PY0656 - Advanced Statistics using SAS

You will learn by a series of interactive lectures and practical sessions. You will be taught in specialised IT labs where you can develop your statistical skills using the SAS package. You will learn also by discussing the methods used and how to report the outputs. Independent learning will also be required.

You will be supported academically by the module tutor by making a variety of resources linked to the taught elements and assessments available on the eLearning Portal (e.g. PowerPoint slides, handouts, reading lists, directed assessment related-activities) along with links to websites to encourage further exploration of SAS, statistical analysis and data handling. A discussion board on the eLearning Portal will be available for students to pose and respond to questions among peers and to module tutors. This enhances collegiality and also means that support is available to all students.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MK1: You will be able to show critical understanding and evaluation of key advanced statistical methods as they apply to experimental psychology
• MK2: You will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of research methods, advanced statistical analysis methods and programming in SAS

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MIP1: You will demonstrate your competence in quantitative analysis methods by identifying research questions and being able to critically evaluate suitable methods.
• MIP2: You will show the ability to use the SAS analysis environment effectively by reasoning statistically using a range of tools and methodologies and performing a wide range of statistical tests using SAS. These are valuable skills to enhance your employability.
• MIP3 You will be able to understand the role of the module in enhancing your employability skills and its role in career development in your psychology pathway.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

Formative Assessment
Practice exam questions will be available and feedback will be given in group discussions (MK1, MK2, MIP1, MIP2).

Summative Assessment
The main assessment consists of one 3-hour open book exam worth 90%. Data sets will be provided, and students will carry out appropriate analyses in SAS in order to provide answers in an MCQ format. (MK1, MK2, MIP1, MIP2).

The second assessment is a self-reflective account in which you will be asked to consider how this module has impacted on your employability and future career (MIP3). This will be worth 10% of the module mark.

Feedback
For the exam, marks will be provided, and a generic breakdown of performance against question types.

You will be required to arrange a tutorial with your personal guidance tutor for formal feedback on your reflection.

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On this module you will learn theoretical and practical knowledge of more advanced quantitative methods of analysing data in psychology, specifically using the SAS analysis environment. Therefore, not only will you further develop your data analysis skills you will learn skills which will equip you for postgraduate study, and for the job market. A range of methods will be studied and the communication of findings according to the most recent conventions and with due regard to the audience will be addressed. The module is delivered in weekly two-hour sessions in which some time is spent giving information about a technique and the rest providing the opportunity for you to practice the technique. Summative assessment will be: a reflective assessment as well as a three hour open book exam at the end of the semester.