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Methods and Statistics in Psychology III

Module description

Undertaking scientific research in psychology requires the ability to design effective studies and to analyse quantitative data as well as to communicate the results of data analysis. Likewise, understanding and evaluating other people’s research requires knowledge of how appropriate inferences can be made from data. The aim of this module is to introduce you to the processes involved in research design and handling your own data, enhance your range of statistical techniques, develop your ability to evaluate inferences and claims made about other people’s research, and to improve your understanding of the ethics involved in data analysis and in the communication of science. The statistical techniques covered in this module are widely used within Psychology, but also within other disciplines, such as Business, Biosciences, Geography and Sports Science.

In this module, you will learn about fundamental aspects of research design and inferential statistics (e.g., effect sizes; statistical power) as well as more advanced regression-based techniques (e.g., mediation). You will gain an appreciation of how to answer research questions by developing a hypothetical research design and how to use statistics to analyse the data stemming from this design, as well as how to evaluate the techniques and reporting methods of other researchers. Finally, you will also learn how to report and communicate the results of data analysis.

This module builds upon the material covered in PSY1205 and PSY2206; hence it is important that you have an understanding of the concepts covered in these modules. 

Module aims - intentions of the module

In this module you will develop the skills to design studies and analyse datasets using statistical software to carry out and interpret techniques such as simple main effects analysis to decompose interactions in ANOVA, and advanced regression techniques such as mediation, allowing you to then report your findings using relevant reporting conventions. You will also develop the skills to manage your own data sets in an ethical and responsible manner, and the skills to evaluate the quality of studies and the use of analysis techniques in published research. These are important transferable skills that will increase your employability after graduation but are also key skills for your final year research project.

Through attending the weekly classes and practical sessions, and through completing the assessments, you will work towards developing the following academic and professional skills:

• problem solving (linking theory to practice, being able to respond to novel and unfamiliar problems, handling large amounts of diverse data critically)
• managing structure (identifying key demands of the task, reviewing and adapting your strategies and progress)
• time management (managing time effectively individually and within a group)
• collaboration (taking initiative and leading others, supporting others in their work)
• self and peer review (taking responsibility for own learning, using feedback from multiple sources), and
• audience awareness (presenting ideas effectively in multiple formats, taking responsibility for acting in a professional and ethical manner).

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Describe the conceptual basis and the purpose of concepts and techniques such as effect sizes, simple main effects in factorial designs, and mediation in regression.
• 2. Carry out techniques such as ANOVA, regression, and mediation quickly and without error using an appropriate statistical software package.
• 3. Interpret the results of data analysis correctly and report the results using journal conventions
• 4. Design a study that addresses a current research question, including plans for data collection and appropriate data analysis.
• 5. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues associated with the design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of psychological research

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Learn quickly how to use new or more advanced forms of analysis should the need arise
• 7. Understand and apply knowledge of essential principles in designing novel research, and critically evaluate and analyse empirical evidence, and assess the reliability of empirical evidence using a range of defined techniques at an advanced level
• 8. Illustrate the wider ethical issues relating to the subject and its application at an advanced level

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 9. Use and interpret statistical data with a scope extending well beyond the coverage of the module itself
• 10. Master a statistical software package on a largely self-taught, but supported basis (including use of Help facility provided with the software)
• 11. Manage your own learning using the full range of resources of the discipline and with minimum guidance
• 12. Interact effectively and supportively within a learning group

Syllabus plan

During the course of the lectures and practical classes, example topics that will be covered include:

• Decisions and considerations in designing research to test hypotheses. These include issues such as validity, reliability, confounds, ethics, and statistical power
• Analysis of data in experimental designs using ANOVA, including the use of simple main effects analysis to decompose interaction effects
• Measures of effect size
• Advanced regression techniques (e.g., hierarchical regression, mediation, path analysis)

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Two assessments are required for this module. Where you have been referred/deferred in either examination you will have the opportunity to take a second examination in the August/September re-assessment period. 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

Core reading:

• Navarro DJ and Foxcroft DR (2019). Learning statistics with jamovi: a tutorial for psychology students and other beginners. (Version 0.70). DOI: 10.24384/hgc3-7p15 [Available from url: http://learnstatswithjamovi.com]
• Richardson, P., & Machan, L. (2021). Jamovi for Psychologists. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Recommended reading:

• Harris, P. (2002) Designing and Reporting Experiments in Psychology (2nd Edition) Buckingham: OUP.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=4518 provides lecture slides, weekly assignment exercises, online SPSS instructions, screen-capture videos of SPSS procedures and links to further online resources.

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

• Statistics and Computing Helpdesk in the computer room (220 WSL) is available for help and advice.

Key words search

Psychology, research methods, statistics, regression, data analysis