Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit is part of an articulated series of units on research design and data analysis taught across the whole degree. It builds on the concepts introduced in PYB110 and prepares you for the third year unit PYB350.

Aims

.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. design an experiment to test either a difference between means or a correlational hypothesis,
   
2. select the appropriate analysis to test this hypothesis,
   
3. conduct this analysis via SPSS,
   
4. interpret the outcome of the analysis, and
   
5. report the analysis in APA format.
   

Content

This unit takes an hypothesis testing approach to data analysis. This means that statistical analysis is treated as one step in a larger process which also includes formulating theoretically sound predictions, designing a suitable experiment to test the predictions, selection of the appropriate statistics to test the predictions, calculation and interpretation of the required statistics, and reporting the outcomes in the correct way. The aim of the unit is to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to do these tasks with respect to three types of prediction; differences between means, relationship between sets of scores, and differences in frequency.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit includes weekly 2-hour lectures and weekly laboratory classes. The lectures are videotaped and all overheads are placed in Course Reserve an E-Reserve to ensure that you can focus on understanding the material presented in class, rather than simply copying it down. In the laboratory classes, an action-based learning approach is taken, whereby you complete a series of exercises designed to systematically build a corpus of skill in the areas of experimental design, calculation of statistics, the use of SPSS, reporting results and the interpretation of data.

Assessment name: Assignment
Description: Experimental Design Essay (1500 words).
Relates to objectives: 1
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Assignment
Description: ANOVA and design short answer and calculating questions.
Relates to objectives: 2-5
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Final Exam
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Assessment name: Tutorial Participation
Description: Laboratory Class Exercises.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Christensen, L.B. (2004). Experimental Methodology(9th ed.). Boston: Pearson

Keppel, G. (2004). Design & Analysis: A Researcher's Handbook (4th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall

Texts and references are subject to change.
Set texts will be confirmed at the start of semester.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 17-May-2012