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Quantitative Methods for Psychology 2 (PSYC20001)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Not available in 2022
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
Overview
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This subject comprises two units.
Introduction to Design and Analysis for Psychological Research: covers basic experimental and survey design for psychological research and associated methods for data analysis. The unit is intended to develop students' capabilities in a range of exploratory and hypothesis-testing data analytic techniques, including skills in creating and interpreting graphical displays, and an understanding of a range of descriptive and inferential statistics. Methods of statistical inference, interval estimation and hypothesis testing are introduced, and emphasis is given to the interpretation of data analysis. The practical classes introduce students to computer-based data analysis using the statistical package SPSS.
Introduction to Psychological Measurement: is an introduction to the process and purpose of psychological testing at the level of the individual. The unit covers basic concepts in psychological testing and measurement to show how individual differences are quantified. Quantitative measurement of individual behaviour serves a fundamental purpose in psychology including, for example, obtaining data for theoretical investigations, identification of abnormal behaviour in clinical settings, and identification of special skills or attributes in personnel selection or workplace settings. All applications of psychological measurement may involve evaluation of the quality or reliability and validity of measurement. Topics include the history of psychological measurement and testing; methods for new test development; evaluating the reliability and validity of measurement; validity of professional decisions; contemporary approaches to evaluating psychological measurement; and an introduction to psychological tests and testing applications.
Intended learning outcomes
Students will:
- develop skills in exploratory and hypothesis-testing data analytic techniques
- create and interpret graphical displays
- understand a range of descriptive and inferential statistics
- be introduced to the process of psychological testing at the level of the individual
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, at an introductory level students should be able to: analyse research and measurement issues from an evidence-based perspective; evaluate critically research designs and data analytic techniques used in quantitative research; strengthen their own capabilities in data analysis, particularly using major software packages; understand the steps involved in developing and evaluating psychological tests; identify strengths and weaknesses of measurement instruments appropriate to the social and behavioural sciences.
Last updated: 24 November 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
512-121 (or equivalent).
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Completion of first-year undergraduate psychology.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 24 November 2023
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
An examination
| 100% | |
| Hurdle requirement: Attendance at 80% or more of the laboratory classes is a hurdle requirement. In case of failure to meet the hurdle requirement, additional work will be required before a passing grade can be awarded. | N/A |
Additional details
(Please note that this subject is a corequisite or prerequisite for all third-level subjects in psychology, and its satisfactory completion in second year is essential if students wish to complete the psychology major within the minimum time.)
Last updated: 24 November 2023
Dates & times
Not available in 2022
Time commitment details
120 hours
Last updated: 24 November 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
- Subject notes
This subject will not be offered after 2009.
Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008), BASc or a combined BSc course may receive science credit for the completion of this subject.
Students undertaking psychology subjects can receive credit toward either the science or arts requirement of the BASc or BA/BSc course. Credit for psychology cannot be split between the two components. Students should advise the Faculty of Science if they would like psychology to count toward the science requirement of their BASc or BA/BSc course.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 24 November 2023