Research Methods in Psychology
Module summary
Module code: PSYC1065
Level: 7
Credits: 30
School: Education, Health and Human Sci
Department: Human Sciences
Module Coordinator(s): Rosemary Lobban / Trevor Thompson
Specification
Aims
To understand the theoretical basis of psychological research methods and statistics and become proficient in their practical application.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:
1 Understand research paradigms, and their historical and philosophical development in psychological research and research settings.
2 Choose and apply appropriate quantitative or qualitative techniques for the analysis and interpretation of psychological data.
3 Apply an appropriate statistical package to a research problem.
4 Identify, carry out and interpret results from appropriate statistical techniques.
5 Plan, design, implement, analyse, and present findings from research projects.
6 Critically evaluate psychological research articles and findings.
7 Write up psychological research according to psychological conventions.
Indicative content
- Philosophical and historical influences in psychological research.
- Critical and traditional approaches in psychological research.
- Qualitative methods.
- Critical evaluations of research designs.
- Introductory and advanced statistics including: ANOVA; correlation and regression; multiple regression; factor analysis; path analysis.
- Design and analysis of experiments.
- Ethical procedures in student research studies.
- Conventions in writing up psychological research.
Teaching and learning activity
The module will be delivered using a series of lectures, workshops and computer classes. You will be introduced to a topic within a traditional lecture setting. Workshops will allow you to gain practical experience of methodology topics, and computer classes will provide hands-on practical experience.
Assessment
Quantitative Lab Report: 25% weighting, 50% pass mark.
Learning Outcomes: 2,3,4,5, 6 & 7.
Outline Details: A lab report based on an in-class study. 2000 words.
Qualitative Assessment: 25% weighting, 50% pass mark.
Learning Outcomes: 2, 5, 6 & 7.
Outline Details: A qualitative report based on qualitative analysis of interview scripts. 2000 words.
Exam: 50% weighting, 50% pass mark.
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2 & 4.
Outline Details: Two-hour statistics exam.
Formative Assessment: Series of Multiple Choice Quizzes.