Course
Description

Introduction to research methodology and descriptive and inferential statistics, emphasizing the development of practical reasoning skills necessary for the comprehension and critical evaluation of statistical information typically encountered in everyday life. No credit for both 120 and any of the following: MATH 250, MATH 250B, MATH 251, PSY 121. No credit if already credit for PSY 221 or QBA 201; no credit toward psychology major.

Methods of Course Instruction

By the end of this course, you should:

1. have the basic competency in research methods and statistical reasoning required to read and comprehend a research-based article or book
2. be a wiser and more skeptical consumer of research as presented in the popular media and advertising
3. be able to apply the logic of research methods and statistical reasoning to everyday problem-solving and decision-making tasks

The class is divided into 10 units, all but the last of which correspond to all or part of a single chapter in the Bennett et al. textbook. To complete the work for each unit, follow these steps. All the relevant chapters and dates are given on the Schedule (page 3 of this syllabus).

1. READ the assigned sections of the chapter(s).

2. PRACTICE doing the kinds of problems presented in the chapter by completing some of the end-of-chapter exercises (listed as Recommended Practice Exercises on the web site page for each chapter).

3. VIEW the electronic resources (lectures and videos) provided on the class website for that unit. The practice exercises you should have done at step 2 will be used as examples in these resources.

4. PARTICIPATE in the course by logging on to the class web site and taking part in the Discussion Board forum for this unit.

5. DEMONSTRATE your understanding by completing the Required Homework Exercises (provided in a PDF file through the web site page for each chapter).

6. SUBMIT your work by MIDNIGHT on the due date by submitting your word processor through the class website, or via postal mail as instructed on the Schedule.

Materials

Required

Text(s)
Bennett, J.O., Briggs, W. L., & Triola, M. F. (2009). Statistical reasoning for everyday life (3rd ed.). Boston: Addison Wesley. (ISBN 978-0-321-28672-7). You absolutely need to have this book at the beginning of the quarter – you will not be able to complete any of the work for the class without this text, so make arrangements to get a copy as soon as you possibly can.
Video slideshow lectures available on the course BlackBoard website.

OTHER REQUIRED MATERIALS:
You will need access to a computer with Internet access and a word processing program that includes an equation editor (Microsoft Word [NOT Works], AppleWorks, Apple Pages [with equation editor add-on] or Corel WordPerfect).

Alternative source where materials can be obtained
This text will be available in the bookstores of OUE and the other regional campuses


Note: The books for the course are in stock at College Bookstore, (740) 594-3505. Click here for online ordering.

Exams
Requirements

2 exams - Proctoring required

How are exams to be taken: Pencil-and-paper, using textbook, notes, and calculator

Dates of Exams
Midterm during 6th week, final during finals week