Introduction to Statistics (3 cr)

Objective

Students will know how to process statistical material, and they will know the key figures of distribution, the most common statistical methods and tests, how to use the SPSS statistics programme and how to interpret results

Content

Processing and interpretation of quantitative research material:
Basic concepts and tables
Key statistical figures
Dependency: cross tabling, correlation analysis and regression analysis
Test theory and statistical tests
Use of statistics programme
Independent assignment

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The students are able to recognise the fundamental concepts and methods of analysis: basic concepts, statistics, dependency and statistical testing. The students recognise the difference between quantitative and qualitative research. They are able to perceive the different stages of statistical research. The students are proficient in the basic use of statistics software. The students are able to enter material onto the computer and carry out simple runs with help from the manual.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The students are able to present and list the main ideas behind fundamental analysis methods. They are able to interpret the sense and significance of the results. The students are able compare various analysis methods and select a method appropriate to the situation. They are proficient in the use of the statistics programme for basic research purposes and can carry out more demanding runs using the manual.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The students are proficient in the analysis methods presented during the course. The students are able to use statistics software proficiently. They are able to solve technical problems associated with the software using manuals also for analysis methods not presented during the course.