Time Schedule:
Laura M. Little
PSYCH 481
Seattle Campus
Examines the role of statistical methods in psychological research. Issues and controversies surrounding null hypothesis significance testing. Review of selected alternative statistical methods in psychology. Prerequisite: 2.0 in either PSYCH 315 or PSYCH 318.
Class description
This year our discussions in Psych 481 will focus on the following topics: 1) the development and hegemony of null hypothesis significance testing 2) the null hypothesis significance testing controversy and its aftermath 3) the various alternatives and supplements to NHST 4) statistical simulation studies 5) what does the future hold for the use of statistical methods in psychology?
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Your participation in seminar discussions will form the basis for your course grade. You will also be asked to lead the discussion on one or two papers (depending on the topic), a role which includes formulating discussion questions and making them available to the class members prior to the discussion date. Finally, you will be asked to submit two papers: the first paper topic will be announced at the beginning of the course; the second paper is an annotated bibliography of the course readings. Annotation includes a brief summary of the main points of the paper, important insights of the author, and a brief description of the paper's connection to other papers read in the course (if any).
Your grade in the course will be determined as follows: seminar and discussion board participation 40% discussion leadership 20% Paper 20% Annotated bibliography 20%
