Course overview
The aim of this course is to enable the student to describe and critically appraise the research methodology of a scientific journal article and to develop data literacy, management, and statistical analysis skills using appropriate computer software. Overview of research methodology, nature of scientific theory and knowledge, formulating hypotheses, measurement processes, reliability and validity, levels of measurement, types of experimental design, internal and external validity, study power;
The normal distribution, sampling distributions, choice of statistical techniques including non-parametric techniques, hypothesis testing, p values, confidence intervals, measures of risk;
A range of inferential statistical procedures including correlation and regression, t-tests and their non-parametric alternatives, chi square test, analysis of variance procedures and the non-parametric alternatives;
Using a software package for entering and analysing data, describing data with graphical and numerical summaries, and implementing inferential statistical procedures;
Interpreting and communicating results of data analysis.
Course learning outcomes
- Discuss key aspects of quantitative research methods including study design, measurement, sampling and statistical analysis
- Prepare a statistical summary of data in a health related area
- Interpret statistical questions and develop strategies for testing these questions
- Identify broad groups of analysis (parametric and non-parametric) and levels of measurement (interval, ordinal, nominal)
- Perform calculations and interpret the results of a range of statistical testing and estimation procedures, paying particular attention to the underlying assumptions
- Interpret and effectively communicate results of data analysis