Main Content
Syllabus
PSYCH 200 Elementary Statistics in Psychology (4):
Correlations, simple regression equations, variability, normal probability curve, elementary sampling and reliability, frequency distributions and graphs, and measures of central tendency.
Overview
The goal of PSYCH 200 is to provide an introduction to the statistical methods used in psychological research. This course is a departmental requirement and should be relevant to anyone interested in psychological phenomena, because the vast majority of information you learn in any psychology course is to a lesser or greater degree based on the methods you will learn in this course.
A Word of Encouragement and Advice
Learning statistics is learning a new skill. The good news is that, similar to other skills, people get better the more they practice. On the flip side, you have to practice in order to gain a sufficient understanding of the concepts covered in the course. The course is set up in such a way that you will practice problems after each reading assignment and submit evaluation problems every week to demonstrate your understanding. These exercises are meant as a comprehension check for the instructor as much as they are meant as a check for you. As holds for most skills, some people will be more statistically inclined than others, but practice can compensate. Being diligent is crucial for doing well in the course. Please contact the instructor early on with questions if you feel lost.
Objectives
By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:
- Explain the difference between experiments and other methods of data collection.
- Identify dependent and independent variables within an experimental setting, and explain the differences between different classes of variables, including discrete and continuous variables.
- Explain how findings from sample data can be extended to larger, more general populations.
- Read and understand statistical descriptions of data.
- Generate descriptive statistics through figures and tables with Excel software.
- Analyze data from a scientific research study, including and being able to define and work with z-scores, t tests, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, and chi-square tests.
- Draw inferences based on the results of statistical tests.
- Evaluate the results of scientific studies.
Materials
Required
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.The following materials are required:
Software and Hardware
- MindTap
- Microsoft Excel
- You will need to use an approved browser and one of the compatible operating systems listed in Honorlock's Minimum Requirements table.
- The course will require the use of a webcam and microphone. Please contact your instructor with any questions.
- Texas Instruments calculator TI30XS is the recommended calculator for this course. If you would like to purchase one, please do so through the vendor of your choice—for example, Amazon, Office Depot, and so on.
There are two options for purchasing the textbook and MindTap:
- Cengage: An electronic version of text (ebook) comes with MindTap.
- During the first week of the semester, course key and registration instructions will be provided by the instructor. These will be used to purchase the ebook and software.
- Barnes & Noble College: The loose-leaf version of the text comes with a MindTap access code.
- Please note: If you buy a used text, you will be required to purchase a MindTap access code.
Tutor.com
Tutor.com is a 24/7 tutoring service that provides students with assistance in coursework, test preparation, research, writing, and more for various subjects. The tutors are subject-matter experts, and each student will have personalized one-on-one sessions with them. Students can schedule their own tutoring appointments to engage in interactive sessions that include a whiteboard and chat feature. The service can be utilized on any device that has Internet access. Students are encouraged to use the service throughout the semester. You can access this service by selecting Tutor.com from your course navigation menu. Here you fill out a questionnaire and begin your tutoring session.
Getting Started with Tutor.com
Tutor.com is a professional tutoring service available to students in select courses, offering assistance with math, writing, and other subjects. Access it directly from your course by following these steps:
- Launch Tutor.com
- Select the Tutor.com link in the Course Navigation Menu.
- Complete the pre-Session questionnaire
- Fill in the questionnaire and select SUBMIT.
- Get matched with a tutor
- You’ll be paired with the first available tutor best qualified to assist you and then enter a virtual classroom.
- Interact in the virtual classroom
- Use text or voice chat to communicate with your tutor and the interactive whiteboard to share work and ideas.
- Upload assignment files
- Share files related to your assignments, including spreadsheets, presentation slides, screenshots, images, and more.
- Provide feedback
- After your session, please fill out the post-session survey to offer feedback on your experience.
For additional information about Tutor.com, please visit the Tutoring page in the Tutoring page in the World Campus Student Center.
Library Resources
Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
- get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
- much more.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service. The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.
Technical Requirements and Help
For this course, we recommend the minimum Penn State World Campus technical requirements listed below. In addition, you will need to have an approved browser, a compatible operating system, and a minimum internet speed, all of which are listed in Honorlock's Minimum Requirements table.
| Operating System | Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems. To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
|---|---|
| Browser | Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. |
| Additional Canvas Requirements | For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
| Additional Software | All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. |
| Hardware | Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
| Mobile Device (optional) | The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements. |
| Help | If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk. |
Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)
During the semester you will receive information for completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.
Honorlock
By enrolling in this course, you consent to the use of Honorlock proctoring software to protect academic integrity during certain course activities. While active, this software uses your computer's webcam and microphone to record video and audio, while other technology monitors your activity, including your screen and web navigation.
You will need a computer (not a phone or tablet) with a microphone and webcam and one of the compatible operating systems listed in Honorlock's Minimum Requirements table. Additionally, you will need to use Chrome and download the Honorlock Chrome Extension.
