Quantitative Methods for Evaluation

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

It is preferable to have completed the subject EDUC90848 Applied Research for Evaluation prior to commencement of this subject.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject provides students with an introduction to the collection, analysis and reporting of quantitative data in research and evaluation studies. Topics will include: Philosophy of quantitative methodology; types of data; samples and populations; descriptive and inferential statistics; exploratory and confirmatory data analysis; survey design and questionnaire construction; and displaying data using SPSS.

On completion of this subject it is expected that students should be able to: understand the key terms, concepts and philosophical foundations of quantitative research; read and interpret quantitative research; select and apply a range of statistical techniques and procedures that are commonly used in applied research and evaluation; and present the results of analyses using appropriate tabular and graphical displays.

• Minor assignment - written task of 1250 words; due end of Week 4 (25%)
• Major assigment - written task of 2500 words; due end of the term (50%)
• Exercises - online checks for understanding, equivalent to 750 words; due Weeks 2, 5 and 8 (15%)
• Online participation (discussion forum and/or activities), equivalent to 500 words; ongoing throughout the term (10%)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.