Duration
30h Th, 30h Pr
Number of credits
| Master in psychology (120 ECTS) | 6 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The formulation of increasingly complex theories in the field of social sciences as well as the quantitive analysis of data based on these theories are facilitated at this moment, on the one hand, thanks to sophisticated methods of statistical analysis and, on the other hand, to the existence of specific and adequate statistical softwares. In this context, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) primarily makes it possible to confirm the validity of theories concerning complex situations, among others those characterized by the presence of latent or unobserved variables. These methods are also known under other names such as "causal modeling" and "analysis of covariance structures".
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
The principal objective of the course is to familiarize the students with the basic concepts and procedures used in the specification, identification, valuation and adjustment of structural models. These concepts are illustrated by using concrete examples. The course will enable the students to use the "Lavaan" package of software R for Windows and Mac, while minimizing the use of the matrix algebra that is normally used for this type of modelling.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
To have a basic knowledge of statistics. The knowledge of the concepts of linear regression and factor analysis is an additional asset. To be familiar with the use of a statistical software.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The course is organized in the form of theoretical seminars and practical workshops. Exercises are proposed within the framework of those classes and are solved by individual work on a computer.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Each session of the course will be delivered via a video available on the E-campus platform. It will be completed by exercises to be carried out at home, exercises for which the correction will be provided. These exercises will follow a curve of difficulty (and will also include data encoding exercises).
Q&A sessions may be organised via the COLLABORATE platform. During the sessions, the students'questions may be answered. Theses questions wil have been collected inthe space provided on the E-campus forum.
In addition, the free R software and the "Lavaan" package allow each student to have them on his personal computer.
Organisational adjustments related to the current health context
Recommended or required readings
Pérée F.P., Modélisation des équations structurelles (Structural Equation Modeling), Utilisation du logiciel R (package Lavaan), Syllabus of course, University of Liege Editions, january 2020
Assessment methods and criteria
Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.
Any session :
- In-person
written exam ( open-ended questions )
- Remote
written exam
- If evaluation in "hybrid"
preferred remote
Additional information:
The evalution takes place at the end of the academic year. The evaluation is carried out by means of a three-hour writtent test in wich each student has to solve on his osn, on a computer, several concrete problems in the application of statistics.
On the date fixed for the exam, students must download on the E-campus platform a ZIP file including their data file and their questionnaire, both personalized. Students must respond in writing (in computer typing) on the questionnaire received. This questionnaire is to be sent back to E-campus at the end of the exam.
The students may use their course book, personal notes and examples of programs.
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
Contacts
UNIVERSITY OF LIEGE Service of Quantitative Psychology Sart Tilman B32 Quartier AGORA Place des Orateurs, 2 B-4000 Liège BELGIUM Tél : +32 4 366 22 31 e-mail : fperee@uliege.be