Quantitative Research Methods provides basic training in the gathering, description and analysis of quantitative information in the social, business, management and financial sciences.
This is a course in basic research methods including discussions of: data gathering issues and techniques; sources of data and potential biases; graphical and numerical data description techniques including simple linear regression and basic time series; sampling behaviour of averages and the Central Limit Theorem; point and interval estimation procedures; concepts in hypothesis testing for comparing two populations, simple and multiple linear regression; p-values and significance levels.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of the requirements for this course, students should have the knowledge and skills to:
- LO1: Compare and contrast different sampling methodologies and assess suitability for a range of situations; discuss issues with choice of sampling method; sampling vs nonsampling errors; sample vs census choice
- LO2: Discuss different types of variables and produce appropriate graphical and numerical descriptive statistics
- LO3: Understand and apply probability rules and concepts relating to discrete and continuous random variables, including univariate and bivariate distributions and some specific probability density functions, concepts of expectation, variance, correlation and portfolio construction
- LO4: Understand the importance of the Central Limit Theorem and its uses and applications; judging appropriate conditions for its application; use the CLT to find probabilities associated with a range of values for a sample average; sample size determination
- LO5: Consider concepts of estimation – point and interval estimators, unbiasedness and consistency, calculation and interpretation of confidence intervals for a range of situations
- LO6: Perform and interpret hypothesis tests for a range of situations, identifying the situation at hand and assessing whether assumptions are met; discuss types of errors, significance, p-values, make appropriate conclusions with regards to decision making
- LO7: Perform and interpret simple and multiple linear regressions, assessing suitability of the model for the data type and situation; apply and interpret simple time series models
Other Information
See the course outline on the College courses page. Outlines are uploaded as they become available.
Indicative Assessment
Typical assessment may include, but is not restricted to: quizzes, assignments and a final exam.
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
Students are expected to commit at least 10 hours per week to completing the work in this course. This will include at least 3 contact hours per week and up to 7 hours of private study time.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Majors
Minors
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. Tuition fees are indexed annually. 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 |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $3444 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $4590 |
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2629 | 20 Feb 2017 | 27 Feb 2017 | 31 Mar 2017 | 26 May 2017 | In Person | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7597 | 24 Jul 2017 | 31 Jul 2017 | 31 Aug 2017 | 27 Oct 2017 | In Person | N/A |
