Course content

The course builds on the basic understanding of statistical tests used to analyse quantitative research. It provides an in-depth overview of the most commonly applied statistical analyses in quantitative psychological research, as well as the most frequently used data collection methods (questionnaires, experiments, and registry data). The statistical analyses covered in the course include correlation, simple and multiple regression, t-tests, and ANOVA (various forms beyond one-way, such as factorial/mixed). Exploratory factor analysis is also included.

Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on criteria for selecting the appropriate statistical test, assessing assumptions, and—crucially—interpreting the results of these tests in light of the research design used. Students will be introduced to how they can examine and understand interaction effects. The course also emphasises effect sizes, confidence intervals, and statistical power.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

• The student has in-depth knowledge of quantitative research designs and statistical analyzes used within psychology.
• The student is knowledgeable of the calculations and interpretations of interaction effects, effect sizes, confidence intervals and assessment of statistical power.
• The student has fundamental knowledge of the assessment of the psychometric properties of an instrument.

Skills:

• The student can carry out all steps in the research process, from formulating a problem and deriving testable hypotheses based on the problem, collecting data, preparing datasets, handling missing data, independently justifying the choice of statistical analyses, carrying out the analyses and interpreting the results independently based on strengths and challenges of the research design.
• The student can assess statistical power and can interpret effect sizes.
• The student can report and discuss the results from the analyses and account for limitations related to the generalisation of the results.

General competence:

• The student can critically analyze and communicate relevant research, and can master methodological and statistical forms of expression.
• The student has developed a critical perspective to assess the application area of ​​various statistical tests, and knows the importance of statistical power and effect sizes.
• The student has insight into the areas of use, benefits, assumptions and limitations of the various statistical tests and quantitative methods in general.
• The student can, under supervision, carry out a quantitative research project, including data collection, analysis and presentation of the results in accordance with established practice (APA) and comply with ethical guidelines and current legislation that involves health research.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and exercises. Some lectures may be held in English.

Compulsory assignments

• Five written assignments

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

PSY1120/PSYK4120, PSY1011, PSYPRO4111, PSY1111/PSYK4111 or equivalent.

Credit reductions