This course is designed to introduce psychology students to statistical reasoning, elementary experimental design, and data interpretation.  Students will be given an opportunity to learn how to use statistical tools to answer empirical questions.  Students will be asked to learn how to select the statistical tools appropriate for a given set of data, to be able to explain the use and rationale for common statistical procedures, to communicate the limitations of statistically derived inferences, and to accurately compute descriptive and inferential statistics.  In addition, students will be evaluated on their ability to formulate hypotheses and plan simple experiments designed to test these hypotheses.  The development of elementary data analysis skills using computer tools is integral to the course.

Instructor:  Dr. Mark Kruger
Office:  Social Science Center 16
Office Phone:  ext 7415    (507-933-7415) email: mgk@gustavus.edu

Office Hours:

Tuesdays and Thurs 9:00 to 9::500 AM, 1:30-2:20 PM and other times by request

TEXTS: Aron, Aron, Coups (2009) Statistics for Psychologists, 5th Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

Policy on Academic Dishonesty: Students will be expected to abide by the College's honor code. Each time you sign your name to your work you are asserting your adherence to this code and that the work you are presenting is your own. Any form of academic dishonesty such as cheating on tests, plagiarism, deliberate misrepresentation of fact, or interfering with the work of other students will result in dismissal from the course and a failing grade. If you have any question concerning whether or not your behavior may be viewed as dishonest, you are responsible to ask your instructor.

Grades: Student grades for the course will reflect test performance, completion of assignments, and participation and performance in class. Test dates are fixed. The material covered on a particular test will reflect what has been assigned by the date of the test and may not directly correspond with the course outline described above. Students who have a conflict with a test date must contact me at least three class days before the scheduled test. Otherwise makeup tests will only be given to students if the Dean’s office indicates there has been a death in the family or illness has taken the student out of classes.

Disability Services

Any student may ask for extra time or a change in testing setting and I will attempt to meet their needs so long as it does not compromise the fairness of my exam.

“Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Art of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) work together to ensure ‘reasonable accommodation’ and non-discrimination for students with disabilities in higher education. A student who has a physical, psychiatric/emotional, medical, learning, or attentional disability that may have an effect on the student’s ability to complete assigned course work should contact the Disability Services Coordinator in the Advising Center.”

Disability Services Coordinator Laurie Bickett (x6286) can provide further information.