The information collected by Honorlock will be used only for legitimate academic and educational purposes. For further information, see the Penn State Honorlock privacy statement and Honorlock’s Student Data Privacy & Security information.
Resources
If you have any technical issues or questions, please reach out to Honorlock support via live chat on the Honorlock support page or through the exam itself.
MathJax
This course uses MathJax to display complex equations in an accessible way for all viewers. An example of an equation displayed using MathJax follows:
One useful feature of MathJax, Zoom Trigger, enlarges equations when you select them or hover over them with the mouse. To set up a Zoom Trigger, please follow the steps below.
Step 1: Right-click on the equation.
Step 2: Hover over Math Settings.
Step 3: Hover over Zoom Trigger.
Step 4: Select your preferred Zoom Trigger option, which will allow you to zoom in on an equation with either a hover, click, or double-click.
Course Requirements
PSYCH 200 consists of 14 individual lessons. On average, you will complete one lesson per week. Part of the first lesson acquaints you with the course materials and procedures. There are three exams - they are not cumulative in terms of their material, but materials later in the course build heavily on knowledge obtained from materials earlier in the course.
For each lesson, you will complete the following activities in this order:
- Read the assigned chapters from the textbook.
- Watch the lesson overview video.
- Read the lesson commentary.
- Watch the demonstration video.
- Complete the problem set in MindTap.
- Complete the Learning Lab (except Lesson 7).
Problem Sets (MindTap)
The problem sets will be made available and completed online through MindTap. They are an opportunity to practice the skills covered in each lesson. There are 15 problem sets worth a total of 180 points.
These assignments are set up so that you can try any problem up to three times. When you do a problem, you will see two options at the bottom. One says Grade it now and the other says Save & continue. If you select the Grade it now button, it will tell you how you did and provide an explanation. If you got anything wrong, you will have the option to select Try another version. This will allow you to resubmit the question for credit. You can do this up to three times, and your final grade will be based on the average of all your attempts. You must do this before you go through all the questions. In other words, do this after each question. When you get to the end of the assignment, it will ask you, "Are you sure you want to grade this assignment?" If you select Yes, grade assignment, you will not be able to go back and resubmit any answers.
Learning Labs
The goal of the learning labs is for you to learn the basic techniques involved in working with data sets. These techniques include basic summation principles, graphing data, and analyzing data with statistical techniques you will learn in this course. There are 13 Learning Labs. The lowest two will be dropped, so your grade will be based on 11 Learning Labs worth 15 points each.
The Learning Labs are graded based on the accuracy of your calculations (correct formula, using the correct data) and the conclusions you make about how to interpret what you calculated. Calculations often involve multiple steps, and an error in an early step can impact all the steps that follow. If you make such an error but otherwise complete the assignment with the wrong answer, you can still be awarded partial credit.
Exams
This course has three exams. See the course schedule for due dates. The exams will be accessible only during the lesson in which they are assigned. The exam has multiple-choice questions. Some of the questions are knowledge-based and definitional in nature; others require that you complete a set of calculations using a calculator. Each exam is worth 100 points.
Note that you are NOT allowed to use your textbook, but you can use notes that are provided to you before the exam. This will include an “Exam Formulas” sheet and “Exam Tables” as provided by the instructor. You may also have blank paper to work out math problems (2 or 3 sheets recommended) as well as a calculator. You are NOT allowed to use a cell phone for a calculator. The HonorLock system will require you to show all of this material (both sides of each piece of paper) at the start of the exam. You are NOT allowed to use any other resources. This includes any internet resources or asking anyone else for help. You must complete all of the work on your own. In the event that these rules are broken, an academic integrity claim will be filed, and the situation will be dealt with according to Penn State policy.Grading
The point breakdown for graded assignments is as follows:
| Assignment | Points | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| There are 15 Problem Sets in MindTap. | 15 @ var. points = 180 points | ~26% |
|
There are 13 Learning Labs. The lowest two will be dropped, so your grade will be based on 11 Learning Labs worth 15 pts. each. |
11 @ 15 points = 165 points | ~24% |
| There will be 3 exams each worth 100 points. |
3 @ 100 points = 300 points |
~44% |
| Your effort will be graded such that you can earn up to 40 points. Effort will be based on getting assignments turned in on time and on your activity logs. |
40 points |
~6% |
| Totals | 685 points | 100% |
Late Policy
This is a semester-based course with deadlines. You are expected to complete work by posted deadlines. Please check the Course Schedule for the times and dates that assignments are due in this course (times are listed in North American Eastern Time). Please contact your instructor to discuss legitimate and unavoidable situations that may cause lateness (such as illness, injury, or family emergency). If you know that you are going to miss a deadline, please contact your instructor in advance of that deadline to discuss an extension (or if you are not able to contact the instructor before the deadline, as soon as you are able). Decisions regarding extensions will be made at the discretion of the instructor on a case-by-case basis.
In the absence of a legitimate and unavoidable situation, late work will be accepted at the discretion of the instructor and will be penalized up to 10% of the total assignment points for each day of lateness. Unless there is a legitimate and unavoidable situation that causes prolonged lateness, work more than 1 week late will not be accepted.
