Module PSYC50160: Methodology, Statistics and Research Skills

Department: Psychology

PSYC50160: Methodology, Statistics and Research Skills

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide training in a range of methodological approaches and techniques of data collection used in psychology, and advanced statistical techniques;
• To give students the opportunity to develop critical understanding in the selection, interpretation and application of statistical methods;
• To provide practical training in a range of transferable skills relevant for professional and personal development.

Content

• Component 1: Research Design & Method in Psychology:
• This component covers research methods in psychology: relationships between theory and research and covers topics such as:
• Research with children: ethical and practical considerations;
• The experimental method, single case designs;
• Individual differences: psychometric tests;
• Complex data sets, design of longitudinal and cross-sectional designs, methods of data exploration, structural equation modelling;
• Practical sessions on handling complex data sets;
• Introduction to qualitative methods: questionnaire design, observational studies, diary techniques, interviews.
• Component 2: Applied Statistics
• Analysis of variance (ANOVA): one-way and multi-factor ANOVA, repeated measurements, mixed designs, analysis of covariance, and multivariate analysis of variance;
• Resgression analysis: multiple regression, logistic regression;
• Categorical data analysis: log-linear models, and correspondence analysis.
• Exploratory techniques such as: Principal Component Analysis, Cluster Analysis, Corespondence Analysis, and Multidimensional Scaling;
• Structural equation modelling;
• Meta-analysis.
• Component 3: Research Practice:
• Guide to resources: bibliographies, publications, subject gateways, data services;
• Tools: EndNote, PowerPoint, web page design, internet discussion groups.
• Project Management: planning research, time management, organisational skills, teamwork and co-operation;
• Dissemination and presentation: writing styles and strategies, oral and poster presentations.

Learning Outcomes

• Critical understanding of research design and strategy, including the selection and interpretation of alternative methods / techniques and the ability to formulate researchable problems;
• Specialsied knowledge of a range of methods, understanding fo advanced techniques for data collection and statistical analysis and critical awareness of their applicability for specific purposes;

• Capabilities for managing research including managing data;

• Oral communication skills
• Transferable employment-related skills relevant for professional and personal development, including: ability to communicate complex information, skills in graphical presentation, time management and organisation of work.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module is split into three components.
• Component 1 is Research Design and Method in Psychology
• This component is taught through weekly two hour seminars in one term.
• The component is assessed formatively through a written assignment and summatively through an examination.
• Component 2 is Applied Statistics and takes the form of weekly lectures and practical classes
• Written and oral formative assessment takes place throughout the duration of this component of the module
• This component is summatively assessed through a written assignment and an examination.
• Component 3 is Research Practice and is taught through four half-day workshops and one full day conference.
• Formative assessment of this component is through a poster presentation
• Summative assesment of this component is through oral presentation and a written assignment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Research Design and Method in Psychology - Assignment; Statistics - Practical Exercises; Research Practice - Poster Presentation

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University