Statistics 1 – Elementary Statistics 1 for The Social Sciences

TTh 8 – 9:25 am BEH 1301

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Why Statistics? Some of you will produce or use statistics in your life’s work and many of you will not. We all, however, are consumers and victims of statistics. We make choices under uncertainty on a daily basis, and statistics are often available to help us if we know how to interpret them. Also, other people will use statistics to make choices for us. For example, statistics often inform public policy decisions, medical advice and procedures, and recommendations for safety features on cars – the list is endless. And of course, statistics is at the core of psychological and behavioral research. In order to avoid common errors in human judgment and decision-making, to understand the basis for many public policy and other decisions that affect you, and to understand an important component of psychological research, you must have a basic foundation in statistical thinking and practice.

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Meet your Leader in Learning

Instructor: Maria Perser Office: BEH 1306C Welcome to my student hours: MTW 9:30 – 10:30 am Email: persermo@piercecollege.edu

Please put “STAT 1” in the Subject line and use your Pierce email account or your message could get lost. Before emailing, please check with your class notes, syllabus, and classmates for an answer to your question. Although I try to respond as quickly as possible, expect approximately 24 hours for a reply (not counting weekends).

Web: http://ilearn.laccd.edu

STAT 1 #0705 Fall 2016

Inside this Syllabus

Course Goals: Where are we going?....2 Tips for Success…….………………6

Materials: What do you need?..............2 Essential Resources………..……..7-8

Learning Appraisals…………………..…3 Ethical Conduct………………….….9

Expectations……………………………..4 Our Course Schedule……………..10

Grading Policy……………….………..…5

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By the end of this course, you should be able to:

1. apply statistical concepts; 2. plan and conduct the appropriate

statistical analyses; 3. interpret statistical findings

My hope is that this course will help you become informed consumers and producers of statistical information.

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REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Gravetter, F. J., & Wallnau, L. B. (2014). Essentials of Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences. 8th ed., w/MindTap Access Cengage. Purchasing Options: Loose leaf textbook w/access code: Pierce bookstore $119.30 + tax ISBN: 1-285-48168-2

Note that you can borrow a copy of the text from Pierce Library for two hours at a time.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Simple calculator that adds, subtracts, multiplies, divides, and takes square root. Cell phones, graphing calculators, and calculators that perform statistical analyses will not be allowed during exams. If you are not sure if your calculator will be allowed, please check with me before your first exam.

Learning Goals: Where are We Going?

Materials: What Do You Need?

Catalog Course Description Descriptive Number & Title: STAT 1 – Elementary Statistics for the Social Sciences Prerequisites: Mathematics 125 or its college equivalency with a grade of “C” or better. This course covers both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include methods used to collect and describe data, central tendency, variability, the normal curve, correlation, prediction, sampling distributions, probability, and hypothesis testing. The course utilizes hand calculators, personal computers, and a statistical software package (SPSS). Emphasis is on conceptualization as well as data. (Pierce College 2014 – 2016 General Catalog, pp. 64 – 67, p. 213)

Student Learning Outcome 1. Students will be able to demonstrate

an understanding of basic concepts related to descriptive and inferential statistics.

2. Students will be able to apply statistical techniques and interpret statistical results.

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Learning Appraisal Activity Percentage of Grade

Exams 45%

Final Exam 30%

Engagement in Learning • In class activities • End of Chapter Assignments

25%

Total percentage 100%

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Exams (45%) All exams will consist of a mix of multiple choice, short answers, and calculations. You will be challenged to push beyond memorization of facts and to integrate and apply course material. There are no make-up exams. You will have the option to replace your lowest exam percentage (or a missed exam due to absence) if your final exam percentage is higher. Final Exam (30%) The final exam is cumulative and will cover all material presented during the entire semester. Final exam will be on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 from 8 – 10 am.

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Engagement in Learning (25%) Taking responsibility for your learning involves actively participating throughout the course. Your engagement will be evaluated based on the following indicators. 1. In class activities (10%) will provide an

objective measure of your active participation in the course. You must be in class for these activities in order to receive credit.

2. Online assignments (15%) will help you understand and practice the concepts presented in class and textbook. Online assignments are due the night before each exam date covering those chapters. No late assignments will be accepted.

Learning Appraisals: How will we know if we have met our goals?

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What I Expect from You

Attendance Please come to every class prepared to participate in your learning. Bring a pen or pencil, paper, calculator, textbook, and an open mind. If you miss class you are responsible for obtaining missed notes and important announcements. You will not be able to earn participation points for missed classes.

If you observe any religious holidays that conflict with a test date or an assignment due date, please let me know and I will make reasonable accommodations for you (i.e. alternate test/due dates). It is your responsibility to get any missed notes from a fellow classmate just as you would for an absence not due to a religious holiday conflict.

