Assessment instructions
PSYC-1115: Applied Epidemiology & Statistics in
the Global Context
1) Introduction to the assessment
This
assessment involves analysis and interpretation of a public health related data
set, and the preparation of workbook in a format of a technical report.
Choosing and applying statistical tests to a dataset provided and interpreting
the output will increase students’ familiarity with statistical methods and
their critical interpretive skills.
This assessment
has he following aims:
• To
increase your understanding of statistical techniques by applying them to data
• To build
your confidence in using statistical software
• To gain
skills in sourcing and retrieving health and epidemiological information
• To help
you acquire the skills necessary to write and present a technical report/
workbook
2) Background
Task: Each
student will be provided with a dataset and will analyse the data, interpret
the results and prepare a technical report/workbook of the findings.
The data are
derived from the Health Survey for England 2003 dataset. Student will be
provided with different versions of the dataset; thus, study findings may
differ slightly between students.
Because we
are not using the complete survey database and some changes have been made to the
description of the methodology to simplify comprehension of the data, we will
refer to the country as Pinkland instead of England for the purpose of this
assessment.
3)
Instructions
You will be provided with a dataset
(Pinkland.SAV) in SPSS format. Make sure you can open the database in SPSS.
Analysing the data
It is for you to decide what are the appropriate methods using the knowledge
you’ve learned from the material studied in this module.
Analysis:
•
Descriptive statistics & descriptive
epidemiology of the sample & main outcome variable (BMI)
•
Inferential statistics & analytical
epidemiology (association between BMI and other variables)
Write an
extended technical summary about your findings. At a minimum, the
workbook/technical report should provide estimates for men and women of the
prevalence of overweight and obesity and identify which population groups are
most at risk.
You must
carefully consider which of the output from SPSS is necessary to include in the
workbook/ technical report. Do NOT cut and paste tables directly from the SPSS
output files without deleting superfluous text and figures. Please edit the
charts to make them reader friendly.
Round values
for your data to no more than four significant figures. (For the same number of
significant figures, different variables will have different numbers of decimal
places because they are measured using different units. For example, mean Z
scores may have three decimal places, while mean weight in kg might only have
one or two.) Also, except for very small p-values, values of most test
statistics should be rounded to two decimal places.
Please remember:
For the purposes of
writing your report/workbook, the data are from Pinkland even though you
know that the data are actually from England.
Completing the assessment
While you
may wish to discuss ideas with other students about how to analyse the data, it is absolutely essential that you write up
your results individually. Working together on your written work is
considered a form of cheating and is an assessment offence.
You will
most likely choose to analyse your data and present your findings in different
ways from your classmates and there is no single correct approach.
a)
Minimum recommended process for
data analysis and for reporting of the findings
You should always
clearly state the objectives of your analyses. For example, ‘A paired t-test
was performed to assess the mean difference in x between the two sets of observations.’
Descriptive statistics
·
Summarise
the demographic characteristics of the sample in terms of age, sex, ethnicity,
and marital status. You could treat age as a continuous variable, and/or group
it into appropriate categories.
·
You
can also summarise variables such as car ownership, family size and limiting
longstanding illness.
·
Create
a new continuous variable, BMI, from the values of weight and height. Remember
BMI is measured as weight in kilograms (kg) divided by the square of height in
metres (m). The units for BMI are kg/m2.
·
Summarise
the data relating to BMI. You will need to include measures of location (or
central tendency) and measures of spread (variation) and to report confidence
intervals.
·
In
order to give prevalence rates of overweight and obesity, create a new
categorical variable from BMI using the threshold values of 18.5, 25 and 30 as
follows:
o
BMI <18.5
= underweight
o
BMI from
18.5 to 24.99 = normal weight
o
BMI ≥
25.00 = overweight
o
BMI ≥ 30.00
= obese
·
If the
data allows you can further classify the obese group into: Obese class 1 (BMI from 30 to 34.99); Obese
class 2 (BMI from 35.00 to 39.99); Obese class 3 (BMI ≥ 40.00).
Inferential
statistics and analytical epidemiology
·
Investigate
if and how BMI is associated with age, sex, and educational attainment.
·
You
can choose whether you use BMI as a continuous variable or as the derived
categorical variable.
