Psy 633 Statistics/Methods for School Psychologists    Fall 2009

Course Description
Principles of univariate, bivariate and non-parametric statistics, including inferential tests, correlation, and regression, as well as critical analysis and interpretation of school-psychology relevant research articles.  Includes principles of experimental, quasi-experimental, survey, and descriptive research, focusing on designs, validity, power, effect size, and ethical principles.

Resources 
Berger, D. (2005).  Web Interface for Statistics Education. Claremont Graduate University  http://wise.cgu.edu/. 

 Lane, D. M. (2006). Rice Virtual Lab in Statistics. Rice University.  http://onlinestatbook.com/rvls.html

 Plous, S. (2007).  Research Methods and Statistics Links by Subtopic. Social Psychology Network. http://www.socialpsychology.org/methods.htm

StatSoft, Inc. (2007). Electronic Statistics Textbook. Tulsa, OK: StatSoft. http://www.statsoft.com/textbook/stathome.html 

Selected readings from journal articles and MSUM School Psychology theses.

Topics
Developing research questions & specific hypotheses
     Examples in published research

Review of Experimental, Quasi-experimental and descriptive research designs
     Examples in published research

 
Review of univariate inferential statistics (t-tests; ANOVA) and parametric assumptions
     SPSS:  data files and analysis

     Examples in published research

 
Expanded forms of ANOVA (e.g., ANCOVA, MANOVA)

     Examples in published research

Review of correlation and principles of linear and multiple regression
     SPSS:  data files and analysis
     Examples in published research

 
Review of Survey research

 
Non-parametric statistics

     Examples in published research

 
Internal and External validity; Power; Effect sizes
     Examples in published research

 
Ethical principals in research and Research Certificate

 
Summarizing research findings for the layperson
 

Expectations:

Students will be expected to attend all classes, participate actively in discussions of assigned readings, complete all in-class and homework exercises, and pass a mid-term and final exam.

Evaluation and Grading:                   Per cent final grade

 Mid-term exam                                               30
 Final exam                                                      30
 Homework and in-class exercises                     20
 Participation in class discussions                       20
           

A = 91-100%      B = 81-90%   C = 71-80%   
 
 Class attendance is required.  Absences may lower final grade:
         -5% for 3 - 4 absences; -10% for 5 or more absences.
 Late work may be penalized grade-wise:  -5% per school day.
 All work will look professional – e.g., typed, well organized, etc.
       (If unsure, ask the instructor)

NOTE:
Students with disabilities who believe they may need an accommodation in this class are encouraged to contact Greg Toutges, Coordinator of Disability Services at 477-5859 (Voice) or 1-800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY), CMU 114 as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.