If you decide that this course is not for you and stop attending, it is your responsibility to drop the class. However, I may exclude you from my course after census if you miss 4 consecutive classes and/or have a combined total of 6 absences.

Assignments Online assignments are due the night before each exam covering those chapters. You are expected to meet all deadlines. Please plan accordingly. You may submit assignments early.

Respectful and Ethical Conduct You are expected to treat all your classmates, your instructor, and yourself with respect at all times, both in and out of the classroom, face-to-face, and in writing (e.g., on email, Moodle). This includes arriving to class on time and minimizing distractions for other students.

Feedback I invite you to share your thoughts and suggestions, particularly things we can change, and be open to working together to make this course a positive experience for all of us.

What You Can Expect from Me

Availability I am here to help you and your classmates in your choice to succeed. Visiting me in person is typically more effective than email for clearing up questions. If my student hours do not work for you, respectfully email me a few time and day options to make an appointment.

Participation I will make every effort to keep you interested in class by mixing things up and getting you involved in the learning activities designed to help you learn.

Feedback I will endeavor to provide you with feedback on learning appraisals (e.g., assignments, exams) as promptly and with as much detail as possible.

Respectful and Ethical Conduct At all times, I aim to treat each of you with respect, and to make all course decisions with the highest standard of ethics in mind. If you feel you are being treated unfairly or disrespected by me or a classmate, I invite you to talk to me so we can sort out the issue together. To be clear: such a discussion would not impact your grade.

You may also take your concerns to the Dean, Susan Rhi-Kleinert, if there are issues pertaining to this course that you do not feel comfortable discussing with me. She can be contacted by phone at (818) 710-2289 or Academic Affairs office, VLGE 8213.

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Grading Policy

Throughout the semester you will be earning your final grade for the course. Grades are not given…they are earned. So, grades will not be changed because (1) you need a higher grade to get off probation, or (2) to maintain athletic eligibility (financial aid eligibility), or (3) to help you make the Dean’s List, or (4) to appease a relative, or any other reason. Please do not even ask. I will only change a grade if I have made an error while grading your work.

I will be using Canvas and MindTap to keep track of your course work. Canvas grades will not reflect the grade you are earning in the course. The following is a recap of how you will be earning your final grade in this course:

Engagement in Learning 25% Exams 45% Final Exam 30% Total 100%

Guidelines for Grading Criteria The following guidelines broadly characterize the kind of work that is generally associated with the main grade ranges. A Range: Excellent Performance. Superior examination scores; consistently accurate and prompt completion of assignments; ability to deal resourcefully with abstract ideas; superior mastery of pertinent skills; excellent attendance; and probable success in the field or probable continued success in sequential courses. B Range: Good Performance. High examination scores; accurate and prompt completion of assignments; ability to deal well with abstract ideas; commendable mastery of pertinent skills; excellent attendance; and probable continued success in sequential courses. C Range: Satisfactory Performance. Satisfactory examination scores; generally accurate and prompt completion of assignments; ability to deal with abstract ideas; fair mastery of pertinent skills; regular attendance; and sufficient evidence of ability warrant entering sequential courses. D Range: Passing, Less than Satisfactory Performance. Low examination scores; generally inaccurate, incomplete or late assignments; inadequate grasp of abstract ideas; barely acceptable mastery of pertinent skills; irregular attendance; does not satisfy requirements for entry into sequential courses where prerequisites are specified. F Range: Failing Performance. Non-passing exam scores; inaccurate, incomplete or late assignments; failure to cope with abstract ideas; inadequate mastery of pertinent skills; repeated absence from class; does not satisfy requirements for entry into sequential courses where prerequisites are specified. Consider these characteristics when making choices about the quality of work you submit in all learning appraisals, in this and any other course.

Grades will assigned based on the following:

A (90 – 100%) B (80 – 89.9%) C (70 – 79.9%) D (60 – 69.9%) F (less than 59.9%)

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I believe you can master this course material, if you consistently choose to put in the effort required to do so. Here’s a rough guideline for how much time you should be spending on this (and each of your) courses: 2-3 hours out of class for every 1 hour in class. Note that some people will need more time than this. What can you do in class? • Take notes about what’s being

discussed. • Keep focused. For example, avoid

bringing a computer (or sitting behind someone else’s) if it will be a distraction for you. Get adequate sleep and nutrition.

• Actively participate in activities and group work; thoughtfully answer questions. The point of all of these is to help you think about the material so you can master it.

• Ask questions. Be brave! If you would like clarification or are interested in how a concept connects or applies in some way…ask it!

What can you do during those 20 – 30 hours per week you should be spending on this course outside of class? • Add to your class notes. Fill in

any missing gaps before you forget! Build your notes so you can use them to study later.

