Quantitative Data Analysis (ED0722)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : EDU-P-ED0722

This unit provides students with practical experience of the management and analysis of quantitative data. Using examples of research in education and other fields the unit explores the nature of quantitative data, the relationship between quantitative analysis and theory building, and some of the major topic areas of statistical analysis. Within MSc by Research (Education).

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Research (EDU), (The Moray House School of Education, Schedule C)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Full Year (Blocks 1-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module course members will be able to:
-identify different types of quantitative data;
-understand the main features of, and considerations involved in, the collection and management of quantitative data;
-explain and be able to demonstrate the basic techniques of statistical analysis; and
-demonstrate knowledge of issues related to the interpretation of data analysis and the presentation of findings.

Assessment Information

The final assessment will involve a small project. Course members will be supplied with a computer file containing data and an outline of a research context to which the data in the file relate. The assessment will consist of selecting appropriate analytical techniques to explore the data and throw light on the research question. The assignment will include a commentary on which techniques were used for which purpose and why; computer output giving the results of the application of the techniques; and a discussion giving an interpretation of these results, what inferences can be based on them and what limitations should be placed on these inferences.