PSY3048 : Advanced Statistics for Empirical Psychology
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr David Walshaw
- Lecturer: Dr Gareth Richards
- Owning School: Psychology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
To provide an understanding of advanced statistical methods relating to regression and the design of experiments. To develop an appreciation of the importance of good research designs.
In the era of big data the analysis and interpretation of data, and the ethical issues surrounding data, are vital. The aim of the module is to provide the students with advanced analytical skills which will benefit them in emprical psychology and beyond. It will enable students to plan and analyse their own experiments and critically evaluate the results of others.
This module will be of particular benefit to those students looking to move into further study (e.g. MSc) or a research career. More generally, the advanced statistical techniques covered will enhance student employability outside the field of psychology.
Outline Of Syllabus
Recap of multiple regression
Advanced regression techniques: generalised linear models via logistic regression, Poisson regression and negative binomial regression, linear, mixed effects models, mediation and moderation
Chi-squared tests
Hierarchical clustering
Power calculations
Open science, meta-analysis
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 38:00 | 38:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Present in person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Present in person |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 31:00 | 31:00 | N/A |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures lay the foundations of the statistical techniques.
Practical sessions enable students to apply statistical methods and provide an opportunity for students to clarify any misunderstandings about the methods taught in the lectures.
Calculations are carried out on computers using SPSS and R and they are intended to enable students to develop their computing skills.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 80 | Statistical exam (6 questions); unseen, present in person |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 20 | Exercise will take between 2 - 3 hours to complete. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | Formative problem solving exercises using questions similar in format to the other assessments |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The examination assesses knowledge and understanding of statistical methods and will require an ability to draw on material from throughout the course.
Coursework carried out in the practicals and continued in the students' own time takes the form of a problem solving exercise. This exercise carries 20% of the module marks as an indication of the importance of applying the statistical techniques during the learning process.
The examination will assess the students’ ability to explain the principles underlying statistical methods and perform statistical analyses in regression and design of experiments. The assignment will assess the students’ ability to select the correct method of analysis and allow them to demonstrate skills in SPSS and R.
Formative feedback will be provided on non-assessed questions which are similar in format to the examination questions.
If the module is failed, Stage 3 students may only be offered a resit if an honours degree is not awarded on the first occasion. Failed assessments will be the same format during the August resit period.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PSY3048's Timetable