Introduction to Statistics
| Module title | Introduction to Statistics |
|---|---|
| Module code | PSY1205 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Fraser Milton (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 5 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 220 |
|---|
Module description
This module will give you training on a variety of different statistical techniques commonly used in research conducted by psychologists. As such, it provides core skills required for other modules that will be taken during the degree. The aim is to provide you with knowledge of the theoretical principles underlying the tests as well as the ability to independently select the appropriate test and apply it correctly. Whilst basic mathematical skills are required, the module does not assume Mathematics A level (or the equivalent) has been taken. Instead, a good grade in Mathematics GCSE (or the equivalent) is desirable.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of this module is to equip you with the ability to analyse the data of experiments that you conduct throughout your degree and to understand the meaning of the results of published papers you encounter in other modules. In particular, you will learn how to analyse lots of different types of data, how these analyses actually work, and what they mean. You will also be introduced to a computer based package for conducting statistical analyses, which will be useful in your second and third years.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Explain the central theoretical principles underlying statistical tests at a basic level
- 2. Perform fundamental statistical tests
- 3. Manipulate at a basic level a recommended statistical software package (it is compulsory for all PSY1205 students to pass the closed-book exam with a percentage of 40% or above and the whole module at 40% or above, in order to progress to the second year of study)
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Illustrate basic and essential factual and conceptual knowledge of the subject and demonstrate understanding of this knowledge
- 5. Address well-defined problems systematically at a basic level
- 6. Evaluate and analyse empirical evidence, and assess the reliability of empirical evidence using defined techniques at a basic level
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Communicate effectively within the format of the discipline
- 8. Apply methods accurately and carefully to a well-defined problem
Syllabus plan
Indicative Term 1 topics:
• Chance and probability
• Wilcoxon rank-sum
• Wilcoxon matched-pairs
• Variance
• Chi-square
• Normality
• Related samples t-test
• Unrelated samples t-test
• Correlation
• Test selection
• Revision
Indicative Term 2 topics:
• Introduction to statistical software
• Use of one-factor ANOVA and introduction to simple contrasts
• Polynomial planned contrasts and two-way ANOVAs
• Three way ANOVAs and effect sizes
• Post-hoc comparisons and revision
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 120 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 16 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 4 | Tutorials |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 10 | Practicals |
| Guided Independent Study | 30 | Reading and preparation for lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | 24 | Preparation for tutorials |
| Guided Independent Study | 66 | Wider reading, practice with tests covered in lectures. Revision |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorials | 4 hours | 1-2, 4-8 | Oral |
| Practicals | 10 hours | All | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 67 | 33 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written examination (this assessment must be passed; failure in this assessment will lead to failure in the module and the programme) | 67 | 2 hours | 1-2, 4-8 | Student-specific feedback on performance in 3-5 areas in each of 5 exam questions |
| Statistical software examination on ELE (open book) | 33 | 1 hour | All | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written examination | Written examination | 1-2, 4-8 | August Ref/Def |
| Statistical software examination | Statistical software examination | All | August Ref/Def |
Re-assessment notes
Two assessments are required for this module. For both assessments, the reassessment will be in the same format as the original. Where you have been referred/deferred in the written examination you will have the opportunity to take a second written examination in the August/September re-assessment period. Where you have been referred/deferred in the statistical software examination you will be required to retake the statistical software examination. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%; deferred marks are not capped.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Haslam, S.A. and McGarty, C. (2003). Research methods and statistics in psychology. London: Sage.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/11/2011 |
| Last revision date | 23/04/2023 |
