PSICOM09 - RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND MULTIVARIATE DATA ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES

courses

ID:

PSICOM09

Duration (hours):

60

CFU:

SSD:

PSICOMETRIA

Located in:

CHIETI

Url:

Course Details:

PSYCHOLOGY/PSICOLOGIA DELLO SVILUPPO Year: 1

Course Details:

PSYCHOLOGY/PSICOLOGIA SOCIALE, DEL LAVORO E DELLE ORGANIZZAZIONI Year: 1

Year:

2025

Course Catalogue:

https://unich.coursecatalogue.cineca.it/af/2025?co...

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (29/09/2025 - 20/12/2025)

Course Objectives

Educational goals: Acquisition of skills in the field of psychological research and data processing. Capacity to perform data analysis using the techniques described in the course program. In addition, as an exemplary application of the methodological part of the program, we will explain what are the criteria for the scientific evaluation of the effectiveness of psychotherapies. Expected learning outcomes: - Knowledge of the fundamental rules of the scientific method - Knowledge of the various types of experimental designs - Knowledge of the mathematical and logical bases of multivariate analysis Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: - Ability to develop and design experimental designs in the context of psychological research - Ability to independently evaluate the scientific quality of research work - Ability to independently evaluate the scientific quality of psychological applications Autonomy of judgment: - Ability to judge the quality of experimental methods in research and applications - Ability to evaluate the quality of scientific data and scientific theories - Ability to evaluate scientific reports based on the experimental method Communication skills: - Ability to describe the results obtained for research or application purposes according to the criteria of the experimental method - Ability to provide correct information on the results of scientific studies and research Learning ability: - Know how to evaluate the validity of an experimental protocol - Knowing how to discriminate between scientific and non-scientific applications in the field of psychological research and clinical psychology - Ability to perform multivariate statistical calculations

Course Prerequisites

Bachelor's degree psychometrics exams

Teaching Methods

The course is delivered in person and combines different teaching approaches that align with the expected learning outcomes. The main methods include:

Classroom lectures, aimed at presenting theoretical frameworks and key concepts, and providing a structured overview of the course content;
Practical sessions and case study discussions, to help students apply their knowledge and develop analytical and critical thinking skills;
Group activities and presentations, designed to enhance teamwork, communication, and independent judgement;
Optional activities (e.g. workshops, project work, fieldwork) may be offered during the semester and will be announced in class or through the e-learning platform.

Attendance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended, as active participation in the various learning activities greatly supports the achievement of the course’s intended learning outcomes.

Assessment Methods

Student learning is assessed through a written exam consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions, each with four answer options, only one of which is correct. The questions cover the entire course syllabus. The exam is graded on a 30-point scale. The final score is based on the number of correct answers. The passing threshold is set at 18 out of 30. Incorrect or unanswered questions do not result in penalties. The test is designed to distinguish different levels of competence, in alignment with the expected learning outcomes.
For attending students, midterm assessments (parziali) or early exam sessions (pre-appelli) may be offered during the semester.

Texts

A) McBurney D.H., White T. L. (2008). “Metodologia della ricerca in psicologia”, Il Mulino, Bologna. ISBN: 978-88-15-11972-8. B) Saggino A. e Collevecchio A. (2014) "Psicoterapie e metodo scientifico" Milano: Franco Angeli editore. ISBN: 9788891709745 C) M. Tommasi – A. Busonera, 2010, “Teoria e tecniche dei reattivi e delle interviste in psicologia”, Franco Angeli Editore, ISBN 9788856815719- Chapt. 9 e 11 D) Ercolani A. P., Areni A., Leone L., 2002, ”Statistica per la psicologia. II statistica inferenziale ed analisi dei dati”, Il Mulino, Bologna, ISBN 8815084134-Chapt. 4

Research Methodology in Psychology. Explanation of the main statistical techniques of multivariate analysis (regression, analysis of variance, factor analysis). Research Methodology in Psychotherapy. Evidence-based Psychological Interventions.

Course Language

Italian

More information

Office hours are held weekly, either in person or remotely via Microsoft Teams, by appointment. Students are invited to check the instructor’s institutional webpage for updated office hours and contact details.
For any questions, students can contact the instructor at: [aristide.saggino@unich.it].
In addition to the standard teaching hours, students may take part in optional supplementary activities, including:

Tutoring sessions to support exam preparation and reinforce key concepts;
Optional lab sessions or practical activities, scheduled during the semester and communicated during class or via the e-learning platform;
External seminars or guest lectures on topics relevant to the course, when available.

Participation in these activities is voluntary and does not affect the final grade, but it is strongly recommended to enhance the learning experience and deepen the practical understanding of course content.