Research & Program Evaluation
School psychologists have knowledge of research design, statistics, measurement, varied data collection and analysis techniques, and program evaluation sufficient for understanding research and interpreting data in applied settings (NASP, 2010).
"Don't be a mere recorder of facts, but try to
penetrate the mystery of their origin."
- Ivan Pavlov
"Don't be a mere recorder of facts, but try to
penetrate the mystery of their origin."
- Ivan Pavlov
Course Work
APSY 605: Research Design and Statistics in Applied Psychology
This course investigated the advantages and limitations of a variety of research designs, methods, and strategies as a means of gaining an understanding of quantitative methods in the social sciences. An examination of the disciplines of design, measurement, and statistics, with a focus on scientific behavioural research, and the methods of reaching research conclusions was explored.
APSY 607: Multivariate Design and Analysis
This course provided an overview of several multivariate statistical techniques. Focus was placed on a brief review of univariate and bivariate statistics, as well as multivariate techniques.
APSY 605: Research Design and Statistics in Applied Psychology
This course investigated the advantages and limitations of a variety of research designs, methods, and strategies as a means of gaining an understanding of quantitative methods in the social sciences. An examination of the disciplines of design, measurement, and statistics, with a focus on scientific behavioural research, and the methods of reaching research conclusions was explored.
APSY 607: Multivariate Design and Analysis
This course provided an overview of several multivariate statistical techniques. Focus was placed on a brief review of univariate and bivariate statistics, as well as multivariate techniques.
Work Samples
Multiple regression can be used to predict a dependent variable from multiple independent variables. The assumptions of multiple regression include the assumptions of linearity, normality, independence, and homoscedasticity. This paper assisted me in understanding the reasoning of testing and meeting the assumptions of multiple regression analysis, but to also ensure to include that the assumptions had been investigated when reporting the research findings so others will have confidence in the validity of the findings being reported on.
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To demonstrate my knowledge of some components of research design, statistics, measurement, data collection, and analysis techniques I have included a journal article review on a study examining the effects of four different curriculum interventions on early literacy intervention in primary grades. This was the first time I had examined a study about an intervention from a statistical point of view; now, I find I'm looking for the components of a research to assist me with evaluating the effectiveness of a proposed intervention. |
Level of Competence
Rate: Low-Medium
Reflection:
My knowledge in this area has definitely increased throughout my courses and practicums as I am able to understand the basic statistical information given in technical manuals and quantitative research, I am not yet confident in my ability to differentiate between varying research information regarding the same assessment measure or intervention. One of my biggest concerns is losing access to the University of Calgary's library on the completion of this program; I'm unsure of the journals to subscribe to which will provide me with the most information I will need in my practice. This is an area I will continue to develop throughout my internship and practice.
Rate: Low-Medium
Reflection:
My knowledge in this area has definitely increased throughout my courses and practicums as I am able to understand the basic statistical information given in technical manuals and quantitative research, I am not yet confident in my ability to differentiate between varying research information regarding the same assessment measure or intervention. One of my biggest concerns is losing access to the University of Calgary's library on the completion of this program; I'm unsure of the journals to subscribe to which will provide me with the most information I will need in my practice. This is an area I will continue to develop throughout my internship and practice.
Annotated Bibliography
Furr, R . M., & Bacharach, V. R. (2008). Psychometrics: An Introduction. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Ltd.
This text emphasizes conceptual development over mathematical proofs in assisting students in understanding psychometric issues, such as validity and reliability, can be addressed and why it is important to address them. This text was beneficial in my initial understanding of the importance of validity and reliability in research, interventions, and assessment measures.
Gravetter, F. J., & Wallnau, L. B. (2005). Essentials of Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.
This text explains statistical procedures in a manner that allows the reader to gain a true conceptual understanding of statistics. The authors provide real world examples to assist the reader in examining published findings from current research. I have to admit that I found my first statistics course overwhelming and before I took the second one, a colleague recommended this text; it was an absolute life saver in my understanding of statistics.
Kerlinger, F. N. & Lee, H. B. (2000). Foundations of Behavioral Research. (4th ed.). Toronto, ON: Nelson Thomson Learning.
This text examines the fundamentals of solving a scientific research problem by focusing on the relationship between the problem and the research design. This is a text that I expect to refer to as I continue to research studies and articles as it provides information on statistics, research methodology, and measurement.
Stevens, J. P. (2009). Applied Multivariate Statistics for the Social Sciences. (5th ed.). New York: Routledge.
his text depicts all areas of using statistical measurement in the behavioural sciences. It also provided information on research methodology, measurement, technology, and report writing in APA style.
Furr, R . M., & Bacharach, V. R. (2008). Psychometrics: An Introduction. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Ltd.
This text emphasizes conceptual development over mathematical proofs in assisting students in understanding psychometric issues, such as validity and reliability, can be addressed and why it is important to address them. This text was beneficial in my initial understanding of the importance of validity and reliability in research, interventions, and assessment measures.
Gravetter, F. J., & Wallnau, L. B. (2005). Essentials of Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.
This text explains statistical procedures in a manner that allows the reader to gain a true conceptual understanding of statistics. The authors provide real world examples to assist the reader in examining published findings from current research. I have to admit that I found my first statistics course overwhelming and before I took the second one, a colleague recommended this text; it was an absolute life saver in my understanding of statistics.
Kerlinger, F. N. & Lee, H. B. (2000). Foundations of Behavioral Research. (4th ed.). Toronto, ON: Nelson Thomson Learning.
This text examines the fundamentals of solving a scientific research problem by focusing on the relationship between the problem and the research design. This is a text that I expect to refer to as I continue to research studies and articles as it provides information on statistics, research methodology, and measurement.
Stevens, J. P. (2009). Applied Multivariate Statistics for the Social Sciences. (5th ed.). New York: Routledge.
his text depicts all areas of using statistical measurement in the behavioural sciences. It also provided information on research methodology, measurement, technology, and report writing in APA style.