Module Descriptors
EXPLORING DIFFERENCE: A QUANTITATIVE APPROACH
PSYC50832
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 5
20 credits
Contact
Leader: Louise Humphreys
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 60
Independent Study Hours: 140
Total Learning Hours: 200
Pattern of Delivery
  • Occurrence A, Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology Sri Lanka (Colombo), UG Semester 2
Sites
  • Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology Sri Lanka (Colombo)
Assessment
  • LABORATORY REPORT - 2500 WORDS weighted at 100%
Module Details
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This module will advance the quantitative research methods introduced at Level 4 as well as broaden knowledge of Individual Differences in Psychology. Students will learn to understand and challenge thinking around traditional areas of individual differences including personality and intelligence, before exploring other more recent trends of exploring individuality. Alongside this, students will learn how to design and conduct research with a focus on exploring individual differences variables. The module will introduce students to both ANOVA and multiple regression analytic methods.
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
The assessment is a laboratory report. This will involve students designing a project (LO3) on the topic of individual differences (LO1) using a choice of analysis from ANOVA or Multiple Regression (LO2). The data collected will be analysed, reported and interpreted (LO3 and LO4).

Formative assessment
• Guidance and informal feedback on laboratory report in seminars
LEARNING STRATEGIES
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities (60 hours):
These sessions will incorporate lectures, workshop activities, module/assessment support sessions and tutor- and student-led interactive activities, discussions and drop-in support sessions. Students will work in groups and teams in the practical sessions, identifying and reading relevant literature and discussing designs in preparation for the laboratory report.

Guided Independent Study (140 hours):
These guided study hours include preparing for lectures/workshops other than the specific reading provided for each week and guided independent reading including research (using library and web facilities) around specific topic areas to develop understanding and evaluation of the topics introduced in the lectures. It also includes the group and individual working time for assessment preparation on the module.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Demonstrate a critical awareness of individual differences, and their use in psychological research Knowledge and understanding, application, enquiry.

2. Design a quantitative research project with a specific focus on individual differences Application, enquiry, problem solving

3. Carry out, report, and interpret analysis using the quantitative methodologies covered in the module Analysis, Enquiry

4. Interpret, evaluate, and accurately communicate the results of quantitative psychological research in a suitable academic format Communication, Learning, Reflection, Psychology Research Skills
TEXTS
Maltby, J., Day, L., & Macaskill, A., (2017). Personality and Individual Differences in Intelligence. (4th Ed) Pearson.
Clark-Carter D. (2018). Quantitative psychological research: The complete student's companion. Hove: Psychology Press.
Field, A. (2018). Discovering statistics: Using SPSS. (5th Ed). London: Sage.
RESOURCES
Library access to relevant textbooks, journals, ebooks
Internet access to relevant websites and online databases
A laboratory with space for group work as well as formal teaching, to be equipped with computers which have statistical, word processing, spreadsheet and internet programs
Licenses for Individual Differences measures
WEB DESCRIPTOR
How do psychologists explore how people differ? How can we analyse and understand patterns of behaviour? This module will continue to advance students' knowledge of quantitative research methods in psychology as well as build knowledge and experience in applying these to topics within the area of the psychology of individual differences.