Module overview
The emphasis will be on the practical application of statistical methods and the interpretation of results using the statistical computer software SPSS. The module will draw on a range of international and UK data sources.
One of the pre-requisites for RESM6007 and STAT6108
This module is a pre-requisite for GEOG6110
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use computers to handle and manipulate quantitative data
- Use computers to perform statistical analyses
- Write reports of data analysis.
- Carry out and interpret statistical analyses (including hypothesis tests about means and proportions, the chi-squared test of independence, and linear regression) using SPSS
- Analyse and solve problems
- Select appropriate statistical methods in order to answer specific research questions
- Enter quantitative data into SPSS files
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of core methods of descriptive and inferential statistics used in the social sciences and other disciplines
Syllabus
This module gives a broad introduction to quantitative methods of analysis. Indicative content includes: descriptive statistics, presentation of data using tables and graphs, the Normal distribution, sampling distributions and the central limit theorem, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests for means and proportions, chi-squared test of independence, two sample t-tests, correlation and simple linear regression, multiple linear regression, regression with categorical covariates and interactions, the measurement and interpretation of effect sizes. In addition, some key international and UK data sources will be introduced.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching will be delivered by a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous online methods, which may include lectures, quizzes, discussion boards, workshop activities, exercises, and videos. A range of resources will also be provided for further self-directed study. Face-to-face teaching opportunities will be explored depending on circumstances and feasbility.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 22 |
| Independent Study | 78 |
| Total study time | 100 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
SPSS. You will require access to SPSS, which is available on the University’s computer workstations and can be downloaded to your own computer for use with your studies.
Other. A variety of relevant e-learning resources will be available on Blackboard. These include recordings of lectures, exercise/tutorial sheets, computer workshop sheets, datasets for analysis, reading lists, and links to online statistics textbooks and other useful websites. Resources to support the production of these blended learning materials will be made available by the Doctoral Training Centre
Textbooks
Foster, L., Diamond, I. and Jefferies, J. (2015). Beginning Statistics: an Introduction for Social Scientists. London: Sage.
Field, A. (2009). Discovering Statistics Using SPSS. London: Sage.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
The module will be assessed by coursework assignment.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External