Module Code - Title:
PS6161
-
ADVANCED ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY 1 - ONLINE
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Psychology makes use of many different advanced statistical methods. This module is the first of a two-part module sequence on advanced methods of analysis in psychology. The goal of this module is to teach students the principles of statistical techniques as used in psychology and the proper use of these techniques to test research hypotheses. This module will empower students by instilling them with confidence that they can independently use these data analytic techniques.
Syllabus:
Researchers in psychology need to decide which statistical method is most appropriate to a given research question or a particular data set. In order to make these decisions, researchers must understand the basic principles that underlie statistical analyses and have the skills to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of one technique over another. This module will examine the underlying principles, strengths and limitations of a range of statistical methods as used in psychology. The modules provide intensive instruction in the use of statistical analyses commonly used in psychology. Besides understanding the principles, benefits and limitations of these statistical methods, students will also learn how to use these methods with computer software.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Describe the underlying rationale of a particular advanced statistical method of analysis.
Conduct statistical analyses on the relevant software package.
Interpret the statistical output produced.
Critically evaluate which statistical technique is appropriate for particular sets of data.
Defend the choice of particular methods of analysis.
Write a report communicating the data analytic approach and interpretation of the findings.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an appreciation of what advanced statistical methods in psychology have to offer for the psychological research process.
Demonstrate an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different statistical methods.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Use a software package designed for statistical analyses in the social sciences.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module is taught via a combination of online lectures, online laboratories, and independent work. Students will engage with large publicly available datasets in the social sciences, allowing them to develop skills in data analyses and reporting, which will aid in their development of the Graduate Attributes of Curious and Agile. The assessment approaches will focus on developing the Graduate Attributes of Articulate and Responsible.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Field, A. (2018)
Discovering Statistics Using SPSS
, Sage
Greene, J., & D'Oliveira, M. (2005)
Learning to use statistical tests in psychology
, Open University Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Maxwell, S. E., & Delaney H. D. (2004)
Designing experiments and analyzing data, a model comparison perspective (2nd edition)
, Erlbaum
Tabachnick, B. G., and Fidell, L. S. (2008)
Using multivariate statistics (5th edition)
, Allyn & Bacon / Prentice Hall (Pearson)
Howell, D. C. (2009)
Statistical methods for psychology (7th edition)
, Wadsworth
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MSPSSCTFA - PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
Paul.Maher@ul.ie