Active learning ideas
The final stage of any psychological study is making sense of the results. Students learn to handle both quantitative (numerical) and qualitative (descriptive) data. They practice calculating the mean, median, mode, and range, and learn how to interpret various data visualisations like bar charts, histograms, and scatter diagrams. This topic ensures students can draw valid conclusions from raw data.
Activity 01
The class gathers data on a simple topic (e.g., reaction times or hours of sleep). In groups, they must calculate the mean, median, and mode for their data set and then create the most appropriate graph to display their findings to the class.
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?
Activity 02
Divide the class into 'experts' on different graph types (Bar, Histogram, Scatter). Each group is given a set of data and must teach another group why their specific graph is the best way to represent it.
How do you calculate the mean, median, and mode?
Activity 03
Students are given a series of research questions. In pairs, they must decide if the question would be better answered with qualitative or quantitative data and explain the 'strengths and weaknesses' of their choice.
What does a scatter diagram show?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
The mean is always the best measure of central tendency.
The mean can be distorted by 'extreme scores' (outliers). A 'salary' activity where one person is a 'billionaire' helps students see why the median is sometimes a more 'honest' representation of the group.
Qualitative data is 'easier' because there are no numbers.
Qualitative data is actually very difficult to analyse because it is subjective and time-consuming to categorise. A 'content analysis' task where students try to code a series of interviews helps them see the complexity of non-numerical data.
Methods used in this brief
Experimental Design and Hypotheses
Students learn how to formulate testable hypotheses and design psychological experiments. They will distinguish between independent, dependent, and extraneous variables.
8 methodologies
Sampling and Ethics
An examination of different sampling techniques and the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Students will evaluate the importance of informed consent and debriefing.
8 methodologies