There will be a one-day induction session and 26 x 3 hour sessions.
All sessions include a mix of lectures and laboratory exercises, during which statistical and qualitative issues and techniques will be explained, discussed and explored/practised. Distance learning material in research and statistical skills via 'Blackboard' is available to support learning.
These strategies will be supported by independent learning during which reading about the topics to be researched, analysing and writing reports 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
Internet and library resources

Training will be provided in efficient searching of electronic information retrieval systems, data extraction for systematic review and synthesis. 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 challenges of conducting ethically sound and practically relevant research by psychologists within health contexts under experimental and non-experimental conditions. 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 discourse analysis, IPA and grounded theory. The use of `industry standard' statistical software such as Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and NVivo will be introduced. Consideration will be given to research management skills and conducting ethical research within the health service context, including the independent peer review process, gaining access to research sites/participants, and the process of gaining ethical and NHS approval to carry out the research. Revision materials and assistance will be available for those lacking in confidence about their basic competence, particularly in statistics and use of software.

Banister, P., Burman, E., Parker, I., Taylor, M. & Tindall, C. (1994) Qualitative Methods in Psychology: A Research Guide. OU Press
Breakwell, G.M., Hammond, S., Fife-Shaw, C. & Smith, J.A. (2006). Research Methods in Psychology (3rd Edition). London: Sage
Clark-Carter, D. (2004) Quantitative psychological research: A student's handbook. Hove: Psychology Press
Coolican, H. (2004). Research methods and statistics in psychology (4th Edition). London: Hodder Arnold
Psychology Journals

Additional reading will be given throughout the module and in the module handbook.

Students will be required to complete 2 pieces of summative assessment.
1) Quantitative Data Analysis Exercise (3000 words): 50%
Analysing and reporting on a set of statistical data, using one of the quantitative techniques covered in the module and relevant statistical software.
This will address outcomes 1-4& 8.

2) Qualitative Data Analysis Exercise (3000 words): 50% Analysing and reporting on a set of interview data using one of the qualitative methods taught on the module, and discussing ethical issues.
This will address outcomes 4-7.

Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via structured written feedback identifying strengths, weaknesses and guidance for improvement.

Entry requirements for the DClinPsy programme