Introduction to Statistics and SPSS

Module overview

This module provides an introduction to the use of statistical methods for the analysis of quantitative data and their application in public health. This will include descriptive statistics and basic inferential statistics. The emphasis will be on the practical application of statistical methods and the interpretation of results using the statistical software SPSS. In addition to teaching you when and how to apply which quantitative analytical techniques when carrying out research or evaluating a programme, it will enable you to interpret your own results and those reported by others.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

How to construct different data presentation and summary approaches.
The difference between the various types of data and how to report data summaries using the most appropriate approach.
The differences between various statistical techniques, know when to apply them, justify the choice of technique and be able to summarise the results.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Choose between and apply different statistical techniques to analyse data.
Present quantitative research findings appropriately.
Apply the concept of a statistical hypothesis test and be able to interpret the related effect size, confidence interval and P value.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Use the IBM SPSS software package to set up a database, enter data, create and manipulate variables, analyse data using the most appropriate tests and explain the results in the context of their relevance to public health, including description of relevant statistics and tabulation/graphical display of the data.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

A variety of methods are used including lectures, reference to online resources, interactive tools for learning and self-assessment, SPSS computer demonstrations and practical SPSS exercises using computers.

Study time
Type	Hours
Teaching	28
Independent Study	72
Total study time	100

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Kirkwood BR, Sterne AC. (2003). Essential medical statistics. Wiley-Blackwell.

Campbell MJ, Machin D, Walters SJ. (2007). Medical statistics: A textbook for the health sciences. Wiley-Blackwell.

Petrie A, Sabin C. (2009). Medical statistics at a glance. Wiley-Blackwell.

Altman DG. (1990). Practical statistics for medical research. Chapman and Hall/CRC.

Foster L, Diamond I, Jefferies J (2014). Beginning statistics: an introduction for social scientists. Sage Publishing.

Bland M. (2015). An introduction to medical research. Oxford University Press.

Assessment

Assessment strategy

The assessment includes both formative and summative elements. The formative assessments are SPSS exercises that are self-directed. There are two summative assessments: a data analysis report and an on-line multiple choice (MCQ) quiz. The pass mark for the summative written data analysis report and the module is 50%. You must also pass the online MCQ quiz by achieving a mark of 90% or above. If you fail the MCQ quiz you are allowed to take it again until you pass within the specified time period. If you fail the module, you will have the opportunity to submit work at the next referral (re-sit) opportunity. On passing your referral, your final module mark will be capped at 50%.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Workbook

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback: Verbal
Final Assessment: No
Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Written report	100%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Written report	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External