Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module PSYC40130: Applied Statistics

Department: Psychology

PSYC40130: Applied Statistics

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 30 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None.
Tied to C8K107 and C8K009

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To introduce students to the theory and application of statistical methods using relevant applications software
  • To develop students' confidence and competence in the use of statistics and the analysis of data relevant to Psychologists

Content

  • Data collection and validation
  • Data manipulation
  • Presentation of data using graphics
  • Basic parametric and non parametric techniques
  • Analysis of Variance (Anova) (One way / Two way, Mixed Models, Hierarchical, Coverariance)
  • Regression (Linear, Non-Linear, Logistic)
  • Factor Analysis
  • Multidimensional Scaling
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Analysis of Power
  • Meta Analysis
  • Log-Linear Analysis
  • Additional statistical techniques may be introduced as appropriate

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • range of widely-used statistical tests
  • importance of the role of statistics in any successful data analysis
  • limitations of the statistical techniques covered
  • advantages and limitations of statistical software
Subject-specific Skills:
  • use and appllication of a wide variety of statistical techniques
  • effective use of statistical applications software
  • analysing data and presenting accurage and relevant conclusions
Key Skills:
  • implement genral IT and research skills
  • manage their own time and resources
  • work to deadlines and within defined parameters

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The objectives will be met in lecture and practical sessions. Students will be taught a variety of parametric and non-parametric statistical data analysis methods, illustrated by examples. These examples will be in the form of data sets that will be analysed, and in the form of existing research papers that contain results from a statistical analysis, which are discussed to evaluate the results. In practical sessions students will have hands on training in data analysis using SPSS.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 22 1 per week 1 22
Practicals 22 1 per week 2 44
Preparation & Reading 234
Total 300

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Unseen examination - (computer based data analysis) 2 hours 50%
Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Assignment - (analysis of specified data sets: Production of a report, 3,000 words max) 50%

Formative Assessment:

Formative student assessments (both written and oral) wil be undertaken throughout the duration of the module. These will be assessed by the tutor to enable students to gauge their own individual rate of progress.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University