Quantitative Approaches to Research

This topic aims to prepare students to select and employ appropriate analytical procedures for the examination of data collected in surveys, quasi-experimental research studies and longitudinal studies as well as to draw appropriate conclusions and interpret the research findings from such studies. The course concentrates on an understanding of and on the use of the analytical procedures of linear regression, multiple regression, path analysis, factor analysis, cluster analysis, partial least squares path analysis, and structural equation modelling using SPSS, AMOS and MPlus. In addition, the problems of multilevel analysis are examined and an understanding and experience in the use of the analytical procedure of hierarchical linear modelling is provided both for studies of growth and of school and classroom effects. The HLM and MPlus programs are introduced as appropriate procedures for multilevel analysis. The implications of the choice of a particular multivariate analytical procedure for the design of quantitative research studies in the social and behavioural sciences are considered.