| Unit name | Educational Statistics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EDUC20013 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Wenham |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Education |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit will introduce the use of statistics in educational research. The focus is on giving students the hands-on practical skills to be able to analyse educational data using the most popular descriptive statistics, graphs and statistical tests. Students will learn how to apply the taught procedures in the SPSS statistical software throughout the unit. Emphasis will be placed on choosing the most appropriate procedures in different situations and in how to report results correctly and explain the choices made at each stage. We will concentrate on statistical tests for studying group differences (t-tests) and associations (correlation coefficients).
The unit aims to:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
This unit will be taught using a blended approach consisting of a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous activities including lectures, seminars, investigative activities, SPSS practicals, reading and discussions. Students will be expected to engage with readings and SPSS activities on a regular basis.
Formative assessment: Regular mathematical and statistical activities and computer practicals using SPSS, to practice the different taught procedures. Annotated answers will be provided to allow students to self-evaluate and peer-evaluate their progress.
Summative assessment:
ILOs 1-4: An assignment (2000 words). Students will be provided with an SPSS dataset and will be asked to address a research question. Students will be required to identify and conduct in SPSS appropriate descriptive statistics, graphs, and statistical tests to address this research question. Students will then have to explain their decisions, report their statistical output, interpret their findings, reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of their analyses, and suggest potential improvements. (70%)
ILO 5: A statistical critique (1,000 words) of the role of league tables, through comparing two institutions. (30%)
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EDUC20013).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
