Statistical Research Methods (5cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

September – December 2019.
9/19 - 11/19: Part 1 theory and homework
10/19 - 11/19: Part 2 lectures and assignments
12/19: final exam
• Why Study Statistics
• populations and samples
• Organizing Data
• Analyzing data
• Averages and Variation
• Deviations
• Correlation and Regression
• Estimation

Objective

After completing the course the student can: compute the values of sample statistics and explain the meaning of them construct graphs and interpret them apply statistical methods to solve problems of probability and to estimate and test hypothesis present a complex project and technical content to others in a clear and precise way utilize the gained knowledge to support her/his own work.

Content

statistical methods scientific text writing a research report basic concepts of statistics estimation probability theory

Materials

Probability and Statistics (3rd edition), Murray R. Spiegel, John J. Schiller, R. Alu Srinivasan, SCHAUM’S outlines.

Teaching methods

Teacher-directed classroom activities, group work and independent work; project work, reports, task-based (homework)

Pedagogic approaches and sustainable development

The course is divided into two parts. Part 1 gives basic knowledge about statistic methods.
The contents of the part 1 give understanding of how to collect data from different data sources, distinguish between different data types, sample data, and the students will be able to compute the characteristics of a sample and explain the meaning of them, present data graphically and read graphical graphs.
Part 2 focuses on how students can apply their knowledge of statistical methods into real life problems. Students learn how to read and interpret quantitative research articles, how to choose research methods for thesis work and how to collect data. Different assignments are conducted during the lectures and as homework to support learning. At the end of part 2 students will prepare a final assignment on how to evaluate quantitative research and how to make a research plan that includes statistic methods.
Task-based assessment supports learning and is continuous throughout the course.

Student workload

Classroom activities: Classroom activities participation 24 h
Homework (Part 1): Working on homework sets 1-6 30 h
Final exam (Part 1): Preparing for the final exam 27 h
Homework (Part 2): Homework sets 1-3 24 h
Final assignement (Part 2): Final assignment on applying statistical methods in practice 24 h

Evaluation methods and criteria

Homework sets 1-6: 30 %
-Total of thirty homework exercises based on reading material and classroom notes
-Diagnostic/formative self / teacher evaluation in connection with each homework set return session
Final assignment 40 %
-Each outcome of the project work is assessed independently (assessment criteria is specified in Optima)
-Peer feedback summative teacher feedback at the end of the course
Final exam 30 %
-A written exam (1,5 hrs) on specified material
-Summative teacher evaluation at the end of the course

Further information

All practical information on timetables, project work, grading etc., as well as links to web materials are provided in Optima.