Unit name | Multivariate Statistical Methods in Education |
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Unit code | EDUCM5507 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
Unit director | Dr. Tim Jay |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
Introduction to Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Education |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
The unit will introduce students to a range of statistical methods available in the statistical package SPSS for Windows, with the main emphasis being on the use of advanced statistics and their interpretation. The philosophy of the course is that students learn more about inferential statistics by carrying them out using a real data set than by trying to learn statistical theory from first principles. Statistics covered include: analysis of variance and covariance, simple and multiple linear regression, multivariate techniques of factor analysis, discriminant analysis and cluster analysis, and the use of secondary data analysis in education.
By the end of the unit, students will gain a working knowledge of a range of essential multivariate inferential statistics available on SPSS. They will be able to select, apply and interpret these statistics appropriately according to research hypotheses and the scale of measurement of the variables involved. They will consider the use and value of secondary analyses of existing data sets in education.
Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials, use of software(SPSS), virtual learning environment
Formative: Group presentation (15 minutes) OR essay + analysis of (primary or secondary) data set (draft statistical analyses and associated reports).
Summative: Wssay + analysis of (primary or secondary) data set (4,000 words or equivalent including statistics).
The choice between formative assessment options will be negotiated with the Unit Tutor.
Main Course Text:
Alternative Texts: