics: hypothesis testing – rats, robots, and roller skates Wiley (1977)

Reasoning in Psychology Using Statistics Questions? Today ’ s lab –Getting to know Your GAs and the Lab set up –ReggieNet site –Practice a quiz –Uploading a file –Submitting and assignment