B8797 - 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.

Suggested reading (optional):

Field, A. (2024). Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics (6th ed.). SAGE.

Teaching methods

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

Assessment methods

Practice assignments and a final individual oral exam.

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.

Statistical software (e.g., JASP, SPSS) and example databases.

Office hours

See the website of Giulia Casu