Quantitative Methods

Gain training in the theory and application of quantitative methods for psychological research and contribute to the development of new knowledge in the field of quantitative psychology.

With regard to training, we seek to develop a foundational knowledge for graduate students of all areas and to provide state-of-the-art training for graduate students seeking a PhD in this field. The graduate program provides a rigorous curriculum, opportunities for experience in teaching, and extensive training and experience in research.

Our mission also involves the conduct of research that will make valuable contributions to the growth in knowledge regarding the theory and use of quantitative methods in psychological research. In addition, we contribute to the advancement of knowledge in substantive areas through the careful and proper use of sophisticated quantitative methods.

Program Overview

The Quantitative Methods program offers graduate study leading to both the MA and PhD degrees. The field of quantitative methods emphasizes measurement and data analysis, but covers a broad spectrum of topics ranging from the mathematical modelling of psychological processes and phenomena (mathematical psychology) to the theory and techniques of mental measurement, individual differences, statistics, and data analysis techniques generally.

The underlying philosophy in the quantitative methods area is that students are best served by an interdisciplinary program embracing the mathematical-theoretical underpinnings of the field as well as the applied techniques and substantive ideas that have emanated from them. Students will take courses in mathematical statistics and allied topics from the Statistics and Mathematics departments, as well as courses in applied topics given by other departments. Within the Department of Psychology, students will take courses in such topics as analysis of variance, multiple regression analysis, multivariate analysis, structural equation modelling, hierarchical linear modelling, factor analysis psychometric theory, and assessment techniques in psychology.

In addition to their coursework, students will be expected to become involved in research in the field. This research might entail joint activities with faculty members associated with the program or research initiated by the students themselves. Broad research areas currently represented by faculty members of the area include the development and testing – via Monte Carlo methods – of new statistical procedures, the investigation of sampling properties of some established statistics using computer simulation methods and analytical asymptotic derivations, mathematical models of personality structure and person perception, and applied assessment techniques.

The MA program requires full-time resident study and should be completed within two years.

  • 6 credits of Quantitative Methods core program courses
  • 6 credits of statistics
  • 3 credits of PSYC courses outside the Quantitative Methods area
  • Thesis (18 credits)

In addition, certain students may be required to complete additional courses or other undertakings because of deficiencies in their preparatory background; these requirements are specified by the program in coordination with the Graduate Student Progress Committee in writing during the first term of the student’s residence in the program.

Note: Students completing the MA program must apply for acceptance into the PhD program; acceptance depends upon the quality of the master’s-level work.

Full academic year residency is required for PhD students until the attainment of candidacy.

  • 9 credits of Quantitative Methods core program courses
  • 3 credits of PSYC courses outside the Quantitative Methods area
  • Comprehensive examination
  • Dissertation

Quantitative Methods students must take at least five (3-credit) courses beyond the 6 credits of required statistics at the MA level. In addition to the courses listed below, core program courses in Quantitative Methods include selected 500-level EPSE statistics courses and selected undergraduate or graduate STAT courses. Other courses may be substituted on a case-by-case basis with approval from the student’s supervisor, area, and Associate Head, Graduate Affairs. Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for more details.

PSYC 546b – ANOVA and the General Linear Model
PSYC 546d – Survey of Multivariate Methods
PSYC 546e – Multiple Regression
PSYC 546h – Measurement in Psychology
PSYC 546i – Statistical Tools for the Replication Crisis

PSYC 546j – Multilevel Modeling
PSYC 546x – Applied Multivariate Statistics
PSYC 546y – Structural Equation Modeling

The GRE is optional for Fall 2022 graduate admissions in the Quantitative Methods area. Successful applicants will have demonstrated quantitative reasoning skills; thus, we encourage interested applicants who have not otherwise demonstrated such skills (e.g., through excelling in mathematics and statistics courses) to take the GRE.

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