Contains:

Course Description - goals, book, exams, attendance, grading, expectations, contact info.
Tentative Class Schedule
Psychological Statistics - contains Notes, Minitab Tutorials, HW, etc.
Relevant Links
Grade Postings (Grading Code Collection Form)
Send Dr. Plonsky Email using a web form.

A. COURSE GOALS
Our main goal will be to learn a variety of statistical techniques which are useful in scientific research. We will also try to learn the rationale behind the techniques and will place emphasis on the application of these techniques to psychology. Finally, since statistical calculations are typically performed with the aid of computers, we will learn how to use the Minitab statistical computing program and a little bit of the Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet.

B. BOOKS & SUPPLIES
We will use the following textbook (available from the college bookstore): McCall, R. B. (2001). Fundamental Statistics for Behavioral Sciences (8-th edition). CA: Brooks Cole.

I strongly recommend that you read Appendix I in McCall (a review of basic mathematics) as soon as possible. If you do not feel comfortable with this material, study it until you do. If you need help, find me, our Teaching Assistant, a friend good in math, or the reference cited in McCall's Appendix. If you still do not feel comfortable with this material, I recommend that you postpone taking this course until you do (in other words, drop the course ASAP). If you don't master the material in Appendix I (to about 80% proficiency), you will have great difficulty in this class and will most likely fail.

C. EXAMS
Four exams will be given. Each will consist of a mixture of multiple choice questions, short answer, and written problems. The exams will cover the material since the previous exam. However, while the exams are not designed to be cumulative, the material definitely is. The final, in particular, tries to pull all of your skills together and thus has a cumulative element.

D. ATTENDANCE
While I do not formally take attendance, it is unlikely that you will do well in the course if your attendance is poor. This is due to the difficulty and cumulative nature of the material as well as the fact that the exams may include material only presented in class.

All of the lectures are available online at the Psychological Statistics web site. You are expected to print out the material (or possibly obtain a copy from the psychology department main office for a fee). It is best if you study the relevant material before coming to class. The purpose of the lecture will be to carefully go over this material and to allow for questions to make sure you thoroughly understand it.

The primary purpose of the laboratory sessions will be to provide you with hands-on exercises relevant to the material covered in lecture. A secondary purpose of these sessions is to provide time to go over homework assignments and exams. Note that the laboratory sessions during the first week of classes are cancelled.

If you miss a lecture or laboratory session, it will be to your benefit to find out what occurred during that session from a classmate. Also, while you are only scheduled for one laboratory session, you are welcome to attend both. If you have to miss your scheduled session for whatever reason, do try to attend the other section offered that week.

E. GRADING POLICY
Each exam will contribute 1/5 of the final grade. Performance on the homework assignments will contribute the remaining 1/5 of the final grade. Lecture and laboratory session participation as well as improvement in performance over the semester may help your grade.

Homework assignments will be due on Fridays at noon. For each class day that a homework assignment is handed in late, it will lose 10% of its possible value. Note also that there is a final homework assignment which is due at the time of the final exam.

Concerning withdrawing from a class, it must be done in a timely manner in accordance with published deadlines.  Failure to do so could result in a failing grade or the loss of reimbursable tuition fees. 

F. EXPECTATIONS
What I expect from you:

1. To agree to study this syllabus carefully (ASAP) & refer to it when questions arise about the class.
2. To acknowledge that effort, by itself, is not enough to justify a worthy grade. In other words, you are graded primarily on the merit of your performance in the class rather than the amount of effort you put into the class.
3. To acknowledge that previous academic preparation (e.g., biology, math, etc.) matters. Those who are better prepared are likely to do better in the class.
4. To attend class & give your full attention to the material, as well as conduct yourself in an appropriate manner (e.g., not having personal conversations during lectures or performing other activities that disrupt the class).
5. To meet the obligations of the course (e.g., reading, assignments, etc.) and not make excuses for your failure to do so.
6. To treat everyone in class, including the professor, with respect.
7. To check your university email account several times per week. I will let you know when grades are posted & make other announcements via this medium (e.g., if I need to cancel a class, I will send an email early that morning).
8. To not plagiarize or otherwise steal the work of others.
9. To understand & adhere to the UWSP Student Rights & Responsibilities. 
10. To turn off or silence cell phones when in class.

What you can expect from me:

1. To manage the class in a professional manner. This may include educating you in appropriate classroom behavior.
2. To prepare carefully for each class & begin & end it on time.
3. To try to learn your name (if class size permits) & to recognize your individuality & treat you with respect, as well as to be honest with you.
4. To treat all students equally. Thus, I will not discriminate on the basis of your identity, appearance, gender, race, creed, color, viewpoints, disability, whether I like you or not, or anything else.
5. To have 3 office hours each week during which you are welcome to stop by (no appointment necessary). See contact info for more detail.
6. To give grades primarily based on the quality of your work.
7. To return your grades quickly (with your permission) & with detailed feedback. For example, I will provide you with an overall estimate of your grade prior to the 10th week of the semester drop deadline.
8. To be honest about what I know. If I do not know something, I will say so.
9. To treat any plagiarism, cheating, or other violations of academic integrity harshly.
10. To silence my cell phone when in class.

G. CONTACT INFORMATION
My office is located in Science B-341. I will have office hours from 1-2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as Mondays from 11:00 am - noon or you can arrange to see me by appointment. Note that my office hours do not require an appointment. You can see a visual of my schedule here. You can reach me at 346-3961 (and please leave a message if I'm not available) or through electronic mail at mplonsky@uwsp.edu. You can also send me email using a web form. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.