Statistics

Statistics for the Social Sciences stresses the applied mathematical collection and interpretation of data and the use of probability theory. Statistics for the Social Sciences is an invaluable tool in quantitative data compilation and analysis in social sciences such as psychology, sociology and anthropology. Having a strong foundation in statistics can pave the way for careers in science, education and the corporate world conducting research! To learn more about career paths related to statistics click the link below.

This is Statistics

Contact
Chairperson
Ali Ghassemi
Phone
(818) 947 - 2522
Email
ghassear@lavc.edu
Office Location
111C Behavioral Science Building (BSC)
Office Hours
email for availability

Department
Psychology

Pathway
Social and Behavioral Sciences

Programs

GE Requirements

Statistics is a requirement for various degrees offered at Valley College. A statistics course will provide you with the foundation to conduct high-quality research, help you develop critical and analytic thinking skills, allow you to become an informed consumer, and teach you how to effectively interpret and communicate data. Below you can find majors that have Statistics as a major or general education requirement.

Click the tabs below for more information on specific programs.

The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA - T) is designed for students who aim to transfer to a 4 year institution. The study of Psychology provides a foundation for preparation in such diverse fields as social services, law, education, healthcare, government, and business. Upon completion of the Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer Degree, students will be able to evaluate behaviors and mental processes using psychological concepts and theories, distinguish various biological systems that are fundamental to behavior and experience, apply the logic of hypothesis testing in science to everyday life

Psychology Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA - T) 

 

The Sociology Department at Los Angeles Valley College aims to provide a variety of courses, giving students a holistic approach to the field. Students investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts.

Associate of Arts for Transfer (AA-T) in Sociology is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer into the CSU system to complete a baccalaureate degree in Sociology. The AA-T also satisfies the UC Transfer Pathway.

Sociology Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA - T)

 

 

Political Science is the academic study of the state, government, and politics. The discipline deals with the theory and practice of politics, political systems, and political behavior. The Political Science AA-T helps prepared students for careers in fields such as law, education, journalism, and governmental service.

Political Science Associates in Arts for Transfer (AA- T) 

An Associates degree in Chicano Studies provides students with theoretical frameworks through which they are able to explore, examine, and analyze the experiences of Mexican Americans in the United States. Students will build skills at communicating with diverse audiences and examining multiple sources of information and data. This degree equips students to enter a multi-ethnic workforce and more effectively work toward social justice.

Chicano Studies Associate in Arts

 

Students completing an A.A. degree in History will gain skills that will allow them to analyze the impact of historical events on contemporary society, compare and contrast the significance and impact of historical events, and critically analyze the process of historiography (the writing of history). The Associate Degree program is designed for students who wish to transfer to a baccalaureate program in History at a four-year institution.

History Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA - T)

Kinesiology is the study of the art and science of human movement throughout our lifespan. Students will be introduced to the evidence-based research supporting the wellness effects of exercise in our communities, schools, work place and clinical settings. Kinesiology provides areas of study in teaching (pedagogy), coaching, group fitness, personal training, health/fitness promotion, exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and development, athletic training, sports management, dance, adapted physical education, sports psychology, sports nutrition, exercise equipment design/testing, wellness coaching, cardiac rehabilitation, gerokinesiology, as well as pre-professional training for physical therapy, medicine and research. Students completing the Associate in Arts in Kinesiology for Transfer degree will have satisfied the lower division major preparation at most CSUs in Kinesiology.

Kinesiology Associates in Arts for Transfer (AA - T)

 

Faculty Contacts

Click below to view faculty contact information.

Name Contact Information
Nikita M. Bajwa, Ph.D. bajwanm@laccd.edu
Ruby Christian-Brougham, Ph.D. christrr@lavc.edu
Wilson Chu, Ph.D. chuw@lavc.edu
Yara N. Farah, Ph.D. farahyn@laccd.edu
Ali Ghassemi, Psy.D. ghassear@lavc.edu
Luis Paz de la Vega, M.A. pazdells@laccd.edu
Christina Peter, Ph.D. petercr@lavc.edu

 

Name Contact Information
Dary Fiorentino @email
Susan Gardin @email
Shaghayegh Habibi @email
Ramon Herrera @email
Michelle Lin @email
Lisa Meneshian @email
Aurora Rosales @email

 

Faculty Profiles

Click below to learn about the Statistics faculty.

Dr. Nikita M. Bajwa
  • Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology, Loma Linda University  

  • Teaches Introduction to Psychology (PSYCH 001), Stress Management (PSYCH 060), Research Methods (PSYCH 074), and Statistics (STAT 101) 

  • Areas of interest: Learning, Memory, Diseases of the Brain, and Brains!  

  • I love meteor showers, star gazing, and all things in outer space!  

 

 

  • Ph.D. in Development and Cognitive Sciences, University of Southern California 

  • Statistics for the Social Sciences (Statistics 101), Research Methods in the Behavioral Sciences (Psychology 74), Developmental Psychology (Psychology 41), Introductory Psychology (Psychology 01) and Biological Psychology (PSYCH 002) 

  • Areas of interest: Decision-making, cognitive biases, health psychology and stress 

  • I love L.A-the food, the culture, the museums, the music and the people.  

  • Pronouns: She/Her/Ella

 

 

  • Ph.D. in Cognitive Sciences, University of Southern California 

  • Teaches Introduction to Psychology (PSYCH 001), Biological Psychology (PSYCH 002), and Statistics (STAT 101) 

  • Areas of interest: Learning, Memory, Perception, Statistics, Decision Making, Vision & Brains! 

  • I’m color-blind. 

 

 

  • Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Baylor University (TX) 

  • Teaches Statistics for Social Sciences (STAT 101) 

  • Areas of interest: Gifted and Talented Education, Special Education, Twice-Exceptional Learners, Classroom management, Assessments, Functional Behavior Assessment, and Research Methods. 

  • Psychology Club faculty advisor 

  • My favorite animal is the polar bear.  

  • Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

 

 

  • Introduction to Psychology (Psychology 1); Biological Psychology (Psychology 2); Adolescence (Psychology 12); Exceptional Child (Psychology 17); Health Psychology (Psychology 75); Introduction to Counseling (Psychology 90); Statistics (Statistics 101) 

  • Areas of interest: Techniques of Psychotherapy 

  • Department Chair 

  • Go LA Kings!! #COYG 

 

 

  • Masters in Psychological Sciences from CSU – Northridge (CSUN) 

  • Teaches Introduction to Psychology (PSYCH 001) and Statistics (STAT 101) 

  • Areas of interest: Developmental, Cultural, Positive and Sports Psychology (related to academic subject taught; one sentence max) 

  • When I was 13, I played in a friendly game for the Peruvian U-14 Basketball team. 

  • Pronouns: He/Him/El

 

Dr. Christina Peter
  • Ph.D. Educational Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago  

  • Statistics for the Social Sciences (Statistics 101), Research Methods In The Behavioral Sciences (Psychology 74), Psychological Aspects Of Human Sexuality (Psychology 52), Introductory Psychology (Psychology 01) 

  • Research: I study romantic and sexual relationship health, sexual education, and sexual and gender-based harassment among teens and young adults.  

  • I first discovered psychology in middle school and have loved it ever since.  

  • Pronouns: She/Her