Quantitative Research Methods is concerned with the scientific method, the statistical design and analysis of studies in life sciences, and the critical evaluation of scientific literature. Students will learn how scientists discover causal relationships that explain how the natural world operates. Building upon the foundations learnt in STM1001 Making Sense of Data, or BIO2POS Practice of Science the subject covers the principles of statistical design for surveys, experiments, and observational studies; some new methods for analysing data, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple regression, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and some nonparametric methods that are particularly suited to analysing multispecies ecological data; and how to critically evaluate the statistical arguments made in scientific reports and journal articles. Laboratory sessions and assignments will give students the opportunity to apply what they learn using the statistics packages SPSS and PRIMER.