·
You
can choose how to use age (continuous or categorical) and educational
attainment (if you prefer to condense education into fewer categories or use the
number of categories originally defined).
b) Additional Analysis (Optional)
Investigate the association of BMI with ethnicity, car ownership, occupation
and presence of long-standing illness. You can also look at the association
between presence of long-standing illness and ethnicity and check if the burden
of disease is distributed evenly across ethnic groups or not. Again, you are
free to re-group the variables. For example, ethnicity could be treated as a
binary variable (white vs non-white).
c) Report writing: Guidance on the
style of a technical report/ workbook
Technical/ executive summaries are briefing documents written by
technical experts on specific topics for decision-makers (often civil servants,
programme managers or administrators.) They are commissioned to provide
information on specific questions or issues and to provide a basis for
decision- making and action. As such they should put forward all the relevant
facts and set out the relevant issues. The aim is to inform the reader
sufficiently to enable her/him to understand the reasons for and implications
of any decisions and subsequent actions that she/he takes. Information presented
in the report should not include personal views that are not supported
by the data or by other evidence/literature. You should assume that the person
you are writing for is intelligent and proficient, but busy, and not an expert
in relation to the issue in hand. The report should include a short background,
aim(s) of the report, key results a discussion and conclusions.
Below are suggestions of content that
should be covered in each section:
Introduction
·
Why
overweight/obesity is an important issue in this particular country. (You can
use data and evidence from England and the UK to support this section.)
·
Why
this survey is needed
Objectives
·
Clear
statement of the aims of the report
Methods
·
Brief
description of data collection and sampling procedure
·
Important
features of the study design and quality control
·
Description
of how the variables used in the analysis were defined
·
Description
of the analysis plan for descriptive and inferential statistics (for
categorical and continuous variables) and of the software used for analyses
Results
·
Description
of the sample (e.g. age distribution, gender, socio-economic status, demographics,
etc), descriptive statistics for the nutritional variables (BMI) and for other
health outcomes used in the analysis
·
Presentation
of the results of analytical analyses (associations between BMI and other
variables).
·
At
least one table and one graph
Discussion
and conclusions
·
Compare
your findings to the WHO values (for example) which indicate a crisis and to
other relevant literature on the topic
·
Suggested
reasons for the patterns and trends in the data based on the research and
literature
·
Identify
any limitations of your data analysis and the survey methodology
·
Identify
the need for intervention to address the problems identified and make recommendations
References
·
Keep a
list of all references in the Harvard format. Preferably use appropriate
software for this.
d)
Length
(max 2500 words +/- 10%)
The maximum length of the workbook is
not limited to the text only, this includes tables and figures/charts, but excludes
the reference list. To simplify the length estimation, each table (regardless
of the size) will count as 100 words and each graph as 50 words.
For example, if you include 4 tables (4
x 100 = 400) and 2 graphs (2 x 50 =100) in your workbook you have used 500
words. The remaining 2000 will be distributed as text across the workbook.
IMPORTANT: The reference list is NOT
included in the word count.
Marking criteria
Please see
the attached rubric for details of the marking criteria and grading scale.
The criteria
for passing this assessment include:
Data
analysis and interpretation (Accounts for 75% of the mark)
•
Use of appropriate tests
•
Appropriate use and display of tables and
graphs
•
Presentation of results (key prevalence rates,
identification of high-risk groups and main associations)
•
Adequate interpretation of key results
•
Reasons for the patterns and trends in the data
•
Explanations clear and understandable
•
Degree of synthesis / creative thought
demonstrated
•
Limitations of survey methodology and of your
data
•
Use of statistical software package (SPSS) to
conduct data analyses and present results.
Academic writing and referencing (Accounts for 25% of mark)
•
Clarity and logical organisation of the
report/workbook
•
The style of the text is clear, simple,
concise, logical and systematic
•
Page style / font /
margins appropriate
•
Reference list and in text references
consistent
•
References using Harvard style
•
Reference list complete and without errors
•
Supplementary items cross referenced and
appropriate
•
Appropriate text explaining tables and graphs
•
Clear English with coherent flow and correct
grammar
•
Appropriate length
Submission
The
assessment must be submitted electronically on Monday the 11th of
January 2021 by 11:30 pm GMT using the Coursework Submission section on Moodle.
You can use the Originality Report section on Moodle to check the originality
of your assignment before submitting.
