78075 - Data Analysis Techniques

Learning outcomes

At the end of the training activity, the student will be able to: evaluate the psychometric characteristics of a good test; use and apply a psychometric clinical test; draw up a written diagnostic profile based on the use of a psychometric test; draw up a research-intervention project in the clinical field, with particular reference to the experimental design, the formulation of the hypotheses, the choice of the sample, the measuring instruments and the appropriate statistical analyzes to verify them.

Course contents

Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.

Hypothesis formulation and testing in quantitative research designs in clinical settings (cross-sectional, longitudinal, with and without control group studies).

The General Linear Model applied to hypothesis testing: multiple linear regression, factorial ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, and mixed ANOVA.

Quantitative measurement instruments and classical test theory.

Psychometric characteristics of a good test: reliability (internal consistency and temporal stability), validity (structural, criterion, predictive).

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.

Sensitivity to change, sensitivity and specificity of a test.

Readings/Bibliography

Adopted textbook: Psicometria e Testistica in Psicologia Clinica by P. Gremigni e G. Casu, 2015, eBook/PDF (http://www.lulu.com/shop/paola-gremigni-and-giulia-casu/psicometria-e-testistica-in-psicologia-clinica/ebook/product-22395057.html)

Journal papers provided by the teacher.

Further (optional) readings: Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics by Andy Field, 2018, Sage (https://sol.unibo.it/SebinaOpac/resource/UBO04155768). Chapters 12, 14, 15, 16, 18.

Teaching methods

There will be alternating theoretical illustrations and interactive application parts where examples will be illustrated and discussed in class with the students. Since the discussion of practical examples greatly aids in understanding the course topics (which are quite complex), regular attendance of the lessons is highly recommended.

Assessment methods

The assessment is based on an individual oral exam.

The exam will focus on assessing the following skills:

1) ability to apply the General Linear Model to test hypotheses in research designs in the clinical field.

2) ability to apply theoretical concepts for the development and validation of a psychometric tool.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint presentations, journal papers provided by the teacher, databases provided by the teacher.

Office hours

See the website of Giulia Casu