Has anyone taken a Psychology class in behavioral science statistics?

Question

I need to take this in college but I'm not sure if my math skills are where they need to be for statistics. What does it consist of, and what kind of math background do you need to do well in it?

Answer 1

You will be told, by many people I am sure, that statistics does not have a lot to do with math. It does and it doesn't. If you have a basic knowledge of college algebra you have the math knowledge you need. This being said I still found this class to be the most difficult class I had to take for my degree. I would really recommend a tutor if you find you just aren't "getting" the class and get a tutor sooner, rather than later. It is really easy to get behind. Also, I tried this class as an on-line class and it was almost impossible for me. Take it in a class lecture so you can ask questions, etc when needed.
Good luck and hang in there! From someone who has been there, you can't get around taking it and it will end sooner or later!

Answer 2

I was really nervous about taking stats for the behavioral sciences because I failed college math the first time I took it, but I did end up getting a "B" in college stats. There isn't any really advanced math involved, it's mainly use of formulas like algebra. Just as long as you keep up with the class and don't skip things you shouldn't get lost.. oh, and practicing the example problems really helps ;)

Answer 3

Go for it, if you're finding that it's getting too difficult then you can get some tutoring on the side. It's a requirement if you want to continue on in Psych anyway so might as well get it over with. Who knows, you might like it!

Answer 4

I have taken both Psych stat. and Business stat. (Same thing.) It's not that complicated really. If you can add/ subtract/ multiple, and divide...you'll do fine. : )

Hope this helps