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
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply the concept of a statistical hypothesis test and be able to interpret the related effect size, confidence interval and P value.
- Choose between and apply different statistical techniques to analyse data.
- Present quantitative research findings appropriately.
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.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The differences between various statistical techniques, know when to apply them, justify the choice of technique and be able to summarise the results.
- The difference between the various types of data and how to report data summaries using the most appropriate approach.
- How to construct different data presentation and summary approaches.
Syllabus
- Types of quantitative data, descriptive statistics and graphical presentation
- Sampling from a population
- Hypothesis testing and confidence intervals
- Analysing continuous and categorical data
- Correlation
- Linear and logistic regression
- Sample size
- Standardisation (z-score)
- Data handling manipulation and statistical analysis in SPSS
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.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Teaching | 28 |
Independent Study | 72 |
Total study time | 100 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Altman DG. (1990). Practical statistics for medical research. Chapman and Hall/CRC.
Campbell MJ, Machin D, Walters SJ. (2007). Medical statistics: A textbook for the health sciences. Wiley-Blackwell.
Bland M. (2015). An introduction to medical research. Oxford University Press.
Foster L, Diamond I, Jefferies J (2014). Beginning statistics: an introduction for social scientists. Sage Publishing.
Petrie A, Sabin C. (2009). Medical statistics at a glance. Wiley-Blackwell.
Kirkwood BR, Sterne AC. (2003). Essential medical statistics. Wiley-Blackwell.
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.
WorkbookSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
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.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Written report | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External