MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Statistics

Course: PSY230

First Term: 2022 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: An introduction to basic concepts in descriptive and inferential statistics, with emphasis upon application to psychology. Consideration given to the methods of data collection, sampling techniques, graphing of data, and the statistical evaluation of data collected through experimentation. Required of psychology majors.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Explain how the practice of statistics is used within the scientific method. (I, II, III, IV) 2. Compute and interpret descriptive statistics including frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, measures of variability, and z-scores. (II, IV) 3. Compute and interpret probability. (III, IV) 4. Compute inferential statistics including t-tests, analysis of variance, correlation/regression, and chi-square. (IV) 5. Identify and interpret inferential statistics including t-tests, analysis of variance (1-way and 2-way), correlation/regression, and chi-square and the assumptions necessary to perform each test. (IV) 6. Utilize effect size, confidence intervals, power, and p-values to explain the statistical and practical significance of a statistical analysis. (III, IV) 7. Identify an appropriate statistical test based on the research design (research question, data type, and number of variables). (I, IV) 8. Evaluate the data collection, statistical analyses, interpretation, and presentation of research results in a variety of contexts. (I, II, III, IV) 9. Communicate statistical concepts and research results using both technical (American Psychological Association format) and non-technical language. (I, II, III, IV) 10. Discuss limitations and ethical considerations of statistical conclusions. (I, II, III, IV)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Fundamentals of statistics A. Population and samples B. Sampling C. Research designs D. Variables II. Descriptive statistics A. Organization and display of data 1. Frequency distributions (tables and graphs) 2. Shapes of distributions B. Measures of central tendency 1. Mean 2. Median 3. Mode C. Measures of variability 1. Variance 2. Standard deviation D. z-scores E. Percentiles III. Probability A. Central limit theorem B. Relationship between probability and inferential statistics IV. Inferential statistics A. Relationship between the normal distribution and z-scores B. Hypothesis testing C. Test statistics 1. z-test 2. Single-sample t-test 3. Independent t-test 4. Dependent t-test 5. Analysis of variances 6. Correlation/Regression 7. Chi-square D. Interpreting statistical results 1. Statistical significance (p-value) 2. Practical significance a. Effect size b. Power c. Confidence intervals

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: June 22, 2021

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.