Demonstrate initiative in the selection of appropriate statistical tests and the use of appropriate software for analysis.

Assessment Description

This is a Essay of a quantitative research method

A report in APA style conveying analyses you will perform on a dataset provided to you. The report will include a brief introduction, methods,a detailed analysis and results section, and a brief discussion.

The clearer, more sensible and better structured your report, the better the mark. If you report very simple analyses and results, the mark will not be high. If you report more complicated analyses providing a better explanation/description of the data, your mark will likely be higher. If you just include nonsense in your results, the mark will be low. It is important that you make the most of the data you have, giving the best explanations you can provide.

Intended learning outcomes for the assessment

Demonstrate the ability to report results from advanced statistical techniques in the most effective way, in APA format

Possess a systematic understanding of the logic behind several advanced and/or specialised quantitative statistical methods

Demonstrate initiative in the selection of appropriate statistical tests and the use of appropriate software for analysis.

Analyse a wide range of quantitative data

Plan and deliver a professional presentation of research in an appropriate academic style

Have a comprehensive knowledge of and justification for specific research methods and experimental technique

Other skills and competencies

This is your opportunity to practice reporting as is likely to be used in your dissertation (this is also relevant if you are planning an exclusively qualitative project). It is imperative that you provide a clear and well-organized report that is easy to follow and communicates what you did and what you found in an effective manner.

Marking scheme

The assignment is a report in APA style. You are expected to write:

A BRIEF introduction outlining the rationale for your hypotheses (10% of marks).

A methods section detailing which analyses were chosen to address your hypotheses along with appropriate justification (20% of marks).

A clear results section (50% of marks).

A discussion of the appropriate interpretation and conclusions of your results (20% of marks).

Assessment Literacy

carefully review all reading materials, lectures and seminars up to now, including example reporting practices, worksheets and sample answers. Reporting should be similar in to what is found in high quality published Psychology research papers.

Citation: APA style

word count: 1,800 words