B2798 - Applied Research and Evaluation In School and Community Ccontexts

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student: - Knows the main theories and techniques of testing in the school and community setting; - Knows the main tests in the school and community setting; - Knows the main techniques of analyzing quantitative and qualitative data; - Is able to use and propose psychological tests in the school and community setting; - Is able to design and carry out quantitative and qualitative research.

Course contents

The course unit provides an in-depth exploration of the core principles of theories and techniques of testing and research methodology and data analysis in order to provide students with the expertise to select the appropriate psychological tests and to develop and implement a research project in the field of school and community psychology.

Principles of test theories and techniques

- Psychological tests: characteristics, problems in administration, and ethical rules

- Normative scores: properties and their use in school and community psychology

- Validity and reliability of psychological tests: methods of investigation and usefulness of information obtained

Principles of methodology and data analysis

- Research study features

- Steps of a research study: research hypothesis, research design, use of statistical tests, and logic of hypothesis testing

- Features of the main statistical tests to explore relationships between variables and to compare groups

Readings/Bibliography

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

(2) Howitt, D. e Cramer, D. (2020). Metodologia della ricerca in psicologia. Pearson.

Instructions for the required chapters will be provided in classrooms for both textbooks.

(3) Teaching materials provided by the tecaher and made available on the virtual platform.

 

Both the syllabus and bibliography are not to be considered final and may be changed as classes progress.

Teaching methods

The course unit will adopt a learning-by-doing approach, with the teachers introducing each topic and then guiding the students in practical exercises related to the school and community contexts.

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

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an oral discussion (approximately 3/5 questions) and is designed to achieve the proficiency (i.e., there is no grade).

The exam 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.

Students whose native language is not Italian may take the exam in English and use English-language textbooks by prior arrangement with the teacher.

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, scientific papers and other teaching materials provided by the teacher and uploaded to the virtual platform.

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