Module PSYS1051: METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY

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

PSYS1051: METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Prerequisites

• Mathematics GCSE Grade C (or equivalent)

Corequisites

• Introduction to Statistics (PSYS1041)

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce students to a range of empirical procedures and techniques used in psychology
• To illustrate some of the well known empirical findings referred to in lectures

Content

• Students will undertake simple practicals in core areas of psychology
• The module will also cover related conceptual and historical issues in psychology

Learning Outcomes

• Basic knowledge of some key research methods in psychology
• Basic knowledge of some statistical methods for psychology

• Emerging understanding of the relationship between theory and data
• Developing competence in the design and conduct of experiments, including hypothesis testing and data interpretation
• Developing skills in data handling and statistical analysis

• Developing ability to organise and utilise knowledge
• Developing written communication skills
• Developing 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

• Assessment in this module comprises written reports based upon practicals run in the timetabled classes
• Classes take the form of a two-hour session in the computing laboratory. Within the two-hour slot, competence in the design and conduct of psychological research is facilitated by the range of teaching methods used. These include: lecture-based sessions introducing students to the theoretical and ethical issues related to research design in psychology; planning sessions providing students with guidance with the design of their practicals; practical sessions in which data is collected; sessions providing students with guidance on how to write up a practical report
• The practicals in this module guide students' acquisition of knowledge of some research methods and the application of some statistical methods in psychology. Assessment of these skills is provided by the formative and summative practical reports
• Students, working in groups, develop their expertise by taking part in practicals with increasing independence. Assessment of this group work is by the formative and summative practical reports
• The practicals develop students' ability to organise and utilise knowledge and an understanding of the link between data and theory. Preparation of and feedback from practical reports allow students to hone their organisational, statistical and written abilities, and develop their understanding of theoretical issues
• Training in written communication skills is provided primarily in the practical classes and by feedback from the formative reports. Written communication skills are also assessed in the summative reports

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Two practical reports

■ 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