| Unit name | Advanced Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EDUCM0110 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Leckie |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Education |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
The unit will introduce students to a range of multivariate statistical methods widely applied in quantitative educational research. The philosophy of this course is that students will learn more by applying these methods using the SPSS software and to real education and social science datasets than by focusing solely on their underlying statistical theory. Methods covered include: analysis of variance, factor analysis, linear regression, and multilevel modelling.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This is an Optional Unit in the MRes Education and the PhD (part-time). It builds on the foundations of quantitative research methods in the unit ‘Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods’. Students will take either this unit or the Advanced Qualitative Research Methods unit.
An overview of content
The unit introduces the main multivariate statistical methods used in educational and social research (ANOVA, factor analysis, linear regression, multilevel modelling). It provides students with an understanding of when these methods are appropriate and how these methods can contribute to a more robust/powerful evidence base in educational research. The unit also provides students with the knowledge and skills to apply these methods to secondary datasets using the SPSS computer package and to interpret their statistical output in relation to specific research questions. The unit develops students’ ability to statistically critique published research.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
After attending this unit, students will be equipped with a deepened and broadened understanding of statistical procedures.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate that they:
This unit is taught through activities including lectures, computer practicals using SPSS software, and critical reading and discussion of published quantitative articles.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Regular SPSS worksheets will be provided in which students attempt to apply the taught methods to data and to interpret the results. Annotated answers will then be provided, allowing students to check their progress.
Students will also have the opportunity to post questions and receive feedback on the unit material, SPSS and general questions about the assignment.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
The summative assessment consists of a structured assignment with several sections. In each section, students will be required to identify the appropriate method for the given research question and SPSS dataset. They will then have to apply the method and associated descriptive statistics in SPSS, present the results in the format of an academic report, and give a critical interpretation of the findings, reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of their analyses, and suggest potential improvements. (4,000 words equivalent). ILOs 1-4
When assessment does not go to plan
When a student fails the unit and is eligible to resubmit, failed components will be reassessed on a like-for-like basis. Students will resubmit a revised version of the original work.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EDUCM0110).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
