This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module will introduce students to methodological approaches in psychology with a focus on quantitative methods. The aims are to strengthen skills in designing and conducting practical work, to acquaint students with a range of descriptive and analytical statistical techniques (including training with SPSS), to provide experience with reporting research, and to prepare students for the dissertation module in the final year. The module is also designed to cover requirements for some postgraduate psychology courses that do not require an accredited psychology degree. As well as developing research skills, the module should enhance the ability to critically evaluate published psychological research. Completion is a requirement to undertake a psychology dissertation in Stage 3. Techniques will be demonstrated through their application to practical work carried out by students.
Indicative topics are:
• Reliability and validity in research design
• Descriptive statistics.
• Probability and significance testing.
• Different analytical tests.
• Correlation and causation.
• Reporting research.
• Critical evaluation of research claims.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
BSc Social Sciences
Main assessment methods
Coursework (100%)
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
Jackson, S. L. (2012). Research Methods and Statistics: A Critical Thinking Approach. (3rd Ed.) Belmont, Calif: Wadsworth.
Holt, N. & Walker, I. (2009). Research with People: Theory, plans and practicals. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
McBurney, D. H. & White, T. L. (2013). Research methods (7th Ed.). Australia; Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.
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 psychological research including the strengths and weaknesses of
each.
8.2 Demonstrate an understanding of sound research design, and be able to critically evaluate psychological research.
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 research in psychology.
8.6 Have the necessary skills to design, conduct and report an individual research project on a psychological topic 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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