Messages from AA Psychology Graduates

"Hi Everyone! The things I wish I knew about this class before starting it are that the math portion isn't quite as hard as I was expecting! Everyone I had ever talked to about any stats class had told me how difficult it is. Not to say that I didn't have a hard time some of the time, but I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to get through everything as long as I focused on learning the material. I think one of the things I was happy to learn more of in this class is how to write a good paper. I like writing papers anyway, but I feel these are the kinds of paper I will be expected to write throughout the rest of my Psychology years."

"Let me first say how much I enjoyed this class and how much I learned! At the beginning of this course I had no idea what I was getting into but I was also excited to see what I was going to learn. I wish I had learned that the work is spaced out at responsible time so do not stress too much that work is due everyday. But it is wise to do a little bit of the work at a time so you are not rushing last minuet to get it done."

"What I wish I knew about this course before I took it was that the math part is actually not really as difficult as many people made it seem... My message to future psychology students is to not be afraid of statistical principles it truly is useful. I know I was scared when I first took this class because I was told by many friends and family that it’s hard and they didn't enjoy it but when I slowed down and tried to really understand it I found it easier than expected and even enjoyable, so I encourage you to do the same you won’t regret it if you do."

"The biggest piece of advice I can give to other students who are going to take this class is to never underestimate the time it will take to get through the lessons in a meaningful manner. Give yourself plenty of time because you never know when life's detours will occur and like Asa always says in the lessons, 'set your intentions.' This is my final class at CNM before completing my degree and although it has been the most challenging during my time at CNM, it has also been the most rewarding. If I can do it, so can you!"

"To future students, really focus and do the work that is required. It will teach you so much more than you will ever imagine. The information that is learned definitely ties into past knowledge from math and science. If you really work at the subject and focus on the learnings of it then you will have a much greater understanding of what you will take away. It is really awesome to see how it all comes together. Definitely take a lot of notes so that way you can look back and touch base on topics. Make sure the notes that are written work well for you, even if that means drawing all the pictures. If there are any questions about anything, absolutely ask them. There is never a wrong or dumb question. Communication can make a world of difference in anything. Youtube other videos or google topics that are being discussed in class, the more time you get on a topic and the more detail about it the stronger the understanding of it will be. This class seems hard at first and it will be challenging, but it is 100% worth it. Asa's way of teaching and her method of presenting the work and structure of class is rewarding. By the end of the semester there is a feeling of gratitude on yourself because you know that you had to push yourself and the grade given was well earned. Pay attention, ask questions, focus and you will be just fine in this class. Good luck!"

"Although the syllabus may be daunting, don't give up! The best advice I can give to you is to start assignments early. Even if you think you have plenty of time to do it all in one day, split it up. It makes it much easier because there is a lot of information to remember in every module. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions! Use the student lounge, it's a great resource that allows you to get the help you need for your peers. You are not alone! You can also always message the instructor! She is always helpful and very promptt in responding, but remember she won't be able to help you if you wait till the last minute! Overall, it's a wonderful class where you can learn a lot if you work hard and stay organized!"

"First let me start off by saying I am not a math person at all!!! I’ve always struggled with this subject and after hearing about how hard this stats class is…. I was scared for my life! But this class was such an amazing class and learning experience. By far one of the best classes I’ve taken. I learned how to interpret and read research articles. This class is very useful and will help with future PSY classes. One piece of advice I would give is DO NOT procrastinate and be ready to learn. You’ll need an 80% to move on with multiple chances to do that and even go back for a higher score. So take advantage. This class is really set up for you to learn the material and not to just blow straight through it. The classmates and professor really work together to make sure everyone is getting through the material and answers any question you might have. Good luck!"

"Future PSY220 students should know that the math that this class requires is not as difficult as it is rumored to be. Once you understand the formulas you can perform the math. However, statistics is not simply about math and memorizing formulas. That is something I recommend being aware of when going into this class. This class, and statistics overall, requires understanding why it is being done. When entering this class it is best to be willing to put the work and the time into understanding what the formulas actually mean and the point behind the analysis being performed. That is half the battle. Once you do develop and cultivate an understanding of the research and the studies, everything else will become much easier. I also recommend asking questions whenever you do not understand something. Dr. Stone and your classmates are here to help."

Hi, everyone! I'm Asa Stone, and I teach PSY2200 Statistical Principles. I created this list because "I have math anxiety/ I am intimidated by math." and "I don't know why I have to take this class." are two of the most frequent comments on the first day of the course.

To those of you with math anxiety and/or those of you who feel intimidated by the topic, you are not alone. I, too, was intimidated when I took my first statistics course as a sophomore in college. What helped me to overcome those feelings was my understanding of how everything I learned one day was a building block for the following day and just how much of psychological research was based on statistical principles.

Statistics is not just a random math class you "have to" take to earn an AA in Psychology: It is how psychological principles are examined. Once I saw how statistics fits into what I was so fascinated by (i.e. psychology), I began enjoying statistics. Today, I not only use what I learned regularly in my professions but I enjoy sharing my knowledge and skills with others like you. Please know that I am your learning resource and that I encourage you to communicate with me whenever you could benefit from extra clarifications and/or guidance from me! Here are messages from some of my former students who successfully completed this course and graduated with AA in Psychology!