Introduction to Quantitative Methods of Behavior Analysis 2500-PL-SPZ-OB2L-7

Lecture:
Behavior is an essential indicator of trait in psychology. Thus, the measurement of the severity of a trait in a particular individual is most often done through structured observation of behavior. A researcher in animal psychology can go further. In order to express conclusions about the relationships between psychological traits in populations, mathematical tools developed for the needs of statistics should be used. Thus, knowledge about the psychology of animals is usually framed by observations and reasoning based on the statistical methods.
The lecture presents methods of arranging observations and the process of analysis that allow to formulate general conclusions. Elements of descriptive statistics are presented, as well as the theoretical foundations of statistical inference. There are described different mathematical methods that are used for comparing means (t tests, analysis of variance), comparing variables (linear correlation, regression), and dealing with non-parametric situations (rank tests, rank correlations, Chi-square).

The class aims at providing students with basic skills necessary for the analysis and interpretation of empirical research results. Classes are going to be conducted in the form of practical exercises with the use of a computer. Each of the participants will be able to practice the methods discussed in the lecture using data provided by the lecturer. Participants of the class will acquire the basic skills required to work with a dataset and will be able to perform statistical tests (including descriptive statistics, intergroup comparisons, correlation techniques, analysis of variance).