Research Methods & Statistics

In detail, the structure of the course curriculum is as follows:

(Course code: ENVR_512)

Semester:  Α Teaching Units: ECTS: 6 Type: Obligatory
Level:  Postgraduate  Direction: All Tutor:

This course is an introduction to the organization of the research method and the statistical processing of data with emphasis on applications in the environmental sciences. Using specialized academic writing guides and statistical analysis (SPSS) programs, learners will develop their skills in designing research papers, formulating and testing research questions and hypotheses, critically evaluating quantitative analysis results, and presenting their research findings.

Upon completion of the course, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the basic framework of deductive scientific research
  • Structure & Organize the Literature Review
  • Formulate measurable and controllable research hypotheses
  • Statistically analyze quantitative data
  • Interpret and communicate the results of their research

Upon completion of the course, the trainees will have the appropriate skills to design, carry out and evaluate research projects, at an academic and professional level.

Topics covered in the course:
  • Scientific research in the environmental sciences
  • Survey design
  • Data Collection Methods
  • Experimental Design in Ecology
  • Introduction to Statistics
  • Descriptive Statistics: Central Trend Measures & Dispersion Measures
  • Distributions & Regularity Checks
  • Hypotheses’ Checks
  • Comparison of means
  • Variance Analysis (ANOVA)
  • Correlation
  • Simple Linear Regression
  • Multiple Linear Regression
Lectures (hours/week) 2
Seminara-Labs (hours/week)  –
Other activities:
Course evaluation:
  • Assignments/Tests (50%)
  • End-of-term exams (50%)
Tutor’s notes Available throught the course’s online platform
Suggested textbooks:
  • Γναρδέλης Χαρ. (2019) Εφαρμοσμένη Στατιστική, Εκδόσεις Παπαζήση, Αθήνα
  • Λιαργκόβας Π. (2022) Μεθοδολογία της Έρευνας και Συγγραφή Επιστημονικών Εργασιών, Εκδόσεις Α. ΤΖΙΟΛΑ & ΥΙΟΙ Α.Ε., Αθήνα
Further readings:
Internet sources:
  • https://www.openintro.org/book/stat/
  • https://www.statskingdom.com/
  • https://datatab.net/