Advanced Quantitative Research Skills

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Performing and interpreting mediation and moderation analyses
• Data visualisation - learning how to create high-quality figures, especially associated with more complex analyses (e.g. three dimensional scatter plots, Trellis displays, etc.).
• Scripting - programming an analysis in such a way that the script can be used with minimal effort for similar datasets and analyses and for especially large datasets
• Implementation of statistical procedures within the R environment and SPSS
• Understanding the distinction between mediation on moderation
• Data manipulation - acquiring skills in flexible matrix manipulation

This module is divided into two main components. The first component is Introduction into the R. language, implementing Basic Statistical Methods and the General Linear Model (t-tests, ANOVA’s, correlation, and regressions) in R.

A specific focus will be on scripting, data manipulation and advanced data visualisation. No prior knowledge concerning computer programming is required.

The second component focuses on understanding, conducting, and interpreting mediations and moderation analyses in SPSS. Students will also learn how to report results following APA guidance.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Hayes, A. F (2003). Introduction to mediation, moderation, and conditional process analysis: A regression-based approach. New York, NY, US: Guilford Press.

Alain Zuur, Elena Ieno, & Erik Meesters (2009). A Beginner's Guide To R.. Springer.

Summative

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

Referral

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

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External