Formal lectures during which the basic concepts are explained: 12 hours
Workshops during which the concepts are practised via a workbook of examples, designs are discussed, data are analysed, peer feedback is given: 24 hours
Reading about the concepts covered in the module and preparation for the concept test: 42 hours
Completing workbook outside formal class time 12 hours
Work on the practicals, identifying and reading relevant literature, discussion of the designs, preparing material and running study, including pilot work, analysis and write up: 60 hours

A laboratory with space for group work as well as formal teaching, to be equipped with a computer for each student which has statistical, word processing, spreadsheet and internet programs.

Be registered on any Psychology Award. Students must achieve a NON-COMPENSATED PASS on SHS85103-1 (Research Methods 2).

Clark-Carter D. (2010). Quantitative psychological research: The complete student's companion. Hove: Psychology Press.
Field, A. (2009). Discovering statistics: Using SPSS. (3rd Ed). London: Sage.
Harris, P. (2008). Designing and reporting experiments (3rd Ed) Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
Gray, C. D. & Kinnear, P. R. (2010). IBM SPSS statistics made simple. Hove: Psychology Press
Pallant, J. (2010). SPSS survival manual (4th Ed). Open University Press

Summative assessment
1. From the two 2000 word practical reports described below, students will choose one to submit for formal assessment (60%). This will assess learning outcomes 1 and 2.
2. A one-hour concept test (40%). This will assess in greater depth understanding of learning outcomes 2, 4 & 5.

Formative learning
Feedback will be given to practical reports (of not more than 2000 words) based on two empirical studies. The feedback will be in the form of peer feedback using a standardised evaluation scheme and feedback on specific areas from tutors. Feedback will also be given on work produced in the workshops. This will address learning outcomes 1 to 5.

The module will address the ethics design, conduct, analysis, interpretation and reporting of empirical research in psychology.
This will start by introducing designs which include one independent variable with at least three levels. The nature of the hypotheses which are associated with such a design will be explained. The method of conducting, interpreting and reporting the initial analysis will be explained. The types of follow-up analysis and how to analyse and report them will be covered. Designs including more than one independent variable will be will be explained, including how they extend the complexity of the research questions which can be dealt with. The initial analysis and necessary follow-up analysis will be covered along with the interpretation and reporting of such analysis