MSA 662 Spring_Section 1 2020 Syllabus 1

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Statistical Analysis for Aviation/Aerospace (MSA 662-Section 1)
Spring 2020
Wednesdays 5:30pm – 8:30pm, COA 140

Instructor: Andy Dattel, Ph.D.

Office: COA 124
Phone: (386) 226-7795 (FUN-CAMPS95)
Email: andy.dattel@erau.edu
Office Hours: Wednesdays: 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Thursdays: 9:30am – 11:00am
or by appointment

Teaching Assistants: Sang-A Lee email: lees98@my.erau.edu

Rahim Agha email: aghar@my.erau.edu

Required Textbooks:

APA (2019). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th Ed.
ISBN # 978-1-4338-3216-1

Privitera, G. J. (2016). Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3rd ed.) Thousand Oaks, CA:
Sage. ISBN: 9781506386256

Course description
This course is the first part of a three semester sequence to introduce students to the concepts
of research design and statistical applications in the behavioral sciences. In addition to learning about
basic conceptual and computational procedures in statistics, you will also become familiar with the
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The first course will emphasize the conceptual
understanding and application of statistics with a cursory introduction to research design. The
second course, MSA 670 (Research Methods in Aviation/Aeronautics) and third course (MSA 691,
Graduate Capstone Project or MSA 700, Thesis) in the sequence will place greater emphasis on
experiments and research design. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the
importance of research design and statistics in the field of psychology.
This course includes the review, design, planning, analysis, and statistical interpretation
of data from the aviation/aerospace industry. Students will build on statistical theory and learn
advanced techniques that can be applied to problem solving, research analysis, and numerical
interpretation of data from the aviation/aerospace industry. Students will learn to identify
parametric and non-parametric statistics, develop correlation methods for linear data, and
statistical significance testing between samples and within samples. Students will undertake
projects using computer programs for data that is derived or given. Statistical results will be
presented in tabular, graphical, and numerical formats in accordance with the American
Psychological Association style of writing.

Goals

This course is a requirement for the Master of Science in Aeronautics (MSA). The goal
of this course is to provide the student with a thorough understanding of quantitative, qualitative,
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and mixed-method research methods; quantitative and qualitative data handling; and research
planning techniques for aeronautical science research. Students will complete a research
proposal. The proposal describes and plans an independent research project. Students will be
able to undertake the independent research project by collecting and analyzing the outlined data.
The results of the study will justify their conclusions and recommendations in order to make
informed decisions.

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

 Define and plan a researchable quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research study
 Write aviation-related hypotheses and research questions that are worthy of scholarly
investigation.

 Review, summarize, and synthesize literature sources relevant to a research topic.

 Be a critical consumer of academic literature by identifying the weaknesses and strengths
of the authors’ methodology and data analysis techniques.

 Identify, define, understand, select, and critique research methodologies for descriptive
research, causal research, qualitative research, and mixed methods research.

 Understand the ethics and politics of research, in general, and for a scholarly research
topic. Understand the requirements of ERAU’s Institutional Review Board (IRB).

 Understand the different sampling techniques. Know the population of interest and apply
the correct sampling technique in order to make the appropriate generalizations.

 Understand and be able to operationalize the constructs to be measured by the research.

Establish the validity, reliability, and measurement error for a research project.

 Define the appropriate data analysis techniques based on the research question or
research hypothesis.

 Prepare a research proposal in APA format for use as a viable Thesis or Graduate
Research Project.

*The above objectives and outcomes will be assessed through exams, assignments, and class
discussions.

Description of MSA 662

This course has three components that cover separate subject matter:
1. Academic Writing – prescriptive writing according to the APA Manual and the ERAU
GCP/Thesis Template.
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2. Statistics – introductory statistics for use in applied research settings. The focus is on
essential concepts used for aviation-related situations, understanding how to use the
various statistical tests using SPSS, how to interpret the results, and how to write those
results in APA and ERAU formats.
3. SPSS – descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.
Each three-hour class period will contain lectures and discussions on statistics and statistical
concepts and application, and homework/assignment questions. Preparation for each class
period will include reading the assigned reading for the class period, completing assignments,
and preparation for tests. Late assignments will NOT be accepted.

Academic Honesty and Integrity

Embry-Riddle is committed to maintaining and upholding intellectual integrity. All

students, faculty, and staff have obligations to prevent violations of academic integrity and take
corrective action when they occur. Papers submitted for grading in this course will be submitted
to SafeAssign™. SafeAssign™ is a plagiarism prevention service, offered by Canvas to its
clients. This service helps students and educators prevent plagiarism by detecting unoriginal
content in student papers. In addition to acting as a plagiarism deterrent, SafeAssign™ also has
features designed to aid in educating students about plagiarism and the importance of proper
attribution of any borrowed content.

