PS811.406 Introduction to Psychology
None.
On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
Analyse the scientific method and plan research processes that include funding, ethics and publication.
Critique various options in research design with an emphasis on the design of rigorous experiments.
Plan and perform a synthesis of raw data leading to descriptive measures and an understanding of the basis for and analysis of the usefulness of null hypothesis significance testing.
Perform, interpret and communicate advanced testing procedures to solve problems including: common univariate (parametric and non-parametric) significance tests, common effect size calculations and regression/correlation analyses.
Evaluate common multivariate analysis options.
This unit builds on students’ research design and analysis knowledge from Introduction to Psychology. However, this unit is dedicated to deepening, broadening and applying their knowledge. The unit begins with the scientific method, research process and research ethics. Students are then introduced to options for non-experimental, quasi-experimental and experimental research designs. The design and analysis of rigorous experiments is then discussed in detail. Initial topics include: randomisation, control, sample size, scale of measurement and statistical power. Students then explore raw data, outliers and descriptive statistics. Students will then be introduced to the conceptual basis of null hypothesis significance testing before learning to work with a variety of common parametric and non-parametric tools including: z, t, ANOVA, post-hoc, planned comparisons, Chi square, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Simple measures of effect size will also be demonstrated. Regression and correlation will also be discussed. In conclusion, students will be introduced to common multivariate analysis options.
The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.
This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.