This course examines the key elements of undertaking a research project with an empirical flavour, and provides guidance on the use of various statistical tools and techniques in the analysis of data. The course is not designed as a replacement for more formal and deeper analysis of specific statistical methods. Rather, it is a refresher for those seeking to revive their basic research skills and also serves as an introduction for those seeking to go onto further study in specific statistical techniques. The course would be of interest to Honours and Postgraduate students and should complement studies that involve statistical method and/or research projects.
Section 1: The Research Process (Introduction to Research Theory, Development of Knowledge, Steps in the Research Process)
Section 2: Sourcing Relevant Information (Information Resources, Literature Review, Referencing, DataStream Tutorial)
Section 3: Data Gathering (Bias, Precision and Relevance, Types of Data, Handling Missing Data)
Section 4: Data Presentation Techniques (Identification of Data Structure, Graphical Description, Numerical Description
Section 5: Review of Hypothesis Testing Ideas (Statistical Questions: Populations versus Samples, Confidence Intervals, Structure of Hypothesis Tests, Developing Hypotheses, Decision-Making and Types of Error)
Section 6: Analysis and Applications (Deciding on the Type of Test, Specifying an Appropriate Model, Assessing Model Assumptions and Fit, Model Revision and Issues of Robustness, Computer-based Applications)
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
By the end of this unit, students are expected to have attained proficiency in the following areas:
- Be able to design and deliver research proposals and reports;
- Be able to appraise research articles and presentations; and,
- Be able to locate and analyse data from a number of well-known sources.
Other Information
See the course outline on the College courses page. Outlines are uploaded as they become available.
Indicative Assessment
Assessment is based on a research proposal to be submitted at the end of the term.
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
10 hours / weekRequisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Rsch Sch of Finance, Actuarial Studies & App Stats to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Students continuing in their current program of study will have their tuition fees indexed annually from the year in which you commenced your program. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $3234 | |
| 2014 | $3246 | |
| 2013 | $3240 | |
| 2012 | $3240 | |
| 2011 | $3240 | |
| 2010 | $3240 | |
| 2009 | $3240 | |
| 2008 | $3240 | |
| 2007 | $3240 | |
| 2006 | $3240 | |
| 2005 | $3234 | |
| 2004 | $3234 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $3234 |
| 2014 | $3948 |
| 2013 | $3942 |
| 2012 | $3942 |
| 2011 | $3942 |
| 2010 | $3942 |
| 2009 | $3618 |
| 2008 | $3618 |
| 2007 | $3618 |
| 2006 | $3534 |
| 2005 | $3234 |
| 2004 | $3234 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.