This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Postgraduate Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)

Module PSYC40215: Research Practice

Department: Psychology

PSYC40215: Research Practice

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Tied	4	15	Available in 2015/2016		Durham

Tied To

C8K109, C8K009,: (programme not found)

Pre-requisites

None

Corequisites

None

Excluded Combinations

None

Aims

To provide training in a range of methodological approaches used in psychology
To provide practical training in a range of transferable skills relevant for professional and personal development

Content

This module covers research methods in psychology: relationships between theory and research and covers topics such as:
The experimental method, single case designs;
Individual differences, including psychometrics;
Introduction to qualitative methods: questionnaire design, observational studies, diary techniques, interviews
Use of tools: Powerpoint, EndNote and internet based tools
Project management: Planning research, time management, organisational skills, teamwork and cooperation.
Dissemination and presentation: writing styles and strategies

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge

Critical understanding of research design and strategy, including the selection and interpretation of alternative methods and techniques
The ability to formulate researchable problems

Subject-specific Skills

Capabilities for managing research practically

Key Skills

Written communication skills
Transferable employment skills relevant for professional and personal development, including: ability to communicate complex information, time management and organisation of work

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

This module is taught through weekly two hour seminars for one term
This module is assessed formatively through a written assignment
Summative assessment of this module is through an examination

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total Hours	Attendance Monitored
Seminars	10	weekly in Michaelmas term	2 hours	20	Yes
Preparation and reading				130
Total				150

Summative Assessment

Component	Component Weighting	Element	Length/Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
unseen exam	100%	Exam	2 hours	100%	Yes

Formative Assessment

2000 word assignment on topic derived from seminars

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.