• Actively read the text. Take notes as you read. Take every chance to test yourself.

• Complete online assignments. Practice and test yourself by completing the online exercises. The best way to know if you understand the material is when you can complete exercises without referring back to lecture notes and textbook.

• Come to student hours and make use of my weekly hours. If you are struggling with any of the material it is important for you to communicate this to me immediately!

• Form study groups early in the semester. Study groups help you understand course material and perform better on exams. They also provide an outlet for you to practice techniques and discuss concepts with others.

Tips for Success: Making Choices to Learn!

Note on Withdrawing:

The last day to drop classes without a “W’ is Sunday, September 11, 2016.

The last day to drop classes (on-line only) with a “W” is Sunday, November 20, 2016.

The No Penalty Drop Date is now the day before census. You must drop by that date or you will be assigned a “W” for the class. W’s count against your total attempts District-wide. You can only attempt a class 3 times. That includes withdrawals, incompletes and substandard grades. Use your attempts wisely!

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Essential Resources

Academic Counseling Services: 818.719.6440 Student Services Bldg. 1st Floor – Academic counselors are available to assist you with many of your educational needs such as help in clarifying your values and goals; develop a student education plan (SEP); interpret articulation agreements with other colleges and universities, and much more.

ASSIST.org: www.assist.org – ASSIST is an online student-transfer information system that shows how course credits earned at one public California college or university can be applied when transferred to another. ASSIST is the official repository of articulation for California’s public colleges and universities and provides the most accurate and up-to-date information about student transfer in California.

Associated Students Organization: 818.710.2538 – The Pierce College student government organization supports the growth of Pierce College through active involvement with students, faculty, and staff. Our goal is to create a better environment for an overall academic experience through leadership and club participation.

Book Store: 818.710.0313 College Services Bldg. – The Pierce College Bookstore provides for the sale of books and supply requirements connected with the academic programs of the college. Textbook information is available online at www.piercebookstore.com.

Career Center: 818.710.4126 Student Services Bldg. 1st Floor – The mission of the Pierce Career Center is to educate and to serve the students of Pierce College in the career education, planning and development processes. Career Center services and resources provide assistance to students with the exploration of career options, the cultivation of a comprehensive employment and education plan, and the enhancement of job search techniques and strategies.

Center for Academic Success: 818.719.6414 Library Learning Crossroads Bldg. 1st Floor – The CAS is committed to helping students in need of academic support acquire the skills and tools necessary to meet their individual academic, vocational, or personal goals. All tutoring services are free to currently enrolled Pierce College students.

Copy Tech: 818.710.4422 Bookstore Complex – Pierce College’s Document Production Center where students can make it, print it, and copy it. Copy Tech also issues picture ID cards to new students who present proof of enrollment (registration/fee receipt).

Equal Opportunity Programs and Services: 818.719.6422 Student Services Bld. 2nd Floor – EOP&S is a state-funded support program designed to assist qualified low-income and educationally disadvantaged students in completing their educational goals with the assistance of financial and student support services. It is an invitational program open only to those who qualify and commit to participate in the program.

Financial Assistance: 818.719.6428 Student Services Bldg. 1st Floor – If you need help paying for books and other college expenses, please contact the Financial Aid Office. Visit them on the web at http://www.pierceollege.edu/offices/financial_aid

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Essential Resources, cont’d

GAIN/CalWorks: 818.719.6400 Student Services Bldg. 2nd Floor – The GAIN/CalWorks program serves all CalWorks students attending Pierce College. A variety of services designed to support your educational, career, and personal goals is offered, such as advocacy for child care, student education plans (SEP), work-study opportunities, child care in the campus Child Development Center for eligible children, and much more.

Health Center: 818.710.4270 Student Services Bldg. 2nd Floor – The Pierce College Student Health Center is committed to delivering expert medical care to students. Each student is given professional and cost effective medical attention. All registered students, regardless of insurance, are eligible for the same no charge or low cost care. Personal Counseling is also available to all currently enrolled students. The Pierce College Student Health Center is committed to providing care to support your academic and personal well-being.

Library: 818.710.2833 Library Learning Crossroads Bldg. 2nd Floor – The Pierce College Library serves all currently enrolled students, college faculty and staff, and members of the community. The library is a comfortable place to study, to investigate a topic of interest, or to enjoy reading a current book, periodical, or magazine. Please feel free to ask for assistance in using the library; a reference librarian is available to help you with your research questions.

Pass-No Pass Course – Did you know you can take courses on a pass-no pass basis? Pass-No Pass is a great way to maintain your GPA while you take classes that may not be particularly strong in. Any questions about Pass-No Pass check with an academic counselor.

