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 PSYC40515: Critical Analysis
Department: Psychology
PSYC40515: Critical Analysis
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tied | 4 | 15 | Available in 2015/2016 | Durham |
Tied To
Pre-requisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combinations
- None
Aims
- To provide analytical skills required to evaluate and conduct research in methodologies used in psychology
- To provide practical training in a range of transferable skills relevant for professional and personal development
Content
- This module covers techniques and tools required for the critical appraisal of research
- It will cover topics such as:
- Use and misuse of methodologies
- Common errors within relevant literature in data handling and interpretation
- Critical skills required to assess the validity of conclusions from given data
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- Critical understanding of data presentation, research design and strategy, including the selection and interpretation of alternative methods and techniques in order to answer questions
- The ability to evaluate researchable problems
Subject-specific Skills
- Capabilities for managing research
Key Skills
- Written and oral 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 three hour seminars for one term
- This module is assessed formatively through a poster presentation
- Summative assessment of this module is through an oral presentation and a written assignment
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seminars | 10 | weekly in term 2 | 3 hours | 30 | Yes |
| Preparation and reading | 120 | ||||
| Total | 150 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 25% | Oral presentation | 5 minutes | 100% | |
| Written Assignment | 75% | Essay | 2000 words | 100% | Yes |
Formative Assessment
Poster presentation 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.