Introductory Statistics for Social Scientists

Synopsis

Five programs on statistical methods, intended to complement or replace existing lecture material. It is recommended that they be used sequentially. The courseware uses hypertext, graphics, animations, together with interactive and closed simulations. Approximately one hour of teaching material per module.
Unit 1: Following the principle that statistical methods should be taught in close linkage with experimental design, the couseware covers basic concepts and methods of measurement and experimentation; introduces simple designs; introduces probability and hypothesis testing. Eight modules.
Unit 2: Introduces the techniques used to display and describe data. Takes the view that it is advantageous for students to develop a feel for patterns in data through graphical analysis before being exposed to more technically complex aspects such as statistical tests and the theory of inferential statics. Six modules.
Unit 3: Introduces the more common tests used to analyse data: t-tests and their nonparametric equivalents, correlation, simple regression, and contingency table analysis, together with a flowchart analysis to indicate how the appropriate test is selected. Emphasises the need for a clear rationale for the formulae through which values of statistics are derived from data sets and, in particular, to demonstrate through simulations the core idea of sampling variation. Seven modules.
Unit 4: Introduces the standard mathematical underpinnings of parameter estimation, hypothesis thesting, statistical significance and power, and confidence intervals. Also considers alternatives to, and criticisms of, the hypothesis testing approach. Five modules.
Unit 5: An introductory treatment of analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis, largely limited to two independent variables. Does no dwell on symbolic notation, but deals with the material by visual and interactive means. Nine modules.

Series

Qutal: Queen’s University Teaching and Learning Project, Tltp Project

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Multimedia; CD-ROM. Electronic document. URL: http://www.icbl.qub.ac.uk/

Year of production

1995

Availability

Free (from server)
Sale (CD-ROM)

Notes

Available to UK higher education institutions.

Uses

Undergraduate psychology; also social sciences.

Subjects

Mathematics

Keywords

computer-assisted learning; psychology teaching; statistical analysis; Teaching & Learning Technology Programme

Distribution Formats

Type

CD-ROM

Sections

Title

Introductory statistics for social scientists: methodology and design

Title

Unit 1

Title

Introductory statistics for social scientists: graphical and descriptive statistics

Title

Unit 2

Title

Introductory statistics for social scientists: basic statistical tests

Title

Unit 3

Title

Introductory statistics for social scientists: theory of inferential statistics

Title

Unit 4

Title

Introductory statistics for social scientists: analysis of variance and regression

Title

Unit 5

Distributor

Name

BIDS

Email

bidshelp@bids.ac.uk

Web

http://www.bids.ac.uk/ External site opens in new window

Phone

01225 826074

Fax

01225 826176

Address

University of Bath
Bath BA2 7AY

Name

Queen’s University of Belfast, Institute of Computer Based Learning