There is a zero tolerance policy regarding plagiarism and cheating. Any assignment that
is found to violate academic honesty and integrity, as defined below, will automatically be
referred to the Dean of Students using the Academic Integrity Policy, as defined on the MSA
website. The adjudication process for plagiarism or cheating includes sanctions imposed on
students who commit academic violations; the sanctions include a failing grade on the
assignment, a failing grade for the course, suspension, and/or dismissal from the University:

1. Plagiarism: Presenting as one’s own the ideas, words, or products of another.

Plagiarism includes use of any source to complete academic assignments without
proper acknowledgement of the source. When in doubt, cite the source! Copying an
author’s exact words requires the use quotation marks or block quote and the
inclusion of the page number in the citation – otherwise, you have plagiarized.

2. Cheating: A broad term that includes the following:

a. Giving or receiving help from unauthorized persons or materials during
examinations.
b. The unauthorized communication of examination questions prior to, during, or
following administration of the examination.
c. Collaboration on examinations or assignments expected to be individual work.
d. Fraud and deceit, which includes knowingly furnishing false or misleading
information or failing to furnish appropriate information when requested.

Professionalism and Leadership

As graduate students at ERAU, you are the future leaders in the aviation industry. I hope
your path leads you to success and that you realize your dreams. Along your journey please be
 MSA 662 Spring 2020_Section 1 Syllabus 4

mindful of professionalism and leadership. Professionalism is dressing, behaving, and even

thinking in a respectful manner. Professionalism is respecting other people as individuals who
have certain rights. A true professional is mature and considerate. Professionals use non-
judgmental and use inoffensive words to express themselves. A professional is respectful of
other people’s creed, religion, race, ethnic background, occupation, education level, gender,
sexual orientation, and age.
A leader values goodness and adheres to values and convictions. A leader is respected by
other people, but also respects others. A leader is a member of a team who may work with other
leaders and team members. A leader’s actions and behavior empower others. A leader knows
when to contribute as a team member. A leader knows when to take control, and when to step
back. A leader is not necessarily the one who talks the most. A leader can be just as effective by
not speaking in the right circumstances. A leader knows when to let others take control.
By adhering to these values and principles, you will make extraordinary contributions to
the aviation industry, in your personal life, and humankind. Be good and kind to your family,
fellow workers, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. Be conscientious in your work. Perform
to the best of your abilities.

Attendance and Absences

The faculty of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University affirms the importance of prompt

and regular attendance on the part of all students. Quality instruction depends upon active
student participation in the classroom or its equivalent learning environment. Your participation
is particularly important in this course, since each class constitutes a significant percentage of the
total course. All absences, regardless of reason, require a make-up assignment, mutually
arranged between the professor and the student. Even where make-up assignments are
completed satisfactorily, the professor reserves the right to assign appropriate credit for
homework and participation. Students not attending the entire class periods will receive less
than full credit for homework and participation, even when make-up assignments are completed.
If an absence is anticipated, the student should notify the professor at least 24 hours in advance
and have a valid excuse (e.g., serious illness) that is verifiable through documentation [e.g.,
physician note, note from Health Services (6-7917), or note from Student Services Office (6-
6326)]. Students must also notify the professor prior to an assignment’s due date.

Please be on time for every class. Because we only meet once a week, it’s imperative that we
start on time. You must get to class on time for your own benefit, as well as to minimize
distraction to your classmates. Repeated tardiness will be treated as an unexcused absence.
If you must depart early, please inform me ahead of time and provide me with a valid reason. If
you leave class early without permission, it will be treated as an unexcused absence.

Assignments

All assignments are to be completed in a professional manner, to follow the ERAU honor
code, and to be submitted on time. Unless prior arrangements have been made with the
professor, late assignments will not be accepted. Extensions on assignments will only be given
at the professor’s discretion and in the case of an emergency (e.g., student has a major illness,
death in the family, car accident); the student must provide documentation of said emergency
and when possible, notify the professor before the assignment is due.
 MSA 662 Spring 2020_Section 1 Syllabus 5

All work is to be completed individually, unless otherwise noted (i.e., group assignment).
All assignments are to be original – your own work and your own thinking; identical, highly
similar, or unoriginal work will receive a zero. Students are expected to properly cite all
references used in their assignments; refer to your APA manual for citation guidelines. When in
doubt as to whether or not to cite another author, remember that it is always better to cite your
source than to be guilty of plagiarism.

