Reasoning in PsychologyUsing 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 context
Reasoning in Psychology Using
Statistics
Syllabus
• Where is it?: ReggieNet (via MyIllinoisState)• Direct link to syllabus:
• http://psychology.illinoisstate.edu/jccutti/psych138/sp15/138syllabus.html
• Contact information: for me and your GAs
• Course Calendar and Outline• Powerpoint lectures, links to labs, due dates, etc.
• Evaluation:
• 1000 points total, 900-1000 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 10-15
• Inferential 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