Methodology and Statistics Applied

Recommended Prerequisites

Knowledge of Portuguese language: Independent user (B1)

Teaching Methods

A predominance of student-centered approaches is sought, although teacher-centered approaches are still present in the course. In theoretical teaching, for example, the expository method is predominantly complemented, when appropriate, by the use of multimedia presentations (e.g., videos, statistical apps). In the sections with a more practical component, demonstration and active methods are used, appealing to the collaborative work of students (dyads and/or small groups) and encouraging the debate of ideas and shared resolution of tasks.

Learning Outcomes

The main objective is to promote an integrated view of the research process in psychology. Pragmatically it is expected that at the end of the learning process the student will be able to master several research strategies, select the appropriate methods of analysis, and, in addition, obtain, interpret and communicate the results in a report appropriate to the context (e.g., dissertation). In other words, the student will be able to articulate the different phases of the research process in a coherent whole that will culminate in a new contribution to the body of knowledge in the psychological domain in which the studied problem is inserted. Although there is a greater emphasis on quantitative methods, it is also expected that the student understands the assumptions, characteristics and some main techniques of qualitative research. It is also expected that the student knows how to behave in the research activity in accordance with the psychologist's deontological and ethical code.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Scientific research and statistics in Psychology: An applied view

2. Research strategies and phases of research projects

3. Literature review and research focus: Narrative approaches and meta-analysis

4. Computerized data analysis: Implementation, use and interpretation

5. Use of the survey to measure latent variables: Design and analysis

6. Longitudinal designs and longitudinal data analysis techniques

7. Advanced data analysis methods: Structural equation modeling, multilevel analysis and statistical moderation and mediation

8. Qualitative research in Psychology: Assumptions, characteristics and techniques of data collection and analysis

9. Dissemination of research: Writing of the research report / Dissertation and critical analysis of the modes of production of scientific knowledge

Head Lecturer(s)

José Manuel Tomás Silva

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 100.0%

Bibliography

Brace, N., Kemp, R., & Snelgar, R. (2016). SPSS for psychologists. London: Palgrave.

Brough, P. (2019) (Ed.). Advanced research methods for applied psychology. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

Card, N. A. (2012). Applied meta-analysis for social science research. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.

Hill, M. M. & Hill, A. (2008). Investigação por questionário. Lisboa: Sílabo.

Howitt, D. (2016). Introducing qualitative research in psychology. Harlow: Pearson.

Howitt, D. & Cramer, D. (2017). Research methods in psychology. Harlow: Perason.

Hox, J. J. (2010). Multilevel Analysis: Techniques and applications. New York, NY: Routledge.

Hoyle, R. H. (2015). Handbook of structural equation modeling. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.

Tabachnick, B. G., & Fidell, L. S. (2013). Using multivariate statistics. Boston: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon

Vercruyssen, M. & Hendrick, H. W. (2012). Behavioral research and analysis. New York, NY: CRC Press.