Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

• Develop a broad-based understanding of descriptive statistics and selected statistical techniques
• Choose and make the appropriate graph/table for a set of data Describe the characteristics of the normal distribution
• Identify different levels of measurement.
• Explain Type I and Type II error and the consequences of each error
• Differentiate independent and dependent samples
• Explain the effect of alpha, the number of tails, and sample size on the critical value of t.
• Determine the power of an independent-samples t-test and the sample size necessary to have an independent-samples t-test with sufficient power.
• Interpret the results from a chi-square test for contingency tables.
• Choose an appropriate statistical test to use in analyzing a data set
• Evaluate diagnostic and screening tests appropriately.
• Understand the factors that form the basis for hypothesis and statistical testing.
• Apply statistical outcomes to processes of quality improvement.
• Use statistical outcomes to evaluate the effects of treatment.

The focus of this course is to provide an interdisciplinary data analysis class specifically for health sciences and human services majors using techniques and data structures relevant to clinical investigations. General topics include choosing correct procedures and using statistics to understand clinical data. Specific topics include but are not limited to basic statistics, measures of correlation and difference, hypothesis testing and bias, confidence intervals, reliability and validity, significance, power analysis, levels of evidence, sample size and distribution, assessing effects of treatment, quality improvement, relative risk and relative risk reduction, and odds ratio.

This is a three-credit course designed to teach the selection, application, and evaluation of statistical analysis techniques online. There will be the same amount of material covered in this course as a traditional classroom-based course and you will need to devote a substantial amount of time outside of the classroom mastering the material. Your responsibility for the online content includes but is not limited to, viewing chapter lectures and homework reviews, completing computer tutorial lessons, reading corresponding text material, participating in discussion forums, testing, and submitting assignments as directed by the professor and indicated on the class syllabus. You are responsible for checking the class D2l page daily.  

This is a very intense course that includes a great deal of material that builds on the previously presented material. It is absolutely essential that you keep up with the class and do not fall behind. Make sure you have scheduled adequate time to truly master the material each week. Adding new material without understanding the previous work will only compound the problem making it very easy to find yourself with severe difficulties halfway through the course. 

Weekly content including lectures covering the main topics will be available within each unit. In addition, a review of the homework assignments will be posted in each unit I HIGHLY suggest attempting the homework before you view the review of the problems. What seems like a very straightforward topic can be much more difficult when you try to apply the concepts. If you don’t try before you hear the answers you won’t know what you have difficulty with before moving forward with the material. This will result in poor outcomes on your quizzes, and final. Trust me on this one!

Course Rationale: Healthcare providers must be able to critique and understand the strengths and weaknesses of research design and analysis in order to be able to develop evidence-based practices in a clinical setting. This course will prepare healthcare providers for the selection and application of statistical analysis techniques and the evaluation of the results derived from this analysis. Students will learn various entry-level statistical techniques and analyze them within published clinical research. This course is designed for the adult learner and involves extensive independent learning and mastery of subject material. 

Evaluation

           Quizzes                 30%

           Discussion Board                  45%

           Comprehensive Final Exam  25%

Grading Scale

A = 90-100

B = 80-89

C = 70-79

D = 60-69

F = 59 and below

Last Day for “W,” October 24 by 4:00 p.m. – Drops after this date will receive grades of “F.” Refer to the Undergraduate Bulletin for details about receiving a grade of “Incomplete” in a course. In an emergency or extenuating circumstance, a student may request a grade of “Incomplete” in a course before grades are submitted. If the instructor grants the “Incomplete,” the student has until thirty (30) days after the beginning of the next long semester to complete the course requirements. If the student does not complete the course requirements within the deadline, the grade of “Incomplete” will automatically convert into a grade of “F.”

Midterm Grades

In order to help students keep track of their progress toward course objectives, the instructor for this class will provide a Midterm Progress Report through each student’s WebWorld account. [only at-risk students will be reported]. Midterm grades will not be reported on the students’ transcript; nor will they be calculated in the cumulative GPA. They simply give students an idea of where they stand at the midpoint of the semester. Students earning below a C at the midway point should schedule a meeting with the professor.

Assignments

Assignments are a significant portion of the grade and represent the application of the material studied. All assignments are to be submitted as instructed in each unit. Assignments must be received prior to the deadline. Late assignments are not be accepted beyond the deadline. A zero will be recorded for assignments not submitted or meeting the final deadline. All assignments must be written at the baccalaureate level and will be graded for accuracy, completeness, quality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and integrity. 