Harassment and Unethical Behavior

All employees and students have a right to an environment free of discrimination,

including freedom from sexual harassment. It is the policy of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University that no employee or student may sexually harass another. The intent of this policy is
not to create a climate of discomfort but to foster responsible behavior in an academic and
working environment free of discrimination. The University sexual harassment policy can be
found in the ERAU Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual (APPM) section 8.3.4 at
http://www.db.erau.edu/appm/policy/8-3-4.html.

Course requirements

1. Exams (45% of grade).

There will be three closed-book, in-class exams (including the final) during the
semester. Exams will consist of primarily multiple-choice, short answer, essay type
questions, hand written problems, and application. Exams will cover material from
the assigned readings, lecture, and homework assignments. In general, exams will
include only new material covered since the previous exam. However, some topics
build on older topics, and as such, these older topics may come up again on later
exams. More details will be given closer to the exam. There will be two exams
(Exam I and Exam II) during the regularly scheduled class period, plus a final exam
during finals’ week. The final exam is cumulative. Each exam will be worth 15% of
your final grade.

2. Classroom and Homework Assignments (20% of grade)

Several in-class and homework problems will be assigned. The homework
assignments will be take-home individual homework assignments. Homework
assignments are due at the beginning of class for their respective due dates.

3. SPSS Reports (30% of grade)

Three SPSS Assignments (each worth 15% of your grade) will be assigned. The
SPSS assignments include data entry and analyses using SPSS. Assignments are to
be written in report fashion, using APA style and guidelines. All SPSS assignment
will uploaded to Canvas. In addition, a hard copy should be brought to class on the
designated date.

4. Attendance and Participation (5% of grade)

If you attend class and participate in class discussions and/or demonstrations, you will
receive all 50 points (5% of your final grade). However, after one unexcused
absence, 2.5 percentage points (25 points) will be deducted from each additional
 MSA 662 Spring 2020_Section 1 Syllabus 6

unexcused absence. Example of valid excused absences include illness (with note),
university-sanctioned travel, and observance of religious holiday. Documentation of
any absence may be requested. Please attend class on time. Showing up late for class
many constitute an unexcused absence.

Grading:

Assignment Possible Final Total

Grade Points
Points
A >900 ((> 90%)
Exam I 150
B 800-899
Exam II 150
(80-89.9%)
Homework Assignments 200
SPSS Report 1 100 C 700-799
SPSS Report 2 100
F <700 (<70%)
SPSS Report 3 100
Final Exam 150
Attendance and Participation 50
Total 1000
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Course schedule
Date Chapter Topic Pages
Introduction
Wed. 1/8
1 Introduction to Statistics
Introduction to Statistics
1
Summarizing Data (Frequency Distributions in Tables and 1-30
Wed 1/15 2
Graphs) 32-74
APA (1,2,3)
Skim APA chapters
3 Summarizing Data (Central Tendency)
76-105
Wed. 1/22 4 Summarizing Data (Variability)
106-135
APA 4 Pay considerable attention to APA Chapter 4
6 Probability, Normal Distributions, and z Scores (6.1-6.8)
174-196
Wed. 1/29 7 Probability and Sampling Distributions
208-238
APA 5, 6 Pay considerable attention to APA Chapters 5 and 6
Hypothesis Testing
8 240-273
Testing Means: One-Sample and Two-Independent Sample t
Wed. 2/5 9 274-305
Tests
APA 7, 8
Pay considerable attention to APA Chapters 7 and 8
Wed. 2/12 Exam 1 (Chapters 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9)
10 Testing Means: The Related-Samples t Test
Wed. 2/19 306-332
APA 9 Pay considerable attention to APA Chapter 9
11 Estimation and Confidence Intervals
Wed. 2/26 334-362
SPSS Report 1 Due
Analysis of Variance: One-Way Between-Subject Design
12 365-403
Wed. 3/4 Analysis of Variance: One-Way Within Subjects (Repeated-
13 404-440
Measures) Design
Wed. 3/11 Spring Break (No Class)
14 Analysis of Variance: Two-Way Between-Subjects Factorial 442-485
Wed. 3/18
Design
Correlation
Wed. 3/25 15 488-534
SPSS Report 2 Due
Wed. 4/1 16 Linear Regression and Multiple Regression 536-576
Wed. 4/8 Exam 2 (Chapters 10-16)
Wed. 4/15 17 Nonparametric Tests: Chi-Square Tests 578-610
Nonparametric Tests: Tests for Ordinal Data
Wed. 4/22 18 612-650
SPSS Report 3 Due
Final Exam (Cumulative)
TBA In the absence of a valid documented excuse, any student who arrives more than 30 minutes
after the start of the scheduled final, will not be allowed to begin the final and will receive a 0.

*Your exams will cover class lecture, discussions, and chapters from the Privitera textbook. SPSS
Assignments must be completed in APA format.
Textbook. **This schedule is subject to change.