One research report reporting the use of one of the quantitative techniques covered in the module: 40%
This will involve researching the topic through employing databases to identify relevant research and the use of statistical software to conduct the analysis.
This will address outcomes 1 to 3

One report of 3000 words, analysing a set of interview data using one of the qualitative methods taught on the module, and discussing ethical issues: 40%
This will address outcomes 4 and 5.

One report of 2000 words prepared for a specified consumer group evaluating and making recommendations about the adoption of particular psychometric instruments: 20%
This will address outcomes 6, 7, 8 and 9.

Students will be required to gain a pass in all elements of assessment within the module.


Pass criteria
Grade point 7 to 9
Work which demonstrates a sound awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are expressed reasonably and coherently. Work is academically sound, evidencing focused observations and acknowledging key questions. There is evidence of sound reading and thorough critical analysis of the available literature.

Merit criteria
Grade point 10 to 12
Work which demonstrates a very good awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are expressed cogently and lucidly. Work is of good quality academically, evidencing well-focused observations and addressing all of the obvious key questions. There is evidence of sound reading and a thorough critical analysis of the available literature, leading to an output which may have potential for wider use.

Distinction criteria
Grade point 13+
Work which demonstrates an excellent awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are well argued and excellently organised. Work is academically excellent, evidencing perceptiveness, insight and demonstrating creativity and originality. There is evidence of excellent reading and systematic review.

Training will be provided in efficient searching of electronic information retrieval systems, data extraction for systematic review purposes and their synthesis through meta-analysis. The main methodologies employed by psychologists will be examined, with a focus upon methods frequently employed within health research. The module will examine the philosophical underpinnings of research approaches and the difficulties of conducting research and practice under experimental and non-experimental conditions, including ethical issues in psychology, and will examine how measures are created and used. It will introduce issues of reliability and validity, particularly of questionnaires and psychometric instruments. Training in analysis will go beyond treating statistical significance as the sole arbiter of research outcome. The emphasis will be upon psychological research which can be analysed by multivariate and qualitative techniques. A range of qualitative techniques will be covered, including content analysis, protocol analysis, discourse analysis, IPA and grounded theory. The use of 'industry standard' statistical software such as Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and NUD*IST will be introduced. Consideration will be given to research management skills. Remedial training will be provided for those lacking in confidence about their basic competence, particularly in statistics and use of software.

Twenty five three-hour laboratory workshops during which issues and techniques will be explained, discussed and explored. These will include three or four sessions dominated by student led presentations. Statistical techniques explored will include multiple regression and MANOVA. This will be supported by two hundred and twenty five hours of independent learning during which reading about the topics to be researched, analysing and writing reports of the research will take place.

A room in which discussion groups can be formed. Computers running statistical software capable of analysing the designs covered in the module and of giving access to databases. Psychometric test resources. Internet and library resources.

At least a good second class (hons) degree in Psychology (GBR recognized) or equivalent

Banister, P., Burman, E., Parker I., Taylor, M. & Tindall, C. (1994) Qualitative Methods in Psychology: A Research Guide. OU Press
Clark-Carter, D. (1997) Doing Quantitative Psychological Research: From Design to Report. Hove: Psychology Press
Hayes, N. (1997) Doing Qualitative Analysis in Psychology. Hove: Psychology Press
Tabachnick, B.G. & Fidell, L.S. (2001) Using Multivariate Statistics (4th Edn). Allyn and Bacon
Psychology Journals