72600 - Methodology of Research in Neurosciences

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the students: i) posses knowledge about functional neuroanatomy and the major manifestations of neurological disorders; ii) possess knowledge about the principal experimental techniques and data analysis tools in neuroscience; iii) posses knowledge about methods and experimental designs in neuroscientific research; iv) knows how to plan a research project in neuroscience and how to make a report of neuroscientific data

Course contents

The course will take place during the first semester (from November to December 2026) at the Department of Psychology, Cesena Campus. Lectures will be held in Aula Informatica I (address: piazza A. Moro, 90).

The course aims at providing advanced knowledge on research methods and techniques in Neuroscience, analysis of neuroscientific and behavioral data through software (Excel, SPSS, JASP).

Content:

- Methods and Experimental designs in Neuroscience;

- Tabulation, data analysis and graphs with Excel;

- Data analysis with statistical software (SPSS/JASP) and Excel (factorial ANOVA, t-test, post-hoc analysis, statistical corrections, effect size);

- Writing a report: description, interpretation and discussion of statistical results.

Readings/Bibliography

1) Materials required for exam preparation: Slides and solutions of exercises published online on "Virtuale".

2) Optional teaching material: students may want to consult statistical handbooks addressing the following arguments: analysis of variance (ANOVA: repeated measure, between groups, factorial designs, mixed designs, planned comparisons and post-hoc analysis), correlation, bivariate and multiple regression.

3) Optional teaching material for further insights: A) Geoffrey Keppel, William H. Saufley jr., Howard Tokunaga (2001). Disegno sperimentale e analisi dei dati in psicologia. Edizione italiana a cura di Violani C. Napoli: Edises; B) Donald H. McBurney, Theresa L. White (2008). Metodologia della ricerca in psicologia. Bologna: Il Mulino

Teaching methods

In-person lectures with practical exercises in the computer lab (aula informatica I). Class attendance plays an important role in the learning process, as each session will include individual computer-based activities. The final examination will be based on exercises similar to those carried out during the practical sessions.

Assessment methods

Written exam on a computer lasting 3 h. The exam includes answering theoretical questions about methods and experimental designs in neuroscience research, analyzing real data using Excel and SPSS software, and reporting the results and interpretation of statistical analysis using Word software. The final mark will be attributed in thirtieths based on the correctness and completeness of the exercise.

The exam will be assigned a maximum score (30L) if the student is able to respond to theoretical questions with precise answers, and report and discuss data analysis in an accurate and complete manner. On the basis of the correctness and completeness of the answer the final mark could range from 18 to the maximum score.

 

With regard to the assessment of learning, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

The student is required to complete the online registration (Almaesami) within the terms in order to be admitted to the exam. In the case of technical problems the student is required to promptly contact the Segreteria Studenti and email prof. Avenanti (within the terms) who will consider the request and decide about the admission.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives

Teaching tools

Presentation of slides and data to analyze in class with datasheet, word processor and statistical software

Office hours

See the website of Alessio Avenanti