ETKS019 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
Course name:
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
ECTS/HP:
5 ECTS
Course code: ETKS019
Educational level: Third-cycle course.
Eligibility requirements: The course is open for students admitted to third-cycle studies at LTU.
The examiner, in consultation with the Head of Subject, decides whether the course should be open to doctoral students enrolled at universities other than LTU. The course is open to doctoral students from European universities. Applicants from other regions may be admitted upon approval by the examiner.
Entry requirements:
Participants should have completed at least one introductory course in statistics or equivalent. Basic conceptual understanding of statistical analysis is required.
Course content:
This intensive doctoral course provides an introduction to quantitative research design and statistical analysis, with an emphasis on rigorous analytical reasoning and transparent reporting. The course covers the relationship between theory, constructs, variables, and operationalisation, as well as key statistical techniques used in empirical research. Topics include data preparation, descriptive and inferential statistics, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance (ANOVA), regression analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and an introduction to structural equation modelling (SEM) using variance-based approaches. The course also addresses interpretation and reporting of statistical results in accordance with academic standards.
The course will be facilitated by Associate Professor Caitlin Ferreira
and Professor Nkosivile Madinga
Learning outcomes:
Upon completion of the course, the doctoral student should be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between theory, constructs, variables, and their operationalisation in quantitative research
- Analyse and evaluate the reliability and validity of measurement constructs
- Conduct and interpret statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, ANOVA, regression analysis, and exploratory factor analysis
- Explain the principles of structural equation modelling and specify measurement and structural models
- Critically assess and interpret statistical output in line with established academic standards
- Design and present an empirical quantitative analysis relevant to their doctoral research
Course methods:
The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, software demonstrations (e.g., SPSS and SmartPLS), hands-on laboratory sessions, and guided exercises. Participants engage in applied analytical work and discussions, culminating in the development of an empirical analysis related to their doctoral research.
Examination form:
Assessment is based on active participation in course activities, completion of assigned exercises, and submission of a final empirical analysis project. The project requires students to apply the methods covered in the course and present results in an academic format.
Grading scale: Pass/Fail.
Course literature:
Pallant, J. (2020). SPSS Survival Manual (7th ed.).
Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2019). Multivariate Data Analysis (8th ed.).
Additional materials will be provided during the course.
Education cycle:
2026-06-15 – 2026-06-19
Course is given periodically:
No.
Send application to: Associate Professor Jeandri Robertson
Include the following information in your application:
Doctoral student name and surname, civic registration number, e-mail, doctoral programme, University affiliation, Division and Department.
Deadline for application:
2026-05-29
Course open for application by doctoral students admitted to other universities than LTU:
Yes. Is decided by the course examiner, in consultation with the Head of Subject.
Limited number of students:
Yes, 10.
Tuition:
If the course is allocated resources via internal resource allocation system, the course is free of charge for doctoral students admitted at LTU.
For doctoral students admitted to other universities than LTU, the course examiner, in consultation with the Head of Subject, decides if course fees may be required.
Contact person:
Jeandri Robertson
0920-492-408
Examiner:
Jeandri Robertson
0920-492-408
Course syllabus decided by:
Helena Ranängen
Date of decision:
2026-04-09
Updated:
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