Required Software

You must use Microsoft Excel software to complete some assignments. Microsoft Excel is the spreadsheet software included in Microsoft Office. I will provide instructions for using Excel. You will not be able to complete some of the assignments in Excel unless you add in the free Analysis Pak. To do this, follow the instructions below from Microsoft: (Applies To: Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2010, Excel 2007, Excel 2016 for Mac) 1) In Windows, go to Excel and click the File tab, click Options, and then click the Add-Ins category. (If you're using Excel 2007, click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click Excel Options. In the Manage box, select Excel Add-ins and then click Go.) If you're using Excel for Mac, in the Excel file menu go to Tools > Excel Add-ins. 2) In the Add-Ins box, check the Analysis ToolPak check box, and then click OK. • If Analysis ToolPak is not listed in the Add-Ins available box, click Browse to locate it. • If you are prompted that the Analysis ToolPak is not currently installed on your computer, click Yes to install it. 3) The Data Analysis button appears on the Data Tab to the far right. This is where the formulas are.

• Independent Reading Assignments

Unit 1: Chapter 1

Unit 2: Chapter 2

Unit 3: Chapter 3

Unit 4: Chapters 5, 6, & 7

Unit 5: Chapters 8 & 9

Unit 6: Chapters 11 & 13

Final: Review all chapters covered in the course

*Supplemental note outlines and chapter review questions/videos are provided within D2L to help guide the reading assignments.

• Discussion Board (45%)

The discussion board is a mandatory component in this course. All initial posts are due by Sunday at midnight the first week the unit is open.  Response posts are due by the due date listed for each unit. Assignments are made specifically for this board. Students are expected to complete the calculations and write formally (no shorthand or text messaging abbreviations) and use APA format and referencing when appropriate. Thoughtful responses, constructive critique of fellow students, and meaningful participation are expected. Keep in mind the discussion board is a formal assignment and part of your final grade. Late discussion board posts are not be accepted beyond the deadline. A zero will be recorded for assignments not submitted or meeting the final deadline. All assignments must be written at the baccalaureate level and will be graded for accuracy, completeness, quality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and integrity. Review the grading rubric for each discussion board assignment.

• Quizzes (30%)

In each of the units, a quiz will be administered within D2L. These quizzes are open book, open notebook, but you will only have one hour to complete them and must be prepared as there will not be enough time to research every answer. Quizzes must be completed prior to the expiration dates listed in this syllabus. Quiz grades and answers will be released after the deadline of each quiz. Specific questions regarding the quizzes may be addressed to the instructor. Quizzes will not be made up if missed and zero (0) will be recorded. No extra credit activities are available.

If students have technical difficulties during a quiz, they should use the “Report a Problem” link located on the top toolbar within D2L to contact the MSU distance education Support Staff and send an email to the course instructor explaining what happened.  

• Final Exam (25%)

The final examination is comprehensive and consists of 50 randomized multiple-choice questions; with 5 questions from each chapter. You will have 120 minutes to complete the final examination.  You will be required to use LockDown Browser and Monitor (Webcam). Make sure you have the most recent version of the LockDown Browser on your computer. You can install the latest version here: https://msutexas.edu/distance/lockdown-browser.php. Chromebook Laptops are NOT compatible with the LockDown Browser, so you will need to locate a different device for the final exam. The Final Examination can be taken any time between the exam open dates that are listed in the syllabus. You must complete all module tests prior to taking the final examination. You will need to show your ID in Respondus before it will allow you to take the exam (so have your photo ID close). 

10pts will be deducted from your exam grade if you do not do a thorough room scan, and 5 pts will be deducted for each time you leave the room while testing. A thorough room scan includes the area around you and behind the computer. You are expected to take this exam alone without anyone in the room. 

Tentative Course Schedule

(All assignments are due at midnight central standard time (CST)

Date

Assignment

Monday, Aug. 22

Course opens

Monday, Sept. 5

Unit 1 Quiz

Unit 1 Discussion Board

 Monday, Sept. 19

Unit 2 Quiz

Unit 2 Discussion Board

Monday, Oct. 3

Unit 3 Quiz

Unit 3 Discussion Board

Monday, Oct. 31

Unit 4 Quiz

Monday, Nov. 14

Unit 5 Quiz

Unit 5 Discussion Board

        Monday, Nov. 28

Unit 6 Quiz

Unit 6 Discussion Board

Monday, Nov. 28

Final Exam opens at 8 am

Monday, Dec. 5

Final Exam closes at midnight

Special Needs

In accordance with Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Midwestern State University endeavors to make reasonable adjustments in its policies, practices, services, and facilities to ensure equal opportunity for qualified persons with disabilities to participate in all educational programs and activities.