Marking Rubric
|
80-100% Exceptional |
70-79% Excellent |
60-69% Very Good |
50-59% Good |
30-49% Fail |
0-29% Fail |
|
|
Domain 1: Knowledge
and understanding of content |
Sophisticated and
comprehensive knowledge of basic statistics and epidemiology and a systematic
understanding of the statistical and epidemiological concepts taught in the
module. Appropriate use of the relevant theory, methodologies, practices and
tools to analyse and synthesise data at the master's level. This includes the
use of appropriate statistical tests and presentation of appropriate
descriptive statistics and descriptive epidemiology for all analyses. |
Extensive knowledge
of basic statistics and epidemiology and a clear understanding of the
statistical and epidemiological concepts taught in the module. Appropriate use of the relevant theory,
methodologies, practices and tools to analyse and synthesise data at the
master's level. This includes the use of appropriate statistical tests and
presentation of appropriate descriptive statistics and descriptive
epidemiology for nearly all analyses. |
Very good knowledge
of basic statistics and epidemiology and a reasonable understanding of most
of the statistical and epidemiological concepts taught in the module. Mostly appropriate use of the relevant
theory, methodologies, practices and tools to analyse and synthesise data at
the master's level. This includes the use of appropriate statistical tests
and presentation of appropriate descriptive statistics and descriptive epidemiology
for most of the analyses. |
Good knowledge of
basic statistics and epidemiology and an understanding of many of the
statistical and epidemiological concepts taught in the module. Reasonable use
of the relevant theory, methodologies, practices and tools to analyse and
synthesise data at the master's level. This includes the use of appropriate
statistical tests and presentation of appropriate descriptive statistics and
descriptive epidemiology to conduct and present at least half of the
analyses. |
Inadequate
knowledge of basic statistics and epidemiology. Limited understanding of the
statistical and epidemiological concepts taught in the module. Inappropriate
use of the relevant theory, methodologies, practices and tools to analyse and
synthesise data at the master's level. Only some (less than half) of the
analyses are conducted with appropriate statistical tests or presented with
appropriate descriptive statistics and epidemiology. |
Little to no
knowledge of basic statistics and epidemiology and poor understanding of the
statistical and epidemiological concepts taught in the module. Inability to
use the relevant theory, methodologies, practices and tools to analyse and
synthesise data at the master's level. Few if any analyses are conducted with
appropriate statistical tests or presented with appropriate descriptive
statistics and epidemiology. |
|
Domain 2: Use of
research informed evidence |
Use of relevant
literature showing critical awareness of current problems and new insights
related to the assessment topic (overweight & obesity). Discussion of
results and study limitations demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of
techniques applicable to the research, originality in the application of
knowledge, and a practical understanding of how established techniques of
epidemiological research and enquiry are used to create and interpret
knowledge in the discipline. Conceptual understanding that enables the
student to critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in
the discipline, as well as to evaluate methodologies. |
Use of relevant
literature showing high awareness of current problems and/or new insights
related to the assessment topic (overweight & obesity). Discussion of
results and study limitations demonstrates an extensive understanding of
techniques applicable to the research, originality in the application of
knowledge, and a practical understanding of how established techniques of
epidemiological research and enquiry are used to create and interpret
knowledge in the discipline. Conceptual understanding that enables the
student to evaluate current research and scholarship in the discipline, as
well as to evaluate methodologies. |
Use of relevant
literature showing adequate awareness of current problems related to the
assessment topic (overweight & obesity). Discussion of results and study
limitations demonstrates a very good understanding of techniques applicable
to the research, appropriate application of knowledge, and an understanding
of how established techniques of epidemiological research and enquiry are
used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. Conceptual
understanding that enables the student to evaluate research and scholarship
in the discipline, as well as to evaluate some methodologies. |
Use of literature
showing moderate awareness of current problems related to the assessment
topic (overweight & obesity). Discussion of results and study limitations
demonstrates a good understanding of techniques applicable to the research,
reasonable application of knowledge, and a modest understanding of how
established techniques of epidemiological research and enquiry are used to
create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. Conceptual understanding
that enables the student to evaluate some research and scholarship in the
discipline. |
Use literature
shows limited awareness of current problems related to the assessment topic
(overweight & obesity). Discussion of results and study limitations
demonstrates a weak understanding of techniques applicable to the research,
inadequate application of knowledge, and a limited understanding of how
established epidemiological techniques of research and enquiry are used to
create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. Little understanding of
concepts needed to evaluate research and scholarship in the discipline. |
Use of literature
shows little to no awareness of current problems related to the assessment
topic (overweight & obesity). Discussion of results and study limitations
demonstrates a misunderstanding of techniques applicable to the research, a
lack of application of knowledge, and a poor understanding of how established
techniques of epidemiological research and enquiry are used to create and
interpret knowledge in the discipline. No understanding of concepts needed to
evaluate research and scholarship in the discipline. |
|
Domain 3:
Evaluation and analysis |
Demonstrates
critical thinking and enquiry; deals with the issues both systematically and
creatively; makes sound judgements based on the data; able to communicate
conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audience. Able to draw
upon critical evaluation of current knowledge in the field to propose new
hypotheses. Originality in critical analysis and interpretation and
application to appropriate contexts. |
Demonstrates
critical thinking and enquiry; deals with the issues systematically or
creatively; makes sound judgements based on the data; able to communicate
conclusions clearly. Able to draw upon evaluation of knowledge in the field
to propose hypotheses. Originality in analysis and interpretation and
application to appropriate contexts. |
Demonstrates some
critical thinking and enquiry; deals with the issues systematically or
creatively; makes good judgements based on the data; able to communicate
conclusions adequately. Some originality in analysis and interpretation. |
Deals with the
issues systematically or creatively; makes good judgements based on the data;
able to communicate conclusions adequately. |
Does not deal with
the issues systematically or creatively; makes few judgements based on the
data; not able to communicate conclusions adequately. |
Does not deal with
the issues systematically or creatively; makes poor or unsound judgements
based on the data; not able to communicate conclusions. |
|
Domain 4:
Communication, Organisation and Presentation |
Expresses ideas
effectively and fluently. Follows prescribed format and structure for the
workbook/report and demonstrates originality in planning and implementing the
workbook/report at a professional level by going beyond the minimum
requirements. Keeps to the word limit. Use of clear, accurate English.
