PS947-7-SP-CO:
Advanced Statistics for Research

The details
2025/26
Psychology
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 12 January 2026
Friday 20 March 2026
15
18 March 2025

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
PS946
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MSC C80612 Research Methods in Psychology,
MPHDC80048 Psychology,
PHD C80048 Psychology,
MSCIC998 Psychology with Advanced Research Methods,
MSCICB98 Psychology with Advanced Research Methods (Including Placement Year),
MSCICB99 Psychology with Advanced Research Methods (Including Year Abroad)

Module description

This module provides students with an opportunity to learn about the modern, advanced statistical methods that are increasingly used in psychological research.


The module builds upon 'Foundational Statistics for Research'. Students will acquire significant experience of using statistical computing software to analyse data, and will develop skills that are highly relevant for their postgraduate dissertation and for their future careers, whether in academia or in industry.

Module aims

The aims of this module are to provide students with the knowledge and skills to:



  • Carry out advanced statistical analyses and interpret the results.

  • Visualise and communicate the findings.

  • Follow best practices in modern, reproducible psychological research.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:



  1. Determine an appropriate analytical approach for a given dataset or hypothesis, including power analysis and data simulation.

  2. Carry out reproducible analyses.

  3. Decide upon and conduct advanced statistical analyses for complex datasets (e.g. non-normal outcome variables, hierarchical data structures).

  4. Effectively visualise complex data and statistical models.

  5. Synthesise the above while carrying out data exploration.

Module information

Lectures will present a mix of the background theoretical information and practical examples.


Workshops will offer an opportunity to practise techniques and receive help and support.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via a mixture of lectures and interactive workshop sessions. There will be a 2-hour and a 1-hour class per week.

Bibliography*

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Class Test 1    20.0% 
Coursework   Homework 1    10.0% 
Coursework   Homework 2    10.0% 
Coursework   Class Test 2    60.0% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Anna Hughes, email: anna.hughes@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Anna Hughes;
anna.hughes@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
No
Yes

External examiner

Dr Alexander Jones
Middlesex University
Senior lecturer
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 30 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
30 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).

 

Further information
Psychology

* Please note: due to differing publication schedules, items marked with an asterisk (*) base their information upon the previous academic year.

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