Quantitative Methods for Data Gathering and Analysis

Description

This course evaluates the following learning outcomes: The student: 7. Masters research methods and is able to apply them to analyse problems in the field of environment and well-being, to work out and assess solutions and communicate about them. 7a Is able to analyse a problem, link it to scientific literature, formulate questions/hypotheses that will guide research. 7b Knows the different methods used in qualitative (e.g. questionnaire, experiment) as well as quantitative research (e.g. in-depth interview, focus group) and is able to apply them to solve a problem. 7c Depending on the question, is able to make an informed choice for a certain method and/or analysis technique. 7d Is able to correctly interpret the results of an analysis and determine the scope of it. 7e Is able to report adequately and communicate orally on the method and results, and closely follows the reporting guidelines. 7f Is able to critically evaluate a method in terms of demonstrated reliability and validity. * Being able to independently calculate a confidence interval and conduct a significance test for 1 and 2 population proportions and to interpret this correctly. * Being able to independently perform the different steps of a chi-square test and to interpret its outcome correctly. * Being able to independently use SPSS to conduct a chi-square test and to interpret the resulting output correctly. * Being able to independently calculate a simple linear regression equation and to interpret the regression coefficients correctly. * Being able to independently use a simple linear regression equation to predict the value of a variable. * Being able to independently set up a questionnaire study from the formulation of the problem statement to the data collection and being aware of the pitfalls in the set up of this kind of research. * Being able to describe the different sampling techniques and to argue why a particular technique is most appropriate in a specific case. * Being able to independently code questionnaire data and to construct a data matrix out of it. * Being able to independently evaluate existing questionnaire studies based on the quality criteria for questionnaire studies. * Being able to independently use SPSS for analyzing the internal consistency of a scale and to interpret the resulting output correctly. * Being able to independently use SPSS for analyzing questionnaire data by means of multiple linear regression  and to interpret the resulting output correctly. * Being able to derive scientifically valid conclusion based on the basis of the results of a statistical analysis.