Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Intro. to Research Skills/Methods: Data Analy
Module Code	EF108
School	DCUBS
Online Module Resources
Module Teacher	Ann Largey
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The purpose of this module is to provide students with an introduction to data analysis and interpretation. Students will learn about sources of data, methods of data presentation and description, and how to conduct simple hypothesis tests and make inferences. On completion of the module, students should be able to draw on statistics appropriately to support their own arguments and be able to better understand and critique statistical analysis they encounter in academic papers in subsequent courses. Students are expected to attend lectures and to actively participate in workshops and tutorials. Term exercises will be assigned in order to focus students' study and ensure timely review of course material.

Learning Outcomes

1. Define and calculate basic statistics used to describe distributions.
2. Present data in a meaningful way, using graphs and tables.
3. Perform calculations and manipulate data using a spreadsheet package, including estimation of a single variable regression.
4. Explain what a hypothesis test is, conduct simple hypothesis tests and interpret statistical significance.
5. Comment on statistical analysis in academic papers and identify shortcomings.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	18	No Description
Lecturer-supervised learning (contact)	6	Workshops - Two of these sessions to be used as computer practicals
Independent learning	67	Review of lecture material, additional reading, preparation for workshops
Independent learning	8	Completion of Assessment 1
Independent learning	6	Completion of Assessment 2
Independent learning	20	Completion of Assessment 3
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Data description & presentation.
Topics will include: Types of data; Displaying data graphically; Descriptive statistics – definitions, uses, examples;Correlation; Applications using data relevant to programme disciplines; Sourcing data..

Statistical Estimation.
Statistical decision theory; Hypothesis tests; Interpretation of test statistics (p values, F tests etc); Regression output interpretation – using firstly statistical estimation, then reviewing data analysis section (eg. to show importance of causation v correlation).

Critiquing statistical analysis.
Drawing on papers from relevant disciplines, show the different ways in which statistics are used to inform and augment debate. Examine the statistics used and conclusions drawn. Highlight potential shortcomings (eg. external factors outside scope of project that may have impact, reverse causation.).

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assignment	Take home exercise	15%	Week 6
Assignment	Take home computer based exercise	15%	Week 8
Other	Constructive participation	10%	Every Week
Assignment	Final term assignment	60%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

by Gary Koop: 0, Analysis of economic data, 978-0470713891
Beverly Dretzke,: 0, Statistics with Microsoft Excel, 978-0136043874
Deborah Rumsey,: 0, Statistics II for Dummies, 978-0470466469
by Deborah Rumsey: 2003, Statistics for dummies, Wiley, Hoboken, N.J., 978-0764554230
Deborah Rumsey: 2005, Statistics workbook for dummies, Wiley, Hoboken, N.J., 978-0764584664

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

EPL

BA in Economics, Politics and Law

IFCEPL

Int Foundation Cert (Econ, Pol & Law)

Timetable this semester: Timetable for EF108

Date of Last Revision

07-FEB-12

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