Module PSYC2091: RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Department: Psychology

PSYC2091: RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Prerequisites

• PSYC1062 Introduction to Psychological Research and PSYC1071 Introduction to Psychology 1 and PSYC1081 Introduction to Psychology 2

Corequisites

• PSYC2101 Statistics for Psychology

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

• Knowledge of a range of research paradigms and methods, including qualitative and quantitative methods

• 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

• 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 three practical blocks, each of which covers the use of a different research method, one of which is qualitative
• The projects undertaken will be student-led and hence will involve the students in designing, conducting and analysing small empirical studies
• Knowledge and understanding of the methods studied will be via a laboratory report and a formal examination
• The laboratory report will be based on a study carried out during the course and hence assesses competence in designing, conducting, analysing and reporting psychological research
• Assessment criteria for the report will also include students' data handling and presentation, scientific report writing and IT skills
• Knowledge of the theoretical and practical basis of a range of research methods will be assessed via the examination
• Formative assessment consists of written presentation of the results of each of the practicals carried out during the course
• The final formative assignment consists of preparation of a research proposal for 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

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Written summary reports in each practical block. Written ethics proposal for Level 3 dissertation research. 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