Grading Scale
| Grade and Points | Percentage |
|---|---|
| A = 637.0–685.0 points | 93.0%–100% |
| A- = 616.5–636.9 points | 90.0%–92.9% |
| B+ = 596.0–616.4 points | 87.0%–89.9% |
| B = 568.5–595.9 points | 83.0%–86.9% |
| B- = 548.0–568.4 points | 80.0%–82.9% |
| C+ = 527.5–547.9 points | 77.0%–79.9% |
| C = 479.5–527.4 points | 70.0%–76.9% |
| D = 411.0–479.4 points | 60.0%–69.9% |
| F = 410.9 points or less | < 60.0% |
Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Undergraduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.
If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.
For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.
Course Schedule
Note: All due dates reflect North American eastern time (ET).
| Lesson 3 | Variability |
|---|---|
| Readings |
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| Assignments |
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| Lesson 5 | Probability |
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| Readings |
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| Assignments |
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| Lesson 8 | Introduction to the t-Statistic |
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| Readings |
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| Assignments |
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| Lesson 13 | Correlation and Regression |
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| Readings |
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| Assignments |
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| Final Exam | |
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| Readings |
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| Assignments |
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Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.
Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please refer to Graduation at the Chaiken Center for Student Success.
Academic Integrity
In this course, you may not have any listening devices in your ears, talk to yourself or others, or search for answers during a quiz or exam (see the Academic Integrity section below). Also, your instructor is much more likely to believe that you have violated academic integrity policies if you do not do a room scan or your room scan does not show the entire room, including your entire workspace. Your instructor is also more likely to believe that you have violated academic integrity policies if you take your exam or quiz anywhere other than at a table or desk in a private and quiet location. If it is challenging for you to meet these conditions, or you have an accommodation on file with Penn State that could affect these things, talk with your instructor before you begin your quiz or exam.
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and
property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all
can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment
of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and
others, as well as a civil community.
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .
Student Success and Support Resources
- Finances—tuition, scholarships, and financial aid
- Inclusion and Wellness—diversity and inclusion, mental health services, disability accommodations, care and advocacy
- Enrollment and Registration—course planning, adding and dropping courses, and much more
- Course Work and Success—academic advising, tutoring, and other services
- Involvement and Opportunities—career resources, student organizations, internships, service, study abroad, and more
Following are some key resources.
Student Disability Services
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University’s educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities, including World Campus. The Disabilities and Accommodations section of the Chaiken Center for Student Success website provides World Campus students with information regarding how to request accommodations, documentation guidelines and eligibility, and appeals and complaints. For additional information, please visit the University's Student Disability Resources website.
In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
Counseling and Psychological Services
If you have a crisis or safety concern, mental health services are available to you as a Penn State student. Crisis and emergency contacts are available, no matter where you are located:
- Anywhere in the United States: Call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or text LIONS to 741741. You can also contact your local crisis services or hospital for emergencies.
- Outside the United States: Please contact emergency services in your current location. You can also use the International Crisis and Emergency Services listings.
- At University Park: Assistance is available at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) locations on campus.
- At a Penn State branch campus: You can search for counseling information at your campus.
Military Student Information
Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or dependents with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.
Additional Course Policies
In order to protect your privacy, course access is limited to those individuals who have direct responsibility for the quality of your educational experience. In addition to the instructor, a teaching assistant or college administrator may be provided access in order to ensure optimal faculty availability and access. World Campus technical staff may also be given access in order to resolve technical support issues.- Students are responsible for online course content, taking notes, obtaining other materials provided by the instructor, taking tests (if applicable), and completing assignments as scheduled by the instructor. As a general rule, students should plan on logging into the course at least three times per week and spending at least three hours per course credit per week on the course, e.g., if the course is three credits, the student should plan on spending at least 9-12 hours per week on the course, just as they would in a residence course.
- Students are responsible for keeping track of changes in the course syllabus made by the instructor throughout the semester.
- Students are responsible for monitoring their grades.
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Students must contact their instructor (and teammates when working on any collaborative learning assignments) as soon as possible if they anticipate missing long periods of online time due to events such as chronic illnesses, death in the family, business travel, or other appropriate events. The instructor will determine the minimal log on time and participation required in order to meet course responsibilities. In the event of other unforeseen conflicts, the instructor and student will arrive at a solution together.
- Requests for taking exams or submitting assignments after the due dates require documentation of events such as illness, family emergency, or a business-sanctioned activity.
- Conflicts with dates on which examinations or assignments are scheduled must be discussed with the instructor or TA prior to the date of the examination or assignment.
- Students are responsible for following appropriate netiquette (network etiquette) when communicating with their instructor and classmates. For reference, see the Academic Success Kit.
- Behaviors that disrupt other students’ learning are not acceptable and will be addressed by the instructor.
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For severe and chronic problems with student disruptive behavior, the following will be applied for resolution:
- Senate Committee on Student Life policy on managing classroom disruptions: Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
- Penn State Values.
Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity via the Report Bias webpage.
Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.