Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module PSYC2091: RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Department: Psychology

PSYC2091: RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Type Tied Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2012/13 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to C800
Tied to C802

Prerequisites

  • Introduction to Psychological Research (PSYC1062) AND Introduction to Psychology 1 (PSYC1071) AND Introduction to Psychology 2 (PSYC1081)

Corequisites

  • Statistics for Psychology (PSYC2101)

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To equip students with experience of the practical application of a wide range of methods in psychological research and to develop presentation skills necessary for communicating research aims and findings

Content

  • The course consists of extended blocks of supervised practical work in which students carry out novel research, including independent work
  • Students will be introduced to advanced research methods in a range of psychological disciplines
  • At least one of the practical sessions will always include qualitative methods
  • Students are expected to produce a research proposal for their dissertation in the final stages of this module
  • Formal presentations of one practical and the research proposal in mini-conferences provide students with opportunities to develop communication skills and a forum to constructively criticise research from both empirical and ethical standpoints
  • The module will also cover related conceptual and historical issues in psychology

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of a range of research paradigms and methods, including qualitative and quantitative methods
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Ability to formulate research questions and hypotheses
  • Ability to recognise and address ethical issues in psychological research
  • Ability to interpret research findings and integrate these with other key findings in the literature
  • Competence in designing and conducting small-scale research projects and evaluating the strengths and limitations of this work
  • Skills in data handling and the competent application of statisitical procedures
Key Skills:
  • Competent in written communication skills
  • Competent IT skills in word processing and data presentation

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

  • Students will complete four practical blocks giving students exposure to a range of paradigms and methods including quantitative, qualitative and observational methods
  • At least one of the practical sessions will always include qualitative methods
  • The projects undertaken will be student-led and hence will involve the students in designing, conducting and analysing small empirical studies
  • The summative assessment of the module consists of a set of laboratory reports based upon studies carried out by students during the course and hence assesses students' competence in designing, conducting, analysing and reporting psychological research
  • Reports will also be used to assess students' ability to integrate their findings with theory and other published research and critically evaluated this work
  • Assessment criteria will also include students' data handling and presentation, scientific report writing and IT skills
  • Written feedback will be provided
  • One formative assessment consists of preparation of a research proposal for the students' dissertation work in Level 3
  • This proposal is used to assess students' ability to formulate a research question and select an appropriate research design
  • Particular emphasis will be placed on assessing appreciation of the ethical issues raised in the research proposal.
  • Further formative assessments require students to present the results of one practical and their research proposal orally
  • These presentations will assess students' spoken communication and data presentation skills
  • Feedback will address both content and presentation quality

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshop 1 Term 1 3 Hours 3
Practicals 16 4 x 4 Week Blocks 3 Hours 48 ■
Seminars 2 1 each in Term 1 & Term 2 3 Hours 6
Workshop 1 Term 2 3 Hours 3
Mini Conference 1 Term 3 3 Hours 3
Preparation and Reading 137
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Practical Reports Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
report 1 50%
report 2 50%

Formative Assessment:

Written summary reports in each practical block. Written research proposal for Level 3 dissertation research. (Satisfactory completion of this proposal is required for progression to Level 3). Oral presentation of the dissertation research proposal.

■ 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