96137 - Applied Statistics (I.C.)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will know and understand the main research methods and data analysis applied to work, organizational and personnel psychology. In particular, students will be able to identify appropriate measures, to use statistical tools for data analysis, and to present results.

Course contents

The course unit provides an in-depth exploration of the core principles of research methodology to provide students with the expertise to develop and implement a research project in the field of Work, Organizational, and Personnel Psychology.

- Research study features

- Steps of a research study

- Rules for selecting and applying a statistical test for hypothesis testing

- Reliability and validity of psychological tests

Readings/Bibliography

(1) Howitt, D., & Cramer, D. (2024). Research Methods in Psychology (7^th edition). Pearson.

Required readings: Chapters 1-5 9-12

Suggested readings: Chapters 6-8

(2) Lovett, B. J. (2023). Practical Psychometrics. A guide for test users. The Guildford Press.

Required readings: Chapters 4-6

(3) Materials provided by the teacher, including the slides presented during the lectures, and made available on the virtual platform.

Further suggested readings

Howitt, D., & Cramer, D. (2020). Understanding Statistics in Psychology with SPSS (8^th edition). Pearson.

Pallant, J. (2020). SPSS Survival Manual. A Step by Step Guide to Data Analysis using IBM SPSS (7^th Edition). McGraw Hill Open University Press.

Teaching methods

The course unit will adopt a learning-by-doing approach, with the teacher introducing each topic and then guiding the students in practical exercises.

The lectures will provide a more comprehensive examination of the topics presented in the texts and will include practical exercises that are essential for learning and cannot be replaced by studying the texts alone. It is therefore recommended that students attend the lectures actively.

Assessment methods

The assessment is based on an individual performance (i.e., oral exam) and on a group performance (i.e., group assignment/presentation). The grading scale is from 0 to 30 (plus possible honor), 18 being the minimum passing grade. The oral exam contributes up to 24 points, and the assignment contributes up to 6 points to the 30-point final grade.

The oral exam consists of an oral discussion (approximately 2 questions) that focuses on verifying the acquisition of the course unit topics and their application in novel contexts.

All course unit topics may be examined, and each is given the same weight. During the exam, the use of books, notes, and electronic devices is prohibited, except for students with a Specific Learning Disorder certification and for students with disabilities who are permitted to utilize aids and support.

The assignment is to compose a short paper outlining the methodology for a research study. Further details will be provided in the lectures and uploaded to the virtual platform.

The student is required to complete the online registration within the terms in order to be admitted to the exam. Students who are unable to enroll within the due date must inform the secretarial office promptly. The teacher will consider the request and decide about the admission.

It is recommended that students with disabilities and those with Specific Learning Disorder certification contact the teacher promptly to discuss any necessary adjustments to the exam arrangements.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, paper-pencil instruments, guided discussions, teaching materials and databases provided by the teacher.

Policy on the Use of Technology in the Classroom

- Students may not use any handheld devices in the classroom (cell phones, cameras, etc.) without the explicit permission of the professor.

- Computers should be used for note-taking only.

- Students who need to use voice recorders for class lectures must receive the explicit permission of the professor in order to do so.

Office hours

See the website of Giulia Balboni