EDUC/PSY 6600 “Statistical Foundations"
EDUC/PSY 6600 is a graduate-level statistics course that requires prior knowledge of basic statistical concepts. In EDUC/PSY 6600, students are required not only to read research findings and understand the analyses used, but also learn how to independently conduct statistical analyses of their data at a higher level. Please read this entire page if you intend to take EDUC/PSY 6600.
Enrolling Requirements
Students without exposure to or mastery of basic statistical concepts typically struggle with the content and workload of EDUC/PSY 6600 and place an undue burden on the instructor, who must help them learn concepts they should have mastered previously. As an additional consequence, other students are disadvantaged because the time the instructor spends on remediation detracts from the time necessary to teach the objectives of EDUC/PSY 6600.
Thus, there are two requirements for enrollment in EDUC/PSY 6600:
- Co-enrollment or successful completion of any of the following graduate level courses in research methods: EDUC 6570, PSYC 6560, COMD 6230, HDFS 6031, HDFS 6380, PEP 6810, or SPED 6700. Alternative graduate-level research methods courses must have approval to be counted as a prerequisite for EDUC/PSY 6600.
- Passing the EDUC/PSY 6600 Pretest (self-administered on Canvas using Proctorio, see below).
After passing the pretest, the student will then email tressa.haderlie@usu.edu to request the registration hold in Banner be manually lifted allowing the student to register for the course.
Students may pass the pretest up to a year before registering for EDUC/PSY 6600. However, if the course is full by the time a student receives a passing score on the pretest, the student will not be able to register.
About the Pretest
The EDUC/PSY 6600 pretest consists of 30 randomly selected multiple choice test questions from a large test bank. The questions cover material in an introductory undergraduate statistics course. Details on topic coverage is available on the Canvas course page. Students who need additional preparation for the test will find material below and in the Canvas course (including a YouTube playlist of helpful videos), as well as a practice test (printable PDF).
A score of 70% (21/30) correct is required to pass the pretest.
The pretest may be taken up to 3 times within a given semester in order to obtain a passing score. Please read the section below on “retaking the test".
Taking the Pretest
First, clink the button below to self-enroll to take the 6600 Pretest via Canvas. Then follow the directions.
The use of Proctorio is offered to allow students the option of a more flexible way to take this test in a more convenient location than a testing center. This does require students to adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty. The Code of Policies and Procedures for Students at Utah State University (Student Conduct) addresses academic integrity and honesty.
You will need:
- a computer with a webcam/mic (both your webcam and screen will be recorded)
- a strong/stable internet connection
- the Chrome browser (not Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Opera, ect.)
- the Proctorio Extension installed (instructions will be given)
- a photo ID (e.g. driver's license, school ID, etc)
If you are asked to enter a code, something is WRONG. Log out and log back in, ensuring you are following all directions fully. This error often occurs when using a web browser other than Chrome.
You will have 60 minutes to complete the EDUC/PSY 6600 Pretest.
The following are NOT allowed:
- any type of outside materials including but not limited to: books, notes, sample tests, printouts, or papers of any kind!
- any type of calculator, including electronic devices and the computer's calculator
- any form of communications, including but not limited to: phone, tablet, messaging apps, etc.
- any other windows open on your computer, including but not limited to: copy-paste clipboard, websites, etc.
- having any outside help, including but not limited to: other people, audio/video recordings, paper materials, online materials, etc.
Instead of allowing a pencil and scratch paper, Proctorio will have the option to use an internal white-board tool to use for working out problems.
If a student requests, arrangements may be made to take the 6600 Pretest in a testing center or remotely proctored. Please email sarah.schwartz@usu.edu for more information.
Retaking the Test, if needed...
It is highly suggested that if you do not pass (score less than 21/30), you should take at least a week to review and study the concepts covered by the missed items.
It is NOT advantageous to retake the test multiple times on the same day. Fatigue and stress generally lead to lower scores.
A non-passing score is an indication that you need to study the material covered to prepare to be successful in the EDUC/PSY 6600 course. By taking the time to prepare for the pretest, you are preparing yourself to learn and retain more during the course and not be so overwhelmed.
You may take the pretest up to 3 times within a given semester in order to obtain a passing score.
If you do not pass the pretest in 3 attempts, then you may email the test administrator (sarah.schwartz@usu.edu) and request 3 more attempts at the start of the next semester.