Philosophy of science; approaches to research; levels of measurement; reliability and validity; research design; descriptive statistics; analytical tests (chi-square, t-tests and non-parametric alternatives, ANOVA and non-parametric alternatives, correlation, regression) ; using SPSS; reporting research; critical evaluation of research; and surveys.
Total Contact Hours 22
Private Study Hours 128
Total Study Hours 150
Compulsory to Social Sciences BSc (Hons)
Optional to Criminal Justice and Criminology BA (Hons)
Short answer exercise (2000 words) 40%
Report (2000 words) 40%
Seminar participation 20%
Reassessment methods: This module will be reassessed by 100% coursework.
Reading List (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)
Field, Andy P., (2013). Discovering statistics using SPSS (and sex and drugs and rock 'n' roll), Los Angeles, California: SAGE.
Jackson, Sherri L., (2012). Research methods and statistics: a critical thinking approach, Belmont, California: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Jackson S.L., (2015). Research methods: a modular approach, Stamford, CT: CENGAGE Learning.
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1. Demonstrate an understanding of the main approaches to conducting quantitative research in psychology and related areas including the strengths and weaknesses of each.
8.2. Demonstrate an understanding of sound research design, and be able to critically evaluate psychological research and quantitative approaches
8.3. Select and perform appropriate statistical tests by hand or using SPSS.
8.4. Interpret data and consider the theoretical and practical implications of research findings.
8.5. Understand and apply the conventions for reporting quantitative outcomes and for writing research reports in psychology.
8.6. Have the necessary skills to design, conduct and report an individual research project on a psychological or social science topic using quantitative methods as a dissertation in the final year of the degree course.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1. Show improvement in the clear communication of research procedures and outcomes including reporting of quantitative information
9.2. Show progress in ability to use library resources such as e-journals and other online sources for literature review, identification of research questions, and use of specialist techniques
9.3. Show improvement in the ability to collect, analyse and correctly interpret numerical data including the use of appropriate software packages for data analysis
9.4. Demonstrate an ability to work with others on group tasks
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