Statistics in Psychological Research

Overview

This is primarily aimed at first- and second-year undergraduates interested in psychology, statistics, data analysis, and research methods along with high school students and professionals with similar interests.

Syllabus

Learn With PsycLearn Essentials

This module introduces you to your PsycLearn Essentials course. Find out what’s included in this course and how to navigate the modules and lessons. You’ll also learn valuable study tips for successful learning.

Introduction to Statistics for Psychological Research

This course will begin by introducing the basic concepts of how to describe and visualize data, the fundamentals of using statistics to make inferences, and the logic of null hypothesis testing. Various types of hypothesis tests will be introduced, along with criteria for selecting which is appropriate for different study conditions. As an extension of null hypothesis significance tests, you will learn about how to interpret effect sizes and confidence intervals, along with statistical power, before being introduced to alternatives to null hypothesis significance testing.

Data Analysis Basics

In this first section of the course, the fundamental concept of the variable is introduced and explained, along with some of the basic statistical methods we use to describe and summarize variables in data sets.

Null Hypothesis Significance Testing

In this module, we move on from descriptive statistics like the mean and standard deviation into inferential statistics, which help us use sample data to draw inferences about the populations the samples represent.

Beyond Null Hypothesis Significance Testing

In this section of the course, we consider the role of null hypothesis significance testing in psychological research, some objections that have been raised to that approach, and some alternative approaches that have been proposed.

Conclusion

Review the main ideas from the previous module, organized by learning objectives (LOs).

Course Assessment
Resources from the American Psychological Association

This module provides a variety of information and tools from the American Psychological Association (APA) that will help inspire you as you complete your coursework and plan your career goals. Get discounted access to Academic Writer, APA’s online tool for writing effectively, as well as valuable advice that will help you develop and strengthen your skillset for learning success and future employment. Additionally, explore resources on various psychological issues. This module also includes APA resources on scholarly research and writing; a list of sites providing valuable resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychology education and in the professional community; resources on a career in psychology; and links to career opportunities at the APA. You can also view videos that offer tips on dealing with stress.