Registry

Module Specifications

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

Module Title	Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
Module Code	MT611
School	DCUBS
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Gerry Conyngham Semester 2: Gerry Conyngham Autumn: Gerry Conyngham
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module is designed to instruct the student in quantitative research measurement, multivariate statistical test selection, running multivariate techniques using SPSS and interpreting and presenting the results of these tests.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop and evaluate multi-item quantitative indicators for measuring theoretical concepts.
2. Select the appropriate statistical techniques for examining the relationships between the different variable types.
3. Apply the most widely used multivariate statistical tests using SPSS.
4. Present the results of a quantitative research analysis in a valid and a readable form.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	8	Formal Lectures
Assignment	10	No 1
Assignment	15	No 2
Independent learning	53	No Description
Directed learning	20	Specified Readings
Assignment	15	SPSS Workshops
Assignment	4	Independent SPSS Work using Case Studies
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

Measurement in Quantitative Research.
-Measurement Tools-Measurement Validity and Reliability.

Data Characteristics and Variable Types.
-Data Types-Examining Data- Normal Distribution-Skewed Data-Data Transformations.

Statistical Tests/Significance.
-What is Statistical Significance-Summary of Bivariate Statistical Techniques-Test Assumptions-Parametric/Non-parametric tests.

Multivariate Statistical Tests.
-Cause and EffectIndependent, Dependent, Moderator and Mediator Variables-Causal Forecasting TechiquesRegression Analysis- Hierarchial RegressionLogit Models/Discriminant AnalysisStructural Equation ModellingModel AssumptionsModel FitTest Diagnostics-ANOVA ModelsANCOVA TechniquesMANOVA TechniquesMulti-level Models.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Other	- Examination of the reliability and validity of multi-item quantitative measurement tools (Learning Outcome 1) - Essay on key elements of reliability and validity in Quantitatrive Research, including an appraisal of the validity of a given measurement tool.	30%	n/a
Assignment	- Quantitative Research Case Study (Learning Outcomes 2,3 and 4) - Student will be given a number of data sets and asked to answer a number of research questions, using the appropriate multivariate statistical techniques.	70%	n/a

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 2

Indicative Reading List

Hair J, Black W, Babin B, Anderson E.: 2009, Multivariate Data Analysis: Global Edition, Pearson Education,
Several Quantitative Case Studies will also be provided to students to illustrate the techniques covered.: 0, To be confirmed,

Other Resources

None

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Programme or List of Programmes

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