Data collection and analysis
There are many different methodological designs you can use to collect data for your thesis. Below are some of the available supports.
Using existing databases or contributing to data collection in 'ready-made' studies
One of the pathways for completing a thesis is to use data provided by your supervisor and/or supervisor’s research team. In order to comply with APAC requirements for research projects conducted at fourth-year level and higher, a set of guidelines (PDF, 147.3KB) has been developed to foster consistency in research time across all students.
Online surveys
Many students' research involves data collection via surveys. The university has a license with Qualtrics. If you are interested in using Qualtrics for your online data collection, please visit Qualtrics to create an account.
Lab-based experiment software
The School has department-wide licenses for the following programs:
If you are interested in using any of these programs, please contact Luke Barisic.
Statistical software
SPSS and Amos
Deakin has licences for software packages used to analyse both qualitative and quantitative data. SPSS and AMOS can be used by on-campus students on any Deakin computer. Online students can contact the IT service desk and request a copy of SPSS and AMOS which will be sent in the mail. Note: students employed as casual staff members can download SPSS and AMOS to their home computer via the following statistical software website (you will need your staff login and password).
MPlus
If you wish to use MPlus for your data analysis, you can borrow a laptop from the School's test library, which has MPlus installed on it.
Stata
If you wish to use Stata, take advantage of their affordable student pricing options.
The School also offers statistical workshops for HDR students periodically throughout the year.