Syllabus

• Week 1

  Misleading statistics

  • Getting started

    This section includes all the information you will need to get started in this course.

  • Introduction to Week 1

    Let's take a look ahead to what we'll be covering this week.

  • Misleading statistics

    Let's explore some common issues that arise with data collection and how they can result in misleading statistics.

  • How to fool the world with percentages

    Learn some common techniques people use to mislead others with percentages.

  • Fermi estimation

    Learn how to use Fermi estimation to make quick approximations or rough estimates based on limited information.

  • Statistics in the media

    Learn how to separate statistics from misleading media narratives.

  • Bringing it all together

    Let's reflect on what we've covered this week and take a look at what's coming up next.

• Week 2

  Sampling and variability

  • Introduction to Week 2

    Let's take a look ahead to what we'll be covering this week.

  • Hempel's Paradox

    Learn about the popular thought experiment, Hemple's Paradox and how it highlights the need for defined evidence and robust research questions.

  • Sampling

    Learn more about the inherent limitations of sampling and how variability can impact findings.

  • Variability

    Learn how variability impacts research studies and why researchers need to plan for it in their study designs.

  • Sample size and variability

    Practise making scientific observations to experience first-hand how sample size and variability can impact research.

  • Assessment

    This test will help you verify your understanding of the topics covered in Week 1 and Week 2. To earn a Certificate of Achievement on this course, you need to score an average of 70% or above on all test steps in the course.

  • Bringing it all together

    Let's reflect on what we've covered this week and take a look at what's coming up next.

• Week 3

  Study design

  • Introduction to Week 3

    Let's take a look ahead to what we'll be covering this week.

  • Generalisability

    Learn how researchers make sure their findings are relevant and applicable to populations beyond their selected sample.

  • Types of studies

    Learn some key terminology for investigating and discussing research studies.

  • Bringing it all together

    Let's reflect on what we've covered this week and take a look at what's coming up next.

• Week 4

  Surveys and bias

  • Introduction to Week 4

    Let's take a look ahead to what we'll be covering this week.

  • Surveys and bias

    Learn about the different kinds of bias that can impact survey research and how researchers can mitigate bias in their survey design.

  • Leading questions

    Learn how the phrasing and framing of questions can influence respondents and impact research findings.

  • Bias and precision

    Discover how bias and precision impact the quality and reliability of research results.

  • Assessment

    This test will help you verify your understanding of the topics covered in Week 3 and Week 4. To earn a Certificate of Achievement on this course, you need to score an average of 70% or above on all test steps in the course.

  • Bringing it all together

    Let's reflect on what we've covered this week and take a look at what's coming up next.

• Week 5

  Analysing results

  • Introduction to Week 5

    Let's take a look ahead to what we'll be covering this week.

  • What type of data is it?

    Learn the characteristics of different types of research data and how to choose an appropriate way to analyse them.

  • Rules for surveys

    Learn the core rules and principles for building sound surveys and analysing the data collected from them.

  • Right censoring

    Learn what right censoring is and how it can impact survey results.

  • Bringing it all together

    Let's reflect on what we've covered this week and take a look at what's coming up next.

• Week 6

  Sampling gone wrong

  • Introduction to Week 6

    Let's take a look ahead to what we'll be covering this week.

  • Missing data

    Discover the far-reaching implications of missing data on research studies.

  • The Tinder Example

    Explore this real-world experiment example to learn the impacts of poor experiment design.

  • Experiment design

    Let's review an experiment design to uncover methodological flaws and re-design the experiment to make it more robust.

  • Over-extrapolation

    Learn how over-extrapolation can create misinformation and inaccurate conclusions.

  • Filter bubbles

    Learn what filter bubbles are and their implications for research that use online platforms or social media.

  • Wald's Planes

    Learn why it's important to critically evaluate the data at hand before drawing conclusions from it.

  • Assessment

    This test will help you verify your understanding of the topics covered in the course. To earn a Certificate of Achievement on this course, you need to score an average of 70% or above on all test steps in the course.

  • Bringing it all together

    Let's reflect on what we've covered this week and take a look at what's coming up next.

  • What's next?

    Congratulations on reaching the end of the course. Let's reflect on what we've covered over the past weeks and look at ways for you to carry on learning!

Who will you learn with?