Module PSYC3041: PSYCHOLOGY PROJECT AND STATISTICS

Department: Psychology

PSYC3041: PSYCHOLOGY PROJECT AND STATISTICS

Prerequisites

• Memory and Language (PSYC2081) AND Social Developmental Psychology (PSYC2021) AND Brain Processes of Cognition and Perception (PSYC2111).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide the necessary background in experimental design and statistics to fulfil the requirements for a BPS recognised degree in Psychology.

Content

• The statistics and experimental design lecture course will provide students with the skills required to complete a research project of their own design.
• This project will be based around weekly supervised practical sessions, however, students will be expected to devote time outside these classes to the design, execution and analysis of their projects.

Learning Outcomes

• Good written communication skills as evidenced by clear, well-written project adopting high scientific standards and conforming to (APA) journal style.

• The ability to locate, read and review a body of research evidence.
• Critical evaluation of the quality of evidence and arguments.
• Interpret theoretically, and evaluate the significance of, empirical work within a specific area.
• Identify an issue in this psychological domain that is amenable to empirical investigation, formulate a clear research question and act on this.
• Select a research method appropriate to the research question.
• Demonstrate competence in the selection and application of appropriate statistical procedures, and an understanding of their limitations.
• Reflect critically upon the strengths and weaknesses of the chosen design and the validity of conclusions reached.

• Good IT skills in word processing, data manipulation, and data presentation.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

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

• Lectures will introduce and explain a range of statistical methods and procedures and examples classes will give students the opportunity to practice using these techniques with support.
• The summative assessment of the module comprises both a practical assignment which test students' ability to apply statistical knowledge appropriately to the analysis of data and a class test which allows their understanding of the statistical principles underlying such analyses to be assessed.
• Students will be taught how to use the SPSS computer package to manipulate data and undertake statistical analyses in lecture classes.
• Students' skill in using this package for data manipulation, analysis and presentation will be assessed via the summative practical assignment.
• Students complete their project work under the supervision of an experienced researcher.
• This approach enable students to formulate, design, and conduct an independent piece of research with appropriate supervision and guidance.
• The design of the project is discussed in detail with the supervisor in one or more sessions and, during the running of the project, the supervisor is regularly informed by students of progress, by discussion or by email.
• Supervisory meetings provide advanced research training and the opportunity to engage in discussion which encourages students to think critically.
• It is appropriate that this work is assessed as a scientific report conforming to journal style as this format requires students to demonstrate their evaluative, analytical and research skills in a single comprehensive piece of work.
• Supervisors provide formative feedback on a draft of the dissertation submitted prior to the piece of work.
• Supervisors provide formative feedback on a draft of the dissertation submitted prior to the final deadline to help refine the report and extend students analytical abilities and theoretical understanding.
• Supervisors comment on the extent to which each aspect of the dissertation has been completed individually, and on the extent of guidance and feedback given.
• These ratings are taken into account in the marking of the project report.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Students complete exercises from the lecture handouts in their own time and these are self-marked.

■ 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