What This Document Is
This document represents the lecture materials from the first session of a Health Behavior Statistical Methods course (HP 340) at the University of Southern California, delivered in Spring 2017. It serves as an introductory overview to the field of statistics as applied to health-related research. The lecture sets the stage for the semester, outlining course expectations, resources, and the fundamental principles that will be explored. It’s designed to familiarize students with the course structure and provide a foundation for understanding subsequent, more complex statistical concepts.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is invaluable for students enrolled in or considering enrollment in a health behavior statistics course. It’s particularly helpful for those who want to get a clear understanding of the course’s scope, grading policies, and required materials *before* committing to the full course. Students currently in the course can use this as a reference point to revisit key administrative details and course expectations. It’s most beneficial at the beginning of the semester, or when reviewing course logistics. Understanding these foundational elements can significantly improve performance and reduce confusion throughout the term.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This document is an introductory overview and does *not* contain detailed explanations of statistical methods themselves. It will not teach you how to perform specific statistical tests or interpret results. It also doesn’t include the actual lecture content beyond an outline of topics. The document references external resources and software, but does not provide tutorials *within* the document itself. It’s a roadmap, not a comprehensive statistical guide.
What This Document Provides
* An overview of the instructor and teaching assistant contact information and availability.
* A list of required and supplemental textbooks for the course.
* Information regarding lecture schedules and the importance of pre-reading assignments.
* Details on additional online resources available to support learning.
* A breakdown of the course grading components (homework, midterm, final exam, participation).
* Specific guidelines and policies regarding homework submissions, including acceptable excuses for late work.
* Information about required statistical software and where to obtain it.
* Rules and expectations for completing homework assignments, emphasizing clarity and originality.
* Tips for approaching the study of statistics with a positive and effective mindset.
