UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

The overall purpose of the unit is to develop a demonstrable understanding of applied quantitative and qualitative methods at an intermediate to advanced level. Material and demonstrations are provided to help students acquire the competence to identify, evaluate and generate various complex research designs, specify relevant statistical analyses to test particular complex hypotheses, interpret the statistical results, and write key statements that capture the obtained effects. Additionally, students will acquire competence in qualitative research methods.

Examples of core elements that may be covered in the unit include within-subjects designs on error terms, simple-main effects, interaction effects and confidence intervals. Additionally, curvilinear, moderator, and mediation analyses can be expected to be illustrated. Alternative estimation techniques such as bootstrapping may be introduced. Advanced classification methods such as logistic regression, factor analysis, cluster analysis and other segmentation analyses can be expected to be covered, as well as qualitative research methods. Throughout the unit, emphasis is placed on an applied understanding of Honours level quantitative and qualitative research methods. Software is used throughout in order to carry out the analyses.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 1	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Outcomes

Students are able to analyse complex data sets by using a variety of advanced statistical techniques.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) in-class assessment and (2) final exam. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Professor Simon Farrell

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Enrolment in

HON-PSYCH Psychology

Advisable prior study

Students are expected to have an understanding of applied statistics at the introductory and, to some degree intermediate level.
Consequently, students are encouraged to review material from PSYC2203
and PSYC3302 (and other psychology units).
In particular, correlation, regression, factorial ANOVA and multiple regression.

Approved quota: 75—based on academic merit

Contact hours

lectures: 2 hours most weeks
labs: 1 to 2 hours some weeks

Note

Student are exposed to topics in psychology units that may cause some discomfort or distress in certain individuals (e.g. depression, suicide, trauma, eating disorders). They are required to demonstrate skills across a variety of different formats and contexts (e.g. written assessments, participation in practical work, contribution to group discussions, oral presentations, examinations), and so it is important to carefully consider whether they are able to cope with the demands of studying psychology and whether there is anything that would impact upon their ability to complete the requirements of the unit. Refer to individual unit outlines for more detailed unit information.