PSYCH 744 : Experimental Design and Quantitative Methods for Psychology
Science
2020 Semester One (1203) (15 POINTS)
Course Prescription
Course Overview
This course deals with the principles and practices relevant to psychological research. These include designing research, measurement of variables, describing and analysing data, and interpreting results. This course aims to prepare students for analysing and writing up data from their own research using statistical software. Emphasis will be on the practical application of both experimental and nonexperimental designs using more than two groups and designs with two or more variables. Everyone must have access to a computer in class and the course is discussion format. We use IBM SPSS version 24 software for all analyses though R will also be discussed as a viable alternative software. Basic (undergraduate) knowledge of statistics (e.g., multiple regression, factorial ANOVA, nonparametric statistics) and SPSS software is assumed and is required for this course.
Capabilities Developed in this Course
| Capability 1: | Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice |
| Capability 2: | Critical Thinking |
| Capability 3: | Solution Seeking |
| Capability 4: | Communication and Engagement |
| Capability 5: | Independence and Integrity |
| Capability 6: | Social and Environmental Responsibilities |
Learning Outcomes
- Understand basic statistical concepts used in quantitative data analysis such as the attributes of variables, different measurement scales and types of research designs. (Capability 1 and 2)
- Review the assumptions of parametric and non-parametric designs and understand the advantages and disadvantages of both. Be able to screen data for assumptions of parametric tests. (Capability 1, 2 and 3)
- Become proficient in the use of SPSS software (windows and syntax options) to analyse data from psychological experiments. Following a statistical analysis, understand how to write a Results section using a set of conventions regarding the way that research information is presented. (Capability 1, 2, 3 and 5)
- Critically review the current research literature in your area of interest and describe and critique the most commonly employed statistical techniques. (Capability 1, 2, 4 and 6)
- Perform multiple regression analysis by computer (simultaneous, hierarchical, logistic) and solve a regression equation by hand. Understand that multiple regression can be used to determine: how well a set of variables are able to predict the criterion; the relative contribution of each of the variables that make up the model; which variable is the best predictor over and above the other IVs included in the set; whether a particular predictor variable is still able to predict the criterion when the effects of covariate(s) are controlled for. (Capability 1, 2 and 3)
- Conduct a two or three-way split-plot ANOVA and perform any necessary post-hoc and/or simple effects tests. Understand the main types of analysis of variance and when to perform each. (Capability 1, 2 and 3)
Assessments
| Assessment Type | Percentage | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | 30% | Individual Coursework |
| Test | 30% | Individual Test |
| Assignment 2 | 40% | Individual Coursework |
| 3 types | 100% |
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcome Addressed | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |||||
| Assignment 1 | ||||||||||
| Test | ||||||||||
| Assignment 2 | ||||||||||
Key Topics
Learning Resources
Special Requirements
Workload Expectations
This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.
During a typical teaching week there will be 2 hours of lectures.
For the 12 teaching weeks, this totals to 24 hours. Since the course as a whole represents approximately 150 hours of study, that leaves a total of 126 hours across the entire semester for independent study, e.g. reading, reflection, preparing for assessments/exams, etc.
Other Information
Assignment grading criteria: You can obtain a passing mark by showing that you have a reasonable grasp of the topic. To obtain a “B” grade you must show that you have a good grasp of the topic, that you have read literature outside of that covered in class, and that you can provide an intelligent evaluation of the issues, with only minor errors in what you write. An “A” grade will require that you have an excellent grasp of the topic, that you provide an intelligent evaluation of the issues, and that you support your positions with relevant research or reasoned arguments. The higher “A” grades will be reserved for those students who supplement this level of accomplishment with some outstandingly creative and original insights.
Digital Resources
Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).
Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.
If the room we are allocated allows lecture recording, this will be done and made available on Canvas.
Copyright
The content and delivery of content in this course are protected by copyright. Material belonging to others may have been used in this course and copied by and solely for the educational purposes of the University under license.
You may copy the course content for the purposes of private study or research, but you may not upload onto any third party site, make a further copy or sell, alter or further reproduce or distribute any part of the course content to another person.
Academic Integrity
The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.
Inclusive Learning
All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.
Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz
Special Circumstances
If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.
If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.
This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.
Student Feedback
During the course Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the staff responsible for the course and staff-student consultative committees.
At the end of the course students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback.
Your feedback helps to improve the course and its delivery for all students.
Student Charter and Responsibilities
The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).
Disclaimer
Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.
In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.