Learning objectives
By the end of the course the student will be able to:
- evaluate the fit between an instrument and different objects of study, in particular in relation to content (dimensions and items), respondents and consistency with the aims;
- evaluate the goodness of the psychometric properties of an instrument, in order to collect reliable data;
- evaluate the limits of an instrument;
- interpret adequately and effectively the results obtained using an instrument.
Prerequisites
None
Course unit content
The laboratory will familiarize students with the selection and use of instruments for the analysis of peer relations at school, which may be useful in various instances of collaboration and intervention in schools. More specifically, we will examine some questionnaires in order to have a wider discussion on how to choose an appropriate instrument and how to evaluate the adequacy of a questionnaire’s properties.
Full programme
Particular attention will be given to the follow topics:
- Different instruments for different purposes;
- Selecting an instrument: examining the contents of a questionnaire;
- Selecting an instrument: examining the psychometric properties of a questionnaire;
- Development and validation of a questionnaire;
- Focus on some questionnaire on peer relations at school.
Bibliography
Didactic materials (partly in English) will be provided during the course and shared on the platform Elly.
Teaching methods
The laboratory will be given in presence, in observance of the norms for safety, unless the persistence of the pandemic will require further dispositions. The laboratory will include brief frontal lessons, followed by the analysis of some questionnaires for the study of relations among peers and practical activities. Didactic materials will be provided and posted on the platform Elly dedicated to the laboratory.
Assessment methods and criteria
The successful completion of the laboratory will result in an evaluation of a fitting level of competence, without marks. Students will be considered eligible to pass the laboratory based on their mandatory presence during lessons (which will take place over two days) and their active participation to practical exercises.
Other information
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