Computational Statistics (5cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

The course gives basic abilities in processing and analyzing data with a statistical computer program (SPSS).

After completion of the course the student is able to
- use questionnaire as a method to collect data
- type data as a matrix for a computer program (SPSS)
- explain the meaning of measurement levels of the variables
- calculate frequency distributions and suitable statistics to describe them
- cross tabulate variables or calculate correlation coefficients
- transform variables.

Execution methods

Lectures (6 h) and exercises (14 h). Independent work.

Accomplishment methods

For 3 ECTS: active participation in lectures, successful completion of exercises.
For 5 ECTS: in addition to the 3 ECTS requirements, successful completion of 5 ECTS requires designing of one’s own questionnaire and describing the aim of the research (what is the research problem) and what is the rationale of the questionnaire and its specific questions – operationalization.

Content

3 ECTS: basic concepts, statistical measurement and SPSS. The course can be extended to 5 ECTS; the possibility is planned for the students that aim to do their own questionnaires: aim of the research, rationale of the questionnaire and, operationalization.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Fail: Performance is highly deficient or erroneous. The work may be based on serious misunderstandings.

Sufficient and satisfactory (1-2): Performance is lacking in scope, superficial, or corresponds poorly to the assignment. The author merely lists things out of context or addresses them one-sidedly. The work may contain errors or obscurities.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good and very good (3-4): Performance corresponds to the assignment, manifesting comprehension and a skill to analyse and justify. The author has addressed the issue comprehensively. The work may contain some deficiencies.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): Performance delineates an extensive whole and the author can apply knowledge in a multifaceted way or place it in various contexts. The work manifests independency and insight, and it is a flawless entity that involves justified thinking or critical contemplation. The work is well written and implemented.