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 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.

1 written assignment on Experimental Investigations and Ethics (1500 words) 30% (Learning Outcome 3)

2nd written assignment on Non-Experimental Investigations and Ethics (1500 words) 30% (Learning Outcome 3)

Exam (short answer questions) 40% (Learning Outcomes 1 & 2)

Formative Learning
Formative learning will take the form of practice assignments and exams in the core IT and Study Skills module, as well as feedback feeding forward from earlier assessments.


PLEASE NOTE ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENTS FOR Semester 2 2020/21 DUE TO COVID-19 AS FOLLOWS:

1. written assignment on Experimental Investigations and Ethics (1500 words) 30% (Learning Outcome 3)

2nd written assignment on Non-Experimental Investigations and Ethics (1500 words) 30% (Learning Outcome 3)

3. Assignment - short answer questions following similar format as the exam, incorporating one mini essay question 40% (Learning Outcomes 1 & 2)

There are 28 weeks of classes and 2 reading weeks (ie. 42 hours of taught sessions spread evenly throughout the academic year). 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 investigations and to write up each investigation to the required standard.

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).

Cardwell, Clarke and Meldrum (2008): Psychology for A Level. London: Collins.
Hill (1998). Advanced Psychology Through Diagrams. Oxford: OU Press.
Coolican, H. (2004). Research methods and statistics in psychology (4th Ed). London: Hodder & Stoughton.
Clegg, F. (2008). Simple Statistics: A course book for the Social Sciences. Cambridge: C.U.P.