Course content

The course gives a deeper understanding of the most used first generation multivariate analyses in psychological research. After a review of data screening procedures and an introduction to advanced treatment of missing values the following multivariate techniques are emphasized: regression (multiple, mediation, moderation, logistics), factor analysis (principal component, common factor), analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, cluster analysis and chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) analysis. The main software is SPSS but the course also introduces students to STATA. The course gives both a theoretical introduction and practical exercise in computer laboratories

Learning outcome

Knowledge:
The candidate...
- has deep theoretical and practical knowledge of the first generation quantitative methods that are most used in experimental and non-experimental psychological research.
- has knowledge of the conditions for applying the methods in addition to the ability to appropriately assess the methods used to the corresponding research questions.

Skills:
The candidate...
- has the ability to translate theoretical research questions into hypotheses that can be tested with methods that are taught in the course.
- has the skill to set up an analysis strategy based on theory and knowledge of methodology.
- can reach decisions on a scientific basis from a complex documentation basis.

General Qualifications:
The candidate...
- has expertise in quantitative research and has knowledge of how research results are communicated in the form of a scientific article.
- has the expertise to evaluate published psychological research on the method level.

Learning methods and activities

Participation in lectures, seminars, laboratory exercises. The course (including the general part and in-depth seminars) consists of 30 hours and is arranged over a period of five days. The course is offered when at least 5 persons are registered.

Compulsory assignments

• Participation in lectures, seminars, laboratory exercises.

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic knowledge of quantitative social research and of statistics is recommended. Furthermore, experience with statistical software such as SPSS, STATA etc may be useful.

Required previous knowledge

The primary requirement for admission is that the applicant holds a cand.psychol., cand.polit./ Master's degree in Psychology or equivalent.

Course materials

Recommended literature and topics for specialization in the research seminars will be announced on the Department’s website.