WIDENER UNIVERSITY
Social Science Division
Psychology 385 - Statistics with Computer Lab - Sections B & F
Fall 2008
Dr. John P. Galla 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Psychology 385 covers elementary statistics applied to the behavioral, health, and social sciences.  The computer laboratory will introduce you to data handling, statistics, and graphing with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). 

COURSE OBJECTIVES: In this course you will become acquainted with the many ways in which empirical information is obtained and analyzed in the social sciences. Basically, there are two things to learn about applied statistics: How to use particular statistical procedures and when to use them. 

COURSE MATERIALS AND POLICIES

PREREQUISITES:  You must have placed out of 101 on the Math Placement Test or have earned at least a C in Math 101.  NO EXCEPTIONS!

TEXTBOOKS: Gravetter & Wallnau (2008) Essentials of Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, 6th edition,
                      Wadsworth: Belmont, California. (Please bring to all  lecture & lab classes)

                      Fendrich & Mannes (2006) Student Guide SPSS 14.0 for Windows. (Please bring to all lecture & lab classes)
                         
DISKS:   One USB flash drive.   (Please bring your disk to all lecture & lab classes)

CALCULATOR:  You will need an inexpensive calculator that has both square root and percent keys for working out problems in lecture and for exams.  Sorry -- you will not be allowed to borrow or share calculators during an exam and cell phone calculators are not allowed. (Please bring to all lecture & lab classes)

ATTENDANCE:  From my perspective it is imperative that you attend all classes.  Historically, poor attendance in this class is significantly correlated with low-test grades.  You are allowed six absences, (provided they do not occur on the day of a scheduled exam).  These allowed absences are provided so that you won't be penalized for the occasional "doctor's appointment" or "away game."  However, your grade will be reduced by 5 percentage points for each absence beyond six.

ARRIVING LATE:  Students are expected to be on time for class.   If you do find yourself late for class I ask that you enter the classroom in an unobtrusive manner and find the nearest available seat.  Those who are habitually late (more than three times after the lecture has started) will have their final course averages reduced by 5 percentage points for each subsequent late arrival.

CELL PHONES AND PAGERS:  All cell phones and pagers must be turned off during the class period. I subscribe to the campus alert system and my own cell phone will remain on during class in case of an emergency.  I will deduct 5 percentage points from your final grade for each cell phone / pager incident.   Cell phone calculators will not be allowed.  Sorry - no exceptions.  

RECORDING: Recording lectures is generally prohibited.  A student with special needs may be allowed to record lectures if 1) official documentation regarding the special need is presented and 2) a standard contract is signed regarding the use and disposition of the recorded lectures.

CHEATING:  I begin with the assumption that you are honest and honorable.  My faith in your integrity notwithstanding, please be aware that I adhere strictly to the cheating policy which appears in the 2008-2009 Student Handbook for the Main Campus, Day Session. Please note that use of a cell phone during an exam will be considered evidence of cheating and you will be dropped from the course with a F for academic fraud.

HOMEWORK: Reading, problem and lab assignments appear on the course outline. You are required to attempt all assignments and be prepared to discuss them in class. I recommend you keep all written homework in a special notebook. Please bring completed assignments with you when you meet with me.

HOW TO CONTACT ME:

OFFICE: My office is in Kapelski Learning Center, room 137B.  I invite you to talk to me about any questions or problems concerning this course.

OFFICE HOURS: My office hours for fall 2008 are M 8-8:50 AM and 2-2:50 PM, T, W, and F 8-8:50 AM. Thursday is my  Research Day (no office hours).

PHONE: You may call me at (610) 499-4371.  If I am not in my office, leave a voice message that includes your name, number where I can reach you, the times I can reach you, and the reason for your call. Please note:  I will not discuss grades over the telephone.

EMAIL: You may also email me at jpgalla@mail.widener.edu.  However, due to the continuing increase in unsolicited email, and in destructive viruses carried in email, I will only respond to your email if your name, and the number and section of your course appear in the subject line (e.g., Your Name, Psy 385, Section B) .  Email without this information will be erased without being opened.  Please note:  I will not discuss grades via email. 

EXAMS AND GRADES:

Exams:  There will be 4 exams and a cumulative final.  Exams will be based on information from lecture and lab.  Each exam is worth 15% of your final grade.  The cumulative final is worth 40%. The exams are tentatively scheduled for: 9/26, 10/31, 11/21, and 12/10.  The registrar will schedule the final.

I expect you to take each exam on the scheduled date.  If (however unlikely) I excuse you from taking an exam on a scheduled exam date, you will have to take a make-up exam.  All make-up exams will be given on Friday, December 12, 2008.

Please understand that if you miss an exam without prior written permission from me (or the end of the world as we know it), you will receive a zero for the missed exam.

GRADES: Grades will be assigned as follows:

Psychology 385 - Course Lecture Outline, fall 2008 Semester

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This page was last updated on 08/18/08.