Statistics 1

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/P_BSTATIS_1

Course Objective

During Statistics 1, you learn not only the main statistical concepts and formulas used by psychologists and educators, but also how they are applied.

Course Content

In addition to the already known concepts, population and sample, average, variance and correlation (from Methodology 1), you will also learn more about variables, probability, frequency distribution, dependent and independent events. Odds calculation is also included in the course. Much attention will be given to the question how you can make statements about a population based on a sample of that population. In other words, how to calculate confidence intervals and how to apply statistical tests. You will learn what significance and statistical power means, and why the size of the sample, the size of differences and the degree of association matter. You will learn the formulas for the t test and chi-square and when to apply these. Finally, you will learn about regression and how this technique is used to answer psychological and educational questions. During the parallel tutor groups you will undertake exercises to help you deepen your understanding, among others by working with a data set based on responses from all first year students. You will use JASP software and report results in APA style.

Teaching Methods

Lectures, tutor groups and assignments, digital support Contact hours: 168 (28 lecture, 14 tutor group, 3 exam, 123 self-study).

Method of Assessment

- Exam (multiple choice, 60%)
- Final assignment (40%)
- Attendance requirement for the work groups Individual grades (exam and final assignment) are also valid in the years following.

Literature

Mandatory:
- Alan Agresti (& Barbara Finlay) (2014/2018/2024). Statistical Methods For The Social Sciences 6th (of 5th, 4th) edition. Pearson Education International.
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Concise guide to APA Style (7th ed.)
- Werkboek Statistiek 1 via Canvas Recommended:
- Computerprogramma JASP (also available on VU campus computers)

Custom Course Registration

Students need to enroll for the course, the lectures and tutorials via VUnet.

Additional Information

Lectures and work groups in English or lectures and work groups in Dutch, depending on chosen study track.