BSc Psychology

This course will introduce students to core principles and techniques in Statistics as applied in the context of psychological sciences. A core aspect of the course will be in developing an understanding of Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST) framework and an ability to apply this framework to test research hypotheses. The emphasis will be on providing students with intuition about crucial aspects of statistical concepts and tests, rather than upon mathematical formulations. Students will consolidate self-paced directed learning with frequent in person problem lectures, formative assessments and practical examples involving both hand and Excel-based calculation.  

This is a compulsory Level 4 unit for the BSc Psychology programme. It provides a foundation for further study in PSYC21061 Statistics and Data Analysis at Level 5 and PSYC30920 Empirical Project at Level 6. 

The unit aims to:

Introduce you to quantitative research approaches used in psychological research. It will outline and examine fundamental principles and techniques of statistical analysis.  

You will gain experience in conducting statistical analyses using appropriate software and will have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge of research methodology in lab classes linked to other course units. More generally, the course aims to promote the development of critical thinking skills, enabling you to objectively evaluate psychological research.  

Across both semesters there will be a total of 10 blocks (2 fundamental/preliminary blocks) and 8 statistics topic blocks available via a VLE (e.g. canvas).

For each topic block, material will be delivered via a series of self-paced learning modules embedded in SoftChalk. In each module the topic lead will provide a (approx. 10-20 minute) Video-Lecture (VL) Learning modules are interspersed with formative feedback exercises after each VL. Each week there will also be a live practical class in which students will practice/conduct statistical calculations/tests using Excel. There will also be weekly in-person problem lecture sessions with the topic leads at which problems encountered in the topic material will be addressed. Problems are related to the topic lead via a shared padlet. Support will also be provided via discussion boards for each topic which will be monitored regularly by the topic leads. There will also be two quizzes (one each semester, delivered on Canvas) which provide summative assessment and a chance to examine understanding of key topics before the exam at the end of the semester. Self-paced learning materials will be supplemented by additional webcasts on topics that are commonly found to be difficult.   

• Learn key terminology and develop understanding of basic concepts and theory of statistics
• Develop an understanding of the Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST) framework and ability to apply this to test scientific hypotheses of the kind encountered in psychological science.
• Interpret the results of statistical analyses in the context of a research design  

• Problem solving using elements of statistical theory
• Employ quantitative reasoning to understand fundamental aspects of research design and data analysis including for published research in psychological science  

• Choose appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics for different research hypotheses and/or questions about data
• Undertake basic statistical calculations using Excel  
• Analyse and interpret quantitative data accurately, clearly, and concisely in tables, plots and text  
• Formally test research hypotheses under the NHST framework 

• Use Excel to organise, explore and conduct basic statistical tests on data  
• Demonstrate confidence in handling and analysis of research data  
• Collaborate inclusively to solve statistical problems and evaluate outcomes.   

Results will be released within 1 week of each quiz submission deadline; students will have an opportunity to review their grades and the correct answers to questions.

Results will be released within 2 weeks of assignment deadline for submission

Warren, P., Fisher, A. & Edge, D. (2017). Statistics and Research Methods (4th Edition). Harlow: Pearson.

For students who enjoy mathematics, the following text provides an authoritative overview of the statistical analyses covered in the degree (as well as more advanced analyses). Note, this book is recommended as an additional text; it is not essential and should be considered as a supplement rather than a replacement of the core text:

Howell, D. C. (2013) Statistical methods for Psychology, International edition (8th Edition). Wadsworth