93506 - Quantitative and Qualitative Statistical Models

Learning outcomes

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

Course contents

The course will present quantitative statistical models and qualitative methods applied in the various areas of health psychology, neuropsychology and well-being and social inclusion: general linear model, generalized linear model, data coding, data transcription, thematic analysis.

The first part of the course will be dedicated to the theoretical basis of quantitative and qualitative statistical models, while the second part (to be carried out in the laboratory) will focus on practical applications of such models in the areas of health, well-being and social inclusion.

Readings/Bibliography

Scientific papers and other course materials for this course will be made available at the course website. These readings are mandatory to pass the final exam.

Suggested Books:

Understanding statistics in Psychology with SPSS by D. Howitt and D. Cramer , Pearson.

Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology by D Howitt, Pearson.

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures during which the topic of each module will be interactively discussed, group discussions of neuroscientific papers, works in small groups with class presentation, seminars presented by experts.

Students will also be able to take lessons online via Teams hub.

In the case of special needs, the lecturer can be contacted in order to jointly activate with the University Service for students with disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders the appropriate support methods.

The frontal lessons will be available also on-line by Teams.

Assessment methods

Written exam with 2 open-ended questions (1 question for quantitative and 1 question for qualitative methods) to complete in 40 minutes (approximately 20 minutes per question).

There will be 15/30 points maximum for correctly answering each of the two open-ended questions. The final mark is calculated as the sum of the points obtained at each of the 2 questions.

The following criteria will be applied for the evaluation of each answer.

An answer which demonstrates extensive knowledge and understanding of tested topic (up to 7 points);

reveals critical analysis and ability to integrate different aspects of the tested topic (up to 6 points);

is well-written, and logically articulated (up to 2 points).

To pass the exam, the minimum is 18. When the assignment is sufficient according to the above mentioned criteria, the mark will be from 18 to 21; a fairly good preparation will obtain a mark from 22 and 25; a good preparation will obtain a mark from 26 e 29; the optimum will be evaluated form 30 and 30cumlaude.

Calculation aids are allowed. In the case of special needs, the lecturer can be contacted in order to jointly activate with the University Service for students with disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders the appropriate support methods.

To take the exam it is necessary to register through the electronic bulletin board, in compliance with the established deadlines. Those who are unable to register for technical problems by the scheduled date, are required to promptly (and in any case before the official closing of the registration lists) communicate the problem to the didactic secretariat. The teacher will be able to admit them to take the test.

Teaching tools

Slides (PowerPoint) and video clips

Office hours

See the website of Mariagrazia Benassi