The course gives an introduction to basic statistical methods. We discuss the use of quantitative data in psychological research, both as descriptive statistics (percentiles, averages, standard deviations and correlations) and as inferential statistics (e.g. null hypothesis testing, statistical significance and effect sizes). We examine methods for different data types and statistical models including linear regression models and group comparisons (t-test and analysis of variance). Students also get acquainted with statistical software packages (e.g. SPSS). After completion of the course the students should be able to perform simple data analyses in applied psychological research. They should recognise when a particular method should be used or not. It is also expected that the student can translate research issues to statistical problem and conduct the appropriate statistical analysis to elucidate the problem. The students should finally be able to read and evaluate research in psychology involving basic statistical methods.

Wednesday 8-10, CSS 35-01-44 The course contents will be illustrated further in a number of parallel training classes.