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) provides information and assistance, arranges accommodations, and serves as a liaison for students, instructors, and staff. The ODS has assistive devices such as books on tape, recorders, and adaptive software which can be loaned to qualified individuals. A student/employee who seeks accommodations on the basis of disability must register with the Office of Disability Services in the Counseling Center, Clark Student Center Room 168 (940)397-4140, https://mwsu.edu/student-life/disability/ . Documentation of disability from a competent professional is required.

Individuals with grievances related to discrimination or lack of accommodation on the basis of a disability are encouraged to resolve the problem directly with the area involved. If the matter remains unresolved, advice and/or assistance will be provided by the Office of Disability Services for resolution. The grievance procedure may be found in the Student Handbook and Activities Calendar. The ADA Coordinator may be contacted at (940)397-4140, or 3410 Taft Blvd., Clark Student Center Room 168.

Honor System

NURS/RADS/RESP/SOWK 4123 adheres to the MSU Code of Conduct. In particular, academic dishonesty, however small, creates a breach in academic integrity. A student’s participation in this course comes with the expectation that his or her work will be completed in full observance of the MSU Code of Student Conduct. A student should consult the current Student Handbook for answers to any questions about the code.

Many components of NURS/RADS/RESP/SOWK 4123 are designed to be highly interactive with students helping each other learn. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of many resources available including online D2L course resources, Internet sites, other textbooks and journals, faculty, and peers when answering objectives. This interactive collegial learning environment is conducive to lifelong learning.

Specific components of NURS/RADS/RESP/SOWK 4123 are designed to represent the efforts of each student individually and are not to be shared or copied (plagiarized) from other sources. These components include the discussion board, group activities, module quizzes, and the comprehensive final exam. When students submit their efforts for grading, they are attesting they abided by this rule.

Cheating includes, but is not limited to: (1) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (2) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or completing other assignments; or (3) the acquisition of tests or other academic materials belonging to the university faculty or staff without permission.

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to: the use of, by paraphrase or direct quotation without correct citation in the text and on the reference list, the published or unpublished works of another person. Students may not submit papers and assignments that they have previously submitted for this or other courses. The use of materials generated by agencies engaged in "selling" term papers is also plagiarism. Students are encouraged to review the tutorials and suggested websites for more information about plagiarism. Papers and other assignments may be submitted to an external agency for verification of originality and authenticity.

Academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) will not be tolerated in this class. Whenever a student is unsure of whether a particular situation will be interpreted as academic dishonesty, the student should ask the instructor for clarification. If students are guilty of academic dishonesty, a grade of zero (0) may be given for the quiz, assignment, etc. Cases may also be referred to the Dean of Students for possible dismissal from the university.

Note: By enrolling in this course, the student expressly grants MSU a “limited right” in all intellectual property created by the student for the purpose of this course. The “limited right” shall include, but not limited to: the right to reproduce the student’s work product in order to verify originality and authenticity as well as for educational purposes. Specifically, faculty may submit student papers and assignments to an external agency to verify originality and authenticity to detect plagiarism.

This is an online course, and as such, there are no mandatory sessions. However, the students should be vigilant in checking their email and logging onto D2L. Regular checks will ensure messages from the instructor and fellow students are received in a timely manner. This course is on a schedule that will be strictly adhered to (see table below). The instructor will be available to meet face-to-face with any student who is interested. Please email the instructor to schedule an appointment.

Assignments are a significant portion of the grade and represent the application of the material studied. All assignments are to be submitted as instructed in each unit. Assignments must be received prior to the deadline. Late assignments are not be accepted beyond the deadline. A zero will be recorded for assignments not submitted or meeting the final deadline. All assignments must be written at the baccalaureate level and will be graded for accuracy, completeness, quality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and integrity. 

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.

Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.

We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.

We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.

Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, (940) 397-4140.

The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MSUTexas e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed the 6 hours of Communication Core and 2) earned 60 hours. Students may meet this requirement in one of three ways: by passing the Writing Proficiency Exam, passing two Writing Intensive Courses (only one can be in the core), or passing English 2113. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at https://msutexas.edu/academics/wpr, or call 397-4131.

Senate Bill 11 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature allows licensed handgun holders to carry concealed handguns on campus, effective August 1, 2016. Areas excluded from concealed carry are appropriately marked, in accordance with state law. For more information regarding campus carry, please refer to the University’s webpage at https://msutexas.edu/campus-carry/rules-policies.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact MSU Chief of Police at police@msutexas.edu.