PY2103 - Describing and Analysing Human Behaviour

Credit points:	03
Year:	2006
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:

The purpose of this subject is to introduce students to concepts of research methodology and design as they apply to experimental psychology research. Students will learn about the scientific method and issues such as probability, causality and sampling. They will also acquire skills in designing experimental studies by learning to formulate research hypotheses and the operationalisation of concepts into variables. Problems that can arise with research, such as threats to validity and reliability, will also be presented. In addition, students will acquire skills in inferential statistics, including hand and computer calculation of parametric and nonparametric statistical tests. A major component of the subject will be the acquisition of skills in using the statistical package SPSS, as well as presenting research findings in APA format. It is intended that by the completion of this subject students can integrate the methodological understanding and the analytical and computer skills acquired in this subject.

Learning Outcomes

• acquire practical experience in conducting, analysing, interpreting and presenting research;
• acquire skills in calculating relevant inferential statistical tests by hand and using the SPSS computer package;
• understand the scientific method and how it is applied to experimental research in psychology;
• understand the steps to constructing an experiment and issues that can weaken the design of an experiment.

Prerequisites:	SS1103
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	SS2011 and SS2022

Availabilities
, , Study Period 1
Census Date 24-Mar-2006
Coord/Lect:	art-kal.
Contact hours:	26 hours 24 hours
Assessment:	(50%); (35%); (15%).
, , Study Period 1
Census Date 24-Mar-2006
Coord/Lect:	Dr Anne Swinbourne.
Contact hours:	26 hours 24 hours
Assessment:	(50%); (35%); (15%).
, , Study Period 33
Census Date 21-Jul-2006
Face to face teaching 17-Jul-2006 to 29-Oct-2006
Coordinator:	art-kal
Lecturer:	jc158390.
Contact hours:	24 hours 11 hours 22 hours
Assessment:	(60%); (15%); (25%).
, , Study Period 34
Census Date 22-Dec-2006
Face to face teaching 06-Nov-2006 to 24-Feb-2007
Coordinator:	David Cottrell
Lecturer:	jc158390.
Contact hours:	24 hours 11 hours 22 hours
Assessment:	(60%); (15%); (25%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.