Module PSYS3111: ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS FOR APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY

Department: Psychology (Applied Psychology) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

PSYS3111: ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS FOR APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY

Prerequisites

• Modules to the value of 100 credits from Level 2 Applied Psychology (C810) INCLUDING Research Design and Data Analysis (PSYS2091)

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• This module has three complementary aims:
• first, students will learn how to synthesize research results using meta-analysis
• second, students will be introduced to additional forms of multivariate data analysis
• third, they will learn to combine their various research skills

Content

• Introduction to advanced research methods
• Major types of quantitative method and their advantages and disadvantages
• Quantitative; meta-analysis, factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis
• Two other methods from: Cluster analysis, structural equation modelling, multi-dimensional scaling, network analysis or logistic regression
• The module will also cover related conceptual and historical issues in psychology

Learning Outcomes

• Upon satisfactory completion of this module students should be aware of some of the various advanced methods that can be used in psychological research and have an understanding of the problems associated with them
• The ability to understand and conduct a simple meta analysis

• Students passing this module should be able to:
• Understand the advantages and disadvantages of quantitative research
• Describe the main methods of quantitative research
• Possess competent data analysis skills with the base programmes of SPSS
• Possess competent ompetent data analysis skills with at least one of AMOS, LISREL or EQS

• Students passing this module should be able to demonstrate:
• Good IT skills in data handling, represention and analysis

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

• Knowledge and understanding of advanced research methods and statistics, and the ability to select appropriuate methods in addressing a specific question are developed through the weekly lectures. Skills in applying this knowledge using advance computing packages is acquired during the weekly computing practicals
• This knowledge will be assessed in the summative assessments in which students must demonstrate practical skills in reporting and conducting a meta-analytic study and a critical evaluation of another piece of research
• These abilities are also assessed via the formative report for which feedback is provided
• Good IT and data handling skills are required for the formative and summative work in this module. Feedback is provided regarding the adequacy of these skills where necessary

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One quantitative data analysis exercise, from network analysis or structural equation modelling.

■ 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