07298 - Data Analysis Techniques

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will be able to: assess the psychometric characteristics of a good test; use and apply a clinical psychometric test; write a diagnostic profile based on the use of psychometric tests; prepare a research-intervention in the clinical setting, with particular reference to the experimental design, the formulation of hypotheses, the choice of the sample, the measuring instruments and appropriate statistical analyzes to verify them.

Course contents

A) The measurement in psychology. Characteristics of a good psychometric test (reliability, validity, sensitivity). Scoring and interpretation of a test (SCL-90 R) based on the norms, diagnostic profile of individual clinical cases and draft of a written report.

B) Multivariate statistical analysis (factor analysis, linear regression analysis, and analysis of variance) applied to the development and validation of a psychometric instrument, with reference to the validity (structural, criterion, predictive), the reliability (internal consistency and stability), sensitivity and specificity, and sensitivity to change.

C) Multivariate statistical analysis using the Geneal Linear Model applied to hypothesis testing in clinical research designs (cross-sectional, longitudinal, with or without a control group).

The course will take place during the first semester (from October to December 2016) at the Cesena Campus of the School of Psychology and Education (address: p.zza A. Moro, 90)

Readings/Bibliography

Gremigni P. e Casu G (2017) Psicometria e testistica in Psicologia clinica. eBook/PDF (online at http://www.lulu.com/shop/paola-gremigni-and-giulia-casu/psicometria-e-testistica-in-psicologia-clinica/ebook/product-22395057.html)

Handout written by the teacher on the scoring and use of the proposed clinical instrument (SCL-90R), downloadable from the teaching materials.

Teaching methods

Lessons are broken down into 2 modules, each of which includes a theoretical part where general issues are discussed and a practical part that illustrates specific examples.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an oral examination preceded by a written paper and will be as follows:
1) a written paper to be sent by e-mail to the teacher at least 15 days before the oral exam. The essay consists in the production of a clinical-diagnostic report based on the scores on a test of a case assigned by the teacher.This report can be written individually or by two students in collaboration. Detailed instructions will be given during lessons and will be available to be freely downloaded  from the course website. Score: 0-30;
2) Individual oral examination to ascertain the general theoretical knowledge acquired by the student on the topics introduced in class and presented more completely in the adopted book. The oral exam is based on issues treated in the adopetd book, which is available to be purchased online; the more difficult issues will be treated in class. Only students who have passed the written exam with at least a 18 grade can attend the oral exam. Score: 0-30.

The final score is the mean value of the scores of the two parts of the exam.

Teaching tools

Video, PC, tests.

Office hours

See the website of Paola Gremigni