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Methods and Statistics in Psychology III

Module title Methods and Statistics in Psychology III

Module code PSY3402

Academic year 2018/9

Credits 15

Module staff Dr Andrew Livingstone (Convenor)

Dr Tobias Stevens (Convenor)

Dr Hazel Mycroft (Convenor)

Duration: Term 1 2 3

Duration: Weeks 11

Number students taking module (anticipated) 200

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Description - summary of the module content

Module description
Undertaking scientific research in psychology requires the ability to analyse quantitative data and to
communicate the results of data analysis in a scientific format. The aim of this module is to
introduce you to the processes involved in handling your own data, enhance your range of statistical
techniques, 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 and become competent in the initial stages of data analysis
(e.g., data checking, factor analysis) as well as more advanced regression-based techniques (e.g.,
moderation, mediation). You will gain an appreciation of how to use statistics to answer research
questions, 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 analyse relevant datasets using statistical software to
carry out and interpret factor analysis and advanced regression techniques, 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 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 lectures 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

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

• 1. Describe the conceptual basis and the purpose of factor analysis and advanced regression
techniques
• 2. Carry out data checking procedures, factor analysis, and advanced regression techniques
quickly and without error using the most widely available computer statistical software,
Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)
• 3. Interpret the results of data analysis correctly and report the results using journal
conventions
• 4. Decide when it is appropriate to use these techniques for purposes of analysing data for
any projects they are planning and collect data in an appropriate form so that the analysis
can be used properly
• 5. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues associated with the 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 sophisticated software package on a largely self-taught 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

Syllabus plan
Over the course of 11 weeks of lectures and 11 hands-on practical classes, you will cover the
following topics:

• Designing research to test hypotheses.

• The initial stages in data analysis (e.g., data checking and screening, data reduction
techniques, including factor analysis, preparing your data for analysis).

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• Advanced regression techniques (e.g., hierarchical regression, moderated regression,

mediation, path analysis).
• Reporting data and communicating results (e.g., ethics in data management, reporting
conventions in psychology, evaluating the analyses of reported research).

Learning and teaching

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Guided independent Placement / study

Activities study abroad

22 128 0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category Hours of study Description

time

Scheduled Learning and 11 Lectures

Teaching

Scheduled Learning and 11 Practical classes

Teaching

Guided Independent Study 10 Weekly exercises

Guided Independent Study 10 On-line quizzes

Guided Independent Study 40 Preparation for lectures and

practicals

Guided Independent Study 34 Preparation for the practical exam

Guided Independent Study 34 Preparation for the final exam

Assessment

Formative assessment

Form of Size of the assessment (eg ILOs Feedback method

assessment length / duration) assessed

Weekly 1 hour per week All During practical classes

exercises

On-line quizzes 30 minutes per week 1-11 Automatic feedback on

correct and incorrect answers

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Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework Written exams Practical exams

0 100 0

Details of summative assessment

Form of % of Size of the assessment (eg ILOs Feedback

assessment credit length / duration) assessed method

SPSS 50 2 hours 1-10

examination

Final examination 50 2 hours 1-10

Re-assessment

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

Original form of Form of re- ILOs re- Timescale for re-

assessment assessment assessed assessment

SPSS examination SPSS examination 1-10 August Ref/Def

Final examination Final examination 1-10 August Ref/Def

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.

Resources

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Core reading:

• Field, A, (2009) Discovering Statistics Using SPSS (3rd Edition) London: Sage.
• Pallant, J. (2005) SPSS survival manual (2nd Edition) Maidenhead, Berks.: OUP.

Recommended reading:

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

Buckingham: OUP.

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• Howell, D. C. (1997). Statistical Methods for Psychology (4th Edition) Belmont, Calif.:
Duxbury Press. (Earlier editions also include most of what you need, as does Howell’s book
on: “Fundamental statistics for the behavioral sciences”).
• Howell, D.C. (1995). Fundamental Statistics for the Behavioural Sciences (3rd Edition).
Duxbury.
• Howitt, D. and Cramer, D. (2008) Introduction to Statistics in Psychology (4th Edition) Harlow,
Essex: Prentice-Hall.
• Kirk, P.E. (1968). Experimental Design. Procedures for the Behavioural Sciences.
Brooks/Cole.
• Kline, P. (1994). An Easy Guide to Factor Analysis. Routledge: London.
• Myers, J.L. (1972). Fundamentals of Experimental Design. Second Edition. Allyn and Bacon.
• Myers, J.L, and Well, A.D. (1991) Research Design and Statistical Analysis. HarperCollins:
New York.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=4518
(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.

Module has an active ELE page

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

Credit value 15

Module ECTS 7.5

Module pre-requisites PSY2206 Methods and Statistics in Psychology II or

equivalent

Module co-requisites None

NQF level (module) 6

Available as distance No
learning?

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Origin date 01/02/2014

Last revision date 07/03/2018

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