Minimal errors in writing. Well organised and well presented, with flow and
progression. |
Expresses ideas
effectively. Follows prescribed format and structure for the workbook/report
and demonstrates thoughtfulness in planning and implementing the
workbook/report by going beyond the minimum requirements. Keeps to the word
limit. Use of clear English. Few errors in writing. Well organised and well
presented, with flow and progression. |
Expresses ideas
adequately/sufficiently. Follows prescribed format and structure for the
workbook/report and meets the minimum requirements. Keeps to the word limit.
Use of good English. Not many errors in writing. Organised and presented with
flow and progression. |
Expresses ideas
adequately/sufficiently. Follows prescribed format and structure for the
workbook/report and meets the minimum requirements. Keeps to the word limit.
Use of understandable English. Some errors in writing. Some organisation
showing progression. |
Expresses ideas
inadequately. Does not follow prescribed format/structure for the
workbook/report or does not meet minimum requirements. Does not keep to the
word limit (either too long or too short). Improper use of English or several
errors that get in the way of understanding. Little organisation or
progression. |
Expresses ideas
poorly. Does not follow prescribed format/structure for the workbook/report
and does not meet minimum requirements. Poor use of English with many errors
that prohibit understanding. No organisation or progression. |
|
Domain 5: Referencing and
coverage (5%) |
Sources used are
all acknowledged in the text and reference list (including online sources).
References are done professionally using the Harvard style. Referencing is
consistent throughout and without errors. Reference list is outstanding in
terms of its breadth and depth and all references are from reputable and high-quality
sources. Comprehensive range of evidence used. |
Sources used are
all acknowledged in the text and reference list (including online sources).
References are done professionally using the Harvard style. Referencing is
consistent throughout with minimal errors. Reference list is excellent in
terms of its breadth and depth and nearly all references are from reputable
and high-quality sources. Extensive range of evidence used. |
Sources used are
all acknowledged in the text and reference list (including online sources).
References are mostly done professionally using the Harvard style.
Referencing is fairly consistent throughout with few errors. Reference list
is very good in terms of its breadth and depth and the majority of references
are from reputable and high-quality sources. Wide range of evidence used. |
Most sources used
are acknowledged in the text and reference list (including online sources).
References include most of the required information but with some errors in
terms of formatting according to the Harvard style. Referencing is fairly
consistent. Reference list is good in terms of its breadth and depth and many
references are from reputable and high-quality sources. Decent range of
evidence used. |
Few sources used
are acknowledged in the text. Reference list is not formatted academically.
Referencing is not consistent and has many errors. Reference list is
inadequate in terms of its breadth and depth and many references are not from
reputable or high-quality sources. Limited range of evidence used. |
No sources used are
acknowledged in the text. Reference list is poor or non-existent. No evidence
from reputable sources presented. |
|
Domain 6: Graduate
employability and application of skills
• Use of statistical software package (SPSS) to conduct data analyses
and present results. |
Exceptional or
advanced range of practical and technology-based skills using a statistical
software package (SPSS) for data analysis. |
Excellent range of
practical and technology-based skills using a statistical software package
(SPSS) for data analysis. |
Good range of
practical and technology-based skills using a statistical software package
(SPSS) for data analysis. |
Some practical and
technology-based skills using a statistical software package (SPSS) for data
analysis. |
Limited practical
and technology-based skills in using a statistical software package (SPSS)
for data analysis. |
Little to no
practical and technology-based skills in using a statistical software package
(SPSS) for data analysis. |
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