Quantitative methods as the basis for psychological science

The course provides an introduction to basic methods of describing, processing, and summarizing quantitative data. Instruction is given in common forms of organizing quantitative data, various approaches to describing and summarizing such data, as well as in key principles for drawing statistical inferences.

Through practical exercises, students will gain experience in processing and summarizing quantitative information. Furthermore, the course will provide an introduction to how to evaluate and apply knowledge from quantitative research in psychological contexts.

Upon completion of the course, the student shall have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Students

• Can describe and differentiate main approaches to quantitative research methods in psychology
• Know principles of statistical inference in quantitative research
• Know quality criteria in quantitative research, including principles of open science
• Can critically analyze relevant quantitative research and master relevant methodological terminology
• Describe and differentiate main approaches to quantitative data analysis
• Can identify situations in which different forms of quantitative data analysis are relevant
• Know principles of organizing quantitative data
• Know basic statistical concepts such as central tendency, spread, and association

Skills

Students can

• Formulate research questions that are suitable for quantitative research
• Evaluate the quality of quantitative studies
• Prepare and organize quantitative data using standard software
• Produce simple univariate and bivariate statistics using standard software
• Interpret results from statistical analyses of bivariate relationships and group differences
• Communicate results from statistical analyses in accordance with scientific standards

General competence

By completion of the course the student will be able to:

• Take a critical and reflective stand toward the possibilities and limitations of quantitative research