Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

An understanding of quantitative methods is vital in a range of professional and academic contexts. This unit provides a solid introduction to applied statistics for students in criminology, criminal justice and related fields. It introduces students to the concept of descriptive and inferential statistics, provides them with the knowledge and skills to produce univariate and bivariate analyses, as well as the analytic skills to assess the appropriateness of a range of statistical techniques. In addition, it provides hands-on skills in using statistical software common to governmental and academic work environments. Thus, students will be more critical consumers of research, and have foundational skills for producing their own research projects. This unit is designed for students with little or no prior mathematical or statistical background (beyond basic arithmetic).

Aims

This unit has three aims:
1. To introduce students to the foundational concepts in descriptive and inferential statistics for the analysis of quantitative data
2. To provide students with practical skills in producing and writing up statistical analyses
3. To develop the ability to think critically about quantitative analyses, including ethical and disciplinary issues

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to demonstrate the graduate capabilities in the following manner:

1. Knowledge
· Understand foundational concepts for undertaking quantitative analyses in this context
· Demonstrate the ability to select appropriate statistical technique based on the type of data, data assumptions and research question/purpose

2. Ethics and Professionalism
· Understand the ethical considerations involved in quantitative research

3. Higher Order Thinking and Research Skills
· Demonstrate the ability to appropriately conduct and interpret statistical analyses in light the research question and the broader research design
· Demonstrate ability to develop and manipulate statistical datasets using statistical software common to the academic and professional environment

4. Communication, Collaboration and Independent Life Skills
· Demonstrate ability to present quantitative analyses in writing using modern technology and media
· Demonstrate independent and reflective learning
· Ability to appropriately report and evaluate statistical findings within the disciplinary and professional contexts

Content

The unit is divided into three modules:

Introductory material. This short section reviews the key ideas of quantitative research design, and the context of undertaking quantitative analyses in this disciplinary context.

Descriptive statistics. This module introduces techniques for describing the characteristics of a single variable and examining relationships between two or more variables.

Statistical inference. This section provides a conceptual introduction to the basic ideas of statistical inference, the manner in which we use information taken from a probability sample to draw conclusions (inferences) about the larger population from which the sample is drawn. It introduces some basic inferential techniques.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be taught through lectures and computer lab sessions. Lectures will introduce the basic principles and concepts of quantitative analyses. The lab sessions will provide students with hands-on experience using Excel. External students will have access to lectures through the use of Blackboard Collaborate (as well as lecture recordings). Online lab sessions using Blackboard Collaborate will be available (and recorded) for external students. Study Guides for both internal and external students will be available online.

Assessment

This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to applied statistics, and the use of common statistical software used within government and academic work environments. Students will be provided with both knowledge of the basic principles involved in undertaking quantitative data analysis, but also practical skills in producing and interpreting this analysis, through the use of Excel.

Assessment name: Report
Description: Research report
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 6

Assessment name: Report
Description: Research report
Relates to objectives: 1, 3 and 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 12

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: Multiple Choice Exam
Relates to objectives: 1, 2
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

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

TBA

Lecture notes, study guide and readings will be provided during the course of the semester.

Risk assessment statement

There are no 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: 07-Mar-2013