Special Services: 818.719.6430 Student Services Bldg. 1st Floor – Students with disabilities, whether physical, learning, or psychological, who believe that they may need accommodations in this class, are encouraged to contact the office of Special Services as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. Authorization, based on verification of disability, is required before any accommodation can be made.

Transfer Center: 818.710.4126 Student Services Bldg. 1st Floor – The mission of the Pierce College Transfer Center is to help students successfully transfer to a four year institution. The Transfer Center offers aid to students in the transfer process to ensure a smooth and positive transition.

Veterans Office: 818.710.3316 Student Services Bldg. 2nd Floor – The mission of the Pierce College Veterans Office is to provide a supportive environment for veterans and to assist them with the services they need to receive VA benefits and to successfully complete their educational goals at Pierce College. The Veteran Office is designed as a liaison between you as a veteran and the Veteran’s Administration. Our Veterans staff will forward all documents required by the Veterans Administration directly to the Muskogee Regional Office. Our email contact is pierce-veteran@piercecollege.edu

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Ethical Conduct: Practices and Policies

Don’t Cheat. Don’t Plagiarize. It’s Not Worth It.

Academic Integrity Policy. As stated in the 2014-2016 General Catalog (p. 37), “The faculty and administration of Los Angeles Pierce College are committed to the belief that honesty and integrity are integral components of the academic process. The College expects students to be honest and ethical at all times in their pursuit of academic goals. Students who violate the code of academic conduct by which the College maintains its academic integrity will be dealt with in a manner reflecting the seriousness of these violations.” II. Violations of academic honesty and

integrity occur when a student participates in any act in which he/she uses deception or fraud while performing an academic activity. Violations include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Using study aids such as calculators,

tape recorders or notes, when not authorized by the instructor.

2. Cheating on examinations, assignments or experiments (allowing another student to copy one's answers or copying the answers of other students; exchanging information by any means, including verbal exchanges, sign language, hand signals, secret codes, passed notes, creation of a distraction for the purpose of cheating; changing answers on a previously scored test, assignment or experiment; inventing information and/or data.) NOTE: Cheating on a quiz / exam results in an automatic zero for that exam without the ability to drop or replace that zero.

3. Allowing another student to assume one's identity in order to fulfill an assignment or take a test.

4. Submitting for a grade the words, ideas, and/or written work (including laboratory notes and drawings) of another person without giving due credit to that person. This includes purchased papers or papers written by other students.

5. Falsifying or attempting to falsify attendance records and/or grade rosters.

6. Conspiring with other students to commit any of the above behaviors.

I. Consequences for any offense against academic honesty and integrity may include:

1. An “F” or a “0” on the examination or assignment.

2. Suspension from the class and other sanctions and/or penalties authorized by the Board of Trustees for violations of the District Code of Conduct.

3. A record of the student's violation placed in the student's disciplinary file.

STAT 1 #0705 Fall 2016 Tentative Course Schedule

This plan is subject to change. Changes will be announced in class and revisions will be posted on Canvas website.

Wk Class Dates

Week’s Readings

Announcements & Reminders

Exam Dates Assignment Schedule

1 Aug 30 Sep 1

Syllabus, Chapter 1

Register for MindTap

2 Sep 6, 8

Chapter 1 Chapter 2

Monday, 9/5: Holiday Sunday, 9/11: Last day to drop w/o “W”

3 Sep 13, 15

Chapter 2 Chapter 3

4 Sep 20, 22

Chapter 4

5 Sep 27, 29

Chapter 4 Exam 1: Thurs., 9/29 (Chs. 1, 2, 3, 4)

MindTap (1, 2, 3, 4) due Wed., 9/28 by 11:55 pm

6 Oct 4, 6

Chapter 5 Thursday only , 10/6 – No Class I will be at a conference in Santa Ana

7 Oct 11, 13

Chapter 6

8 Oct 18, 20

Chapter 7

9 Oct 25, 27

Chapter 8 Exam 2: Thurs., 10/27 (Chs. 5, 6, 7, 8)

MindTap (5, 6, 7, 8) due Wed., 10/26 by 11:55 pm

10 Nov 1, 3

Chapter 9

11 Nov 8, 9

Chapter 10 Friday, 11/11: Holiday

12 Nov 15, 17

Chapter 11 Sunday, 11/22: Last day to drop with “W”

13 Nov 22, 24

Chapter 12 Thanksgiving Holiday: 11/24 & 11/25

14 Nov 29 Dec 1

Chapter 12, cont’d.

Exam 3: Thurs., 12/1 (9, 10, 11, 12)

MindTap (9, 10, 11, 12) due Wed., 11/30 by 11:55 pm

15 Dec 6, 8

Chapter 14

Final exam dates are set by the college. Do not book travel during Final Exam week: December 12 to 18. Our Final Exam is on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 from 8 – 10 am.