B2798 - Applied Research and Evaluation In School and Community Ccontexts

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student:-Knows the main theories and techniques of testing in the school and community setting; - Knows the main tests in the school and community setting; - Knows the main techniques of analyzing quantitative and qualitative data; - Is able to use and propose psychological tests in the school and community setting; - Is able to design and carry out quantitative and qualitative research.

Course contents

Theoretical and methodological knowledge for analysis, research and intervention in schools and communities.

Module 1 (Prof. Sara Giovagnoli)

Research methods

The research design in psychology: formulation of hypotheses, choosing the sample and the instruments for psychological testing. Hypothesis testing in quantitative research designs (cross-sectional, longitudinal studies, with and without control group).

Logic of scientific research and application to empirical research designs; implementation and evaluation of empirical research in school and community contexts

Module 2 (Prof. Giulia Casu)

Quantitative assessment tools nalyses and classical test theory. Reliability and validity of a psychometric test; sensitivity to change, sensitivity and specificity of a test. Application of quantitative testing in schools and communities: cognitive tests and measures of perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors, scoring and interpretation of scores.

Module 3 (Dr. Sara Garofalo)

Measurement theory. Descriptive statistics (e.g., central tendency, dispersion and shape indices) and inferential statistics (general linear model and generalized linear model)

Data collection and analysis techniques.

Presenting the results of a scientific project and drafting a research report

Readings/Bibliography

• “Ricerca applicata e valutazione nei contesti scolastici e di comunità”, Sara Giovagnoli, Giulia Casu, Sara Garofalo, Progetto Create MacGraw- Hill – Available from January 2024

• Slides and scientific papers provided by the professors

Teaching methods

The lessons will be divided into 3 modules: module 1 (Prof. Giovagnoli – 16 hours), module 2 (Prof. Casu – 16 hours) and module 3 (Dr. Garofalo – 16 hours).

Each module includes a theoretical illustration and an interactive application in which examples of studies conducted in school and community contexts will be illustrated and discussed in class with the students.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an oral discussion (approximately 3/6 questions) that focuses on the verification of the acquisition of the course objectives. The exam is passed if the score acquired is at least 18 points.

During the oral exam, the acquisition of the course objectives and the contents learned will be verified. The final grade will be based on the following criteria: 1) completeness of responses; 2) ability of critical analysis on the contents; 3) ability to establish connections among the theoretical concepts 4) ability to apply theoretical concept to designing an applied research project; 5) clarity of presentation and use of adequate terminology ; 6) the degree of involvement and active participation during classes. The maximum rating (30 cum laude) can be awarded in presence of a satisfactory evaluation of all the previous points and based on the subsequent criteria:

Evaluation criteria:

30 points: complete answer and critical analysis on the contents

26-29 points: correct answer, with incomplete or imprecise information. Moreover, the student is not be able to critically analyze the different contents.

21-25 points: sufficient answer, with significant contents missing, inaccuracies or incorrect

18-20 points: incorrect or markedly incomplete answer

points below 18: missing or markedly inconsistent answer

All the topics of the course must be examined and all of them have the same weight.

During the exam it is forbidden to use books, notes and electronic devices.

During the exam, aids and supports are allowed for students with Specific Learning Disorder certification and for students with disabilities.

The student is required to complete the online registration within the terms in order to be admitted to the exam. Students who are unable to enroll within the due date must inform the secretarial office promptly. The teacher will consider the request and decide about the admission.

Teaching tools

The lectures are supported by materials available on the university platform VIRTUALE: scientific articles and other materials made available by the teacher. Data analysis techniques will be illustrated with specific statistical software and followed by collective discussion.

Office hours

See the website of Sara Giovagnoli

See the website of Giulia Casu

See the website of Sara Garofalo