Module Descriptors
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND RESEARCH METHODS (PRACTICAL INVESTIGATIONS)
PSYC30406
Key Facts
Faculty of Health Sciences
Level 3
30 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 42
Independent Study Hours: 258
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 40%
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 15%
- ASSIGNMENT - SECOND ASSIGNMENT weighted at 15%
- ASSIGNMENT - THIRD ASSIGNMENT weighted at 15%
- ASSIGNMENT - FOURTH ASSIGNMENT weighted at 15%
Module Details
Module Texts
Cardwell, Clarke & Meldrum (1996) Psychology for A Level, Collins, London
Hill (1998) Advanced Psychology Through Diagrams, O U Press, Oxford
Greene & D?Olivera (1982) Learning to use Statistical Tests in Psychology, O U Press, Milton Keynes
Coolican (1994) Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology, Hodder & Stoughton, London
Hill (1998) Advanced Psychology Through Diagrams, O U Press, Oxford
Greene & D?Olivera (1982) Learning to use Statistical Tests in Psychology, O U Press, Milton Keynes
Coolican (1994) Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology, Hodder & Stoughton, London
Module Resources
Textbooks, journals, resource packs (available in the psychology department and in the main library) and a stats package (to be found on learnwise on the college intranet).
Module Additional Assessment Details
? End of Module Exam
This will test knowledge of all the aspects of the research methodology covered including methods, designs, variables, hypotheses, sampling and ethics. It will be in the format of an exam at the end of the module. (Learning outcomes 1 & 2)
Assessment weighting ? 40%
? Practical Investigations
You will be required to produce four practical investigations, one each on the following;
Experiment
Observation
Correlation
Questionnaire/survey
Each investigation will be approximately 1,500 words and will be written in the standard form of an investigation. E.g. Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, References. These will be completed in independent study time and will be set throughout the year. (Learning outcome 3).
Assessment weighting ? Each practical investigation is worth 15%
This will test knowledge of all the aspects of the research methodology covered including methods, designs, variables, hypotheses, sampling and ethics. It will be in the format of an exam at the end of the module. (Learning outcomes 1 & 2)
Assessment weighting ? 40%
? Practical Investigations
You will be required to produce four practical investigations, one each on the following;
Experiment
Observation
Correlation
Questionnaire/survey
Each investigation will be approximately 1,500 words and will be written in the standard form of an investigation. E.g. Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, References. These will be completed in independent study time and will be set throughout the year. (Learning outcome 3).
Assessment weighting ? Each practical investigation is worth 15%
Module Indicative Content
This module introduces you to the key aspects of experimental design and research methods. These include various types of method e.g. experiments, observations, correlation and questionnaires/surveys/interviews and case studies. You will also look at the design of methods including variables, hypotheses, sampling and experimental ethics. These methods will also be applied to examples within the areas of psychology you are studying in your other modules. You will be asked to carry out practical investigations into a number of these methodologies and learn to develop the skills necessary to analyse the results. You will be asked to produce research projects based on these investigations.
Module Learning Strategies
There are 28 weeks of normal classes (1x1.5 hrs) and 2 reading weeks. Lectures provide a basic framework of concepts, theories and evidence. Classes will also include interactive learning activities, such as group discussions, web based activities, use of statistical packages, carrying out practical investigations and written formative and summative assessment. In their own private study time students will be expected to complete background research into their four investigations and to write up each investigation to the required standard.