Quantitative methods as the basis for psychological science

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The course provides an introduction to basic methods of describing, processing, and summarizing quantitative data. Instruction is given in common forms of organizing quantitative data, various approaches to describing and summarizing such data, as well as in key principles for drawing statistical inferences. Through practical exercises, students will gain experience in processing and summarizing quantitative information. Furthermore, the course will provide an introduction to how to evaluate and apply knowledge from quantitative research in psychological practice.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student shall have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Students

  • Can describe and differentiate main approaches to quantitative data analysis
  • Can identify situations in which different forms of quantitative data analysis are relevant
  • Know principles of organizing quantitative data
  • Know basic statistical concepts such as central tendency, spread, and association
  • Know principles of statistical inference

Skills

Students can

  • Formulate research questions that are suitable for quantitative research
  • Evaluate the quality of quantitative studies
  • Produce simple univariat and bivariat statistics using standard software
  • Interpret results from statistical analyzes of bivariate relationships and group differences
  • Communicate results from statistical analyzes in accordance with scientific standards

General competence

By completion of the course the student will be able to:

  • Take a critical and reflectively stand toward the possibilities and limitations of quantitative research
  • Prepare and organize quantitative data using standard software

ECTS Credits

5

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Autumn

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge
Due to the limited number of spaces available and special entry requirements, admission to the course is limited.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
.
Access to the Course
Professional studies in psychology
Teaching and learning methods
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Teaching Methods and Extent of Organized Teaching
Lectures, seminars, and group exercises.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Attendance of seminars (approved by teacher).

Completed assignments that are related to the course theme (approved by teacher).

Forms of Assessment
Final assessment is a four hour course test.
Grading Scale
The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.
Assessment Semester
Autumn
Reading List
Teaching material will be made known to the students before the start of each semester.
Course Evaluation
The course will be evaluated in accordance with the routine for participatory evaluation at the Faculty of Psychology, and Quality Assurance System at the University of Bergen.
Examination Support Material
Course curriculum and relevant study materials can be used during the exam.
Programme Committee
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Course Coordinator
Department of Psychosocial Science
Course Administrator
The Faculty of Psychology
Department
Department of Psychosocial Science