C8837 - RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND DATA ANALYSIS

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will know the theoretical basis of psychological testing theories, and practical applications in the areas of health, well-being and social inclusivity.

Course contents

Introduction to scientific research in psychology

The logic of hypothesis testing

Research designs: experimental, quasi-experimental, observational

Operationalization and measurement of variables

Questionnaire-based data collection

Descriptive statistics and data visualization

Inferential statistics: Correlation, General Linear Model, Mediation Analysis

Interpretation of statistical results in psychological research

Readings/Bibliography

Scientific papers and other course materials will be made available on Virtuale.

Field, A., van Doorn, J., & Wagenmakers, E.-J. (2025). Discovering Statistics Using JASP. SAGE Publications. [Chapters 4, 5, 7, 8, 10]

Teaching methods

Learning by doing: the teacher will introduce each topic and then guide the students in practical exercises using real datasets.

Class attendance and active participation are required since they are essential elements to achieve expected learning outcomes.

Classes will be in-person and take place during the first semester (Academic Year 2026-2027). Place: Bologna, Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna.

Assessment methods

Practice assignments and a final individual oral exam.

With regard to assessment, limited, declared, and non-substantial use of AI is permitted for support activities (e.g., summarization and rephrasing). Substantial use of AI to complete any part of the assessment is not permitted.

Grading criteria

- 18-19 Points: Basic preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course, with analytical skills developing primarily under the professor’s guidance. Language expression is overall correct.

- 20-24 Points: Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course, with independent analytical skills restricted to routine tasks. Language expression is correct.

- 25-29 Points: Preparation on a wide range of topics covered in the course, demonstrating the ability to make independent critical analyses and a mastery of specific terminology.

- 30-30L Points: Comprehensive preparation on the topics covered in the course, exhibiting the ability to make independent critical analyses and syntheses, full mastery of specific terminology, as well as the capability to argue and engage in self-reflection.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) 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

PowerPoint presentations.

Journal papers provided by the teacher.

JASP statistical software and example databases.

Office hours

See the website of Giulia Casu