PSYC 3005

Smyth is a very nice and makes an effort to get to know the names of almost the entire class. However, I did not learn much in class, so be prepared to do most of your learning outside of class. He does extra credit clicker points most classes on the readings that were due for the day so make sure to keep up with all the readings, it helps a lot when you are trying to study for exams since you do not have to try to rush and read the material the week before. There a 3 tests (the lowest gets dropped) and 1 final. The first test was really easy, but the next 2 tests were pretty hard. The final was very concept based. Smyth's averages are a lot lower than Morris so I would recommend Morris based off that, but if you have to take Smyth make sure to understand the concepts behind the terms and stats procedures.

Required for the Psyc major so it's nothing new or exciting but if you got a B+ or above in STAT 2120 this class should be a breeze for you. Labs were pretty boring but I (and anyone who has had him) will tell you, do everything you can to get Tyler Santander as your TA. He is the absolute BEST. In general though, all the TAs sympathize with you for the archaic organization of the course and of lab grading. If you've taken any class with Smyth before, you'll have a leg up in this class because he's really predictable and re-uses the same examples across all his classes.

I thought this class was pretty easy as long as you actually pay attention in class and do the readings. Smyth really seems to care about his students, and he tries to make the lectures engaging (which is a challenge since stats isn't the most exciting topic). We had a couple classes taught by Morris, and it may just be because I was used to Smyth's style, but I definitely was glad I had Smyth instead of Morris. I found the clicker questions helpful since it held me accountable to reading the chapter before class. In my opinion, the tests were fair. Overall, I had a positive experience!

No one tries harder to connect with students than Smyth. Overall, a great guy. However, I had trouble learning from his lectures. I heard Morris gets to the facts a little bit more, but with any psyc class there is going to be some pandering. Do readings before class, and if you don't work well with clicker questions, you might want to learn how to get better.

I'm going to be honest, Data Analysis is not the most exciting class. But it is easy. The textbook is pretty clear, and there are only some topics where it helps to go to class. But you kind of half to go to class since Smyth does clicker questions everyday. At least 1 is for credit and based off of the reading, the rest are either extra credit or just to see if you understand the material.

I can't say anything about Morris, but I loved Smyth. The tests were easy, but he curved 3 of the 4 exams (3 exams and 1 final). There are also extra credit opportunities. Like he'll randomly call on people in class and they get extra credit if they answer, but there's no penalty for passing and choosing not to answer. He also definitely tries to learn people's names. My TA wasn't that great, but Smyth is helpful and easy to talk to.

On the last day of class, Smyth does an optional review called "Millionaire Review". You get candy. It's great.

PSYC 3005 is not as exciting as other psych classes because it's mainly just statistics. However, it's not very difficult. I think the hardest thing is the clicker questions- you need to know every single detail of the reading assigned for the day in order to be successful on clicker questions. They count for 10% of your lecture grade, and it can really add up if you don't do well on them repeatedly. There are extra credit clicker questions but they don't relate directly to your clicker score. Lab is pretty straightforward, if you answer all the lab questions in the same format as it is presented to you, you should excel. It's a great grade booster, as it counts 25% of your grade. For the tests, make sure you do all the reading. You will be asked very specific questions, but the best way to make sure you excel on the tests is to try your best to understand the material and just apply it. This applies to all reading, not just from the textbook. As a person, Smyth is a really nice guy who isn't trying to make anyone fail. He's super understanding and accommodating if you reach out to him.