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Responsible Instructor |
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Contact Hours / Week x/x/x/x |
0/0/2/2
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Education Period |
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Start Education |
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Exam Period |
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Course Language |
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Course Contents |
The main topics of study considered in light of the above learning outcomes are:
• Research philosophy (e.g. positivism, empiricism, naturalism)
• Formulating empirical research questions and conceptual research models
• Causality effects and relationships
• Validity and Reliability
• Scales of measurement (e.g. nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio)
• Sampling methods (e.g. experiment, survey, observations) and measure instruments (e.g. Likert scales, semantic differential, event versus time sampling)
• Experimental design (e.g. within and between-subjects, factorial design, counter-balancing, Latin square)
• Biases in empirical research approaches (e.g. confounding variables, statistical power)
• Data preparation (e.g. standardization of data, reliability analysis, Inter-rater reliability)
• Hypothesis testing, t-test, (M)ANOVA, correlation, regression analysis
• Non-parametric approaches to data analysis
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Study Goals |
MAIN AIMS OF THE MODULE
To achieve understanding of empirical research methods and obtain practical experience with quantitative data analysis methods.
LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR THE MODULE
In providing the opportunity for students to develop and demonstrate understanding, knowledge and competence, the learning outcomes for the module are that students will be able to:
1. Recognise and begin to utilise appropriate strategies for carrying out empirical research for answering research questions
2. Appreciate how empirical research is conducted and findings can be evaluated
3. Understand key principles underlying statistical data analysis
4. Develop and apply appropriate research strategy and measure instruments
5. Successfully use statistical software tools to analyse data
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Education Method |
In the lectures, theories, principles and methods are presented and discussed. During the lectures class-demonstrations will be given on how SPSS can be used to analyse empirical data. In the practicum students work in small groups (2 to 3 students) on assignments and discuss them with an instructor. The instructors will also provide practical guidance on the use of SPSS.
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Literature and Study Materials |
Will be announced on blackboard
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Books |
Robson, C., (2002) Real world research: A resource for social scientists and practitioner-researchers (2nd ed). Malden: MA, Blackwell.
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Assessment |
The module is assessed by coursework and an exam as follows:
(70%) Written Exam
(30%) Coursework Project (resulting in a report)
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