Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module PSYS3111: ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS FOR APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY

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

PSYS3111: ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS FOR APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2012/13 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to C817
Tied to C800
Tied to C810

Prerequisites

  • Either 100 credits from Level 2 Applied Psychology C810 / Level 2 Psychology (Applied) C817 or PSYC2101 Statistics for Psychology

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • This module has two aims:
  • - first, students will learn how to apply a variety of advanced statistical techniques to undertake data analysis on a variety of data sets
  • - second, 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
  • A variety of techniques taken form:
  • Structural Equation Modeling
  • (Path Analysis/Confirmatory Factor Analysis)
  • Non-Linear regression
  • Logistic regression
  • Model Building for GLM
  • Hierarchical Anova
  • Anova via Regression
  • Analysis of Co-variance /2
  • Cluster analysis / Multidimensional scaling
  • Meta Analysis
  • Manova
  • Correspondence Analysis

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Detailed knowledge of advanced research methods in psychology including current theory, evidence, and practice
  • In-depth knowledge of advanced research methods in applied psychology
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Ability to review critically and consolidate understanding of a coherent body of psychological knowledge and apply it appropriately:
  • - competent data analysis skills with the base programmes of SPSS
  • - competent data analysis skills with AMOS
Key Skills:
  • Good written communication skills
  • Good IT skills in word processing, data manipulation, and data presentation
  • Ability to work independently in scholarship and research within broad guidelines

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 appropriate 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 undertaking open ended data analysis using appropriate techniques
  • These abilities are also assessed via formative assessment throughout the practical classes
  • 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

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 22 1 per week 1 hour 22
Practicals 22 1 per week 1 hour 22 ■
Preparation and Reading 156
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Reports Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
2000 word assignment taken from a topic(s) covered in Term 1 50%
2000 word assignment taken from a topic(s) covered in Term 2 50%

Formative Assessment:

Continuous throughout the course

■ 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