COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is an introduction to computer methods in the behavioral sciences (psychology and sociology). It provides hands-on, pragmatic training in the use of computer software to conduct literature searches and locate information on the internet, to present stimuli and record subject responses via computer, to conduct web-based experiments or surveys, to videotape or otherwise observe and code behavior, to analyze data (using SPSS Version 13), and to model human cognition and behavior. The tools acquired in this course are the basic repertoire of computer skills used by most working researchers. The course is intended as a survey of methods, not an in-depth tutorial. A familiarity with research methods and basic statistics is assumed (BHS 204, BHS 205 and STA 120). This course is a supplement to the basic analysis of data using SPSS taught in BHS 307 and SOC 433.

Required prerequisites for this course are STA 120, BHS 204 and BHS 205. Students without the prerequisites will be administratively dropped at the first class session.

George & Mallery (2005). SPSS for Windows Step by Step (13.0 update) . Allyn & Bacon.

Additional readings will be handed out in class and/or posted via Blackboard. These readings are required.

Software:

Software used in this course is already installed on the lab computers . You need not purchase SPSS or any other software.

Regular attendance is expected. Attendance will be recorded for both lecture and lab and will contribute 10% to your grade. Your attendance grade will consist of the percentage of classes attended (e.g., 90-100% = A, 80-89% = B and so on). Two absences will be discarded (not counted) when computing the attendance percentage. You are responsible for completing all course requirements and for keeping up with all that goes on in the course even if you are not present.

Lab Exercises :

Lab exercises will be assigned throughout the quarter. Exercises missed due to a verifiable illness or emergency may be made up. Missed labs that are not made up will count against your course grade. Lab exercises are graded based on completion, not correctness. They are intended as practice. The percentage of exercises completed will count as 20% of your course grade.

One midterm exam will be given on the date noted on the syllabus, covering lecture material and assigned readings. (You may keep your midterm exam to use when studying for the final.) The midterm will be a mixture of multiple-choice and short answer questions. The midterm will count 20% of your course grade. A non-cumulative final exam will be given, covering all readings, lectures, and class discussions from the midterm to the end of the course. The final will count 20% of your course grade.

Term Project :

A term project demonstrating computer competence is required. The project may consist of either: (1) a computer-based experiment designed and setup using Superlab, (2) an observational study designed and setup using digital video or videotape to record behavior or present stimuli; or (3) a report describing the analysis of a social science data set to test a behavioral model or apply an advanced analysis technique described in class. More information about the term project will be provided in a handout during the quarter. The term project will count 30% of your course grade. No student will pass the course without completing this project.

Grading:

The required coursework for this class includes:

Problems:

If you find yourself having difficulty with any aspect of the course, it is your responsibility to seek help early in the quarter. You can do this by asking questions in class, visiting me during office hours, studying with other students, seeking tutoring, or by using the resources provided by the college to help with learning-related problems. If you have a disability or other difficulty that can be helped by reasonable accommodation, please meet with me early in the quarter and before the exams. No changes to exam grades can be made after the fact.