The module will provide students with an introduction to, and development of, a variety of research methods commonly used in the investigation of psychological phenomena. It will introduce research ethics, design, conduct, analysis, interpretation and reporting of empirical research in psychology.

The module will introduce qualitative research methods such as interviewing, designing interview studies, coding of interview data, and thematic analyses. The module will also focus on introducing quantitative research methods used in psychological research. It will cover experimental and correlational designs, and the hypotheses associated with these designs. It will also cover how to conduct, interpret and report appropriate inferential statistical tests based on these designs. The importance of effect size and power will also be emphasised. Throughout, students will focus on the application of appropriate methods in order to address specific research questions. They will also develop their practical skills in the collection and reporting of psychological data as part of a group, and gain familiarity with statistical software.

1. A 2,500 word practical report (60%). (LO's 1, 3 and 4)
2. A one-hour concept test (40%). (LO 2)

Formative Assessment/Feedback:
Feedback will be given on practical reports (of not more than 2500 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.

PLEASE NOTE ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENTS FOR Semester 1 and 2 2020/21 DUE TO COVID-19 AS FOLLOWS:

1. A 2,500 word practical report (60%). (LO's 1, 3 and 4)
2. Unseen 90 minute online exam (40%) (LO 2)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities:
Weekly three-hour Workshops during which the basic concepts are explained, concepts are practised via a workbook of examples, designs are discussed, data are analysed, peer feedback is given
2 hours Module/assessment preparation support session
Additional 2 hour seminar which will focus on Masters level skills

Guided Independent Study:
Reading about the concepts covered in the module and preparation for the concept test
Completing workbook outside formal class time
Work in groups and teams on the practicals, identifying and reading relevant literature, discussion of the designs, preparing material and running study, including pilot work, analysis and write up.

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.

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.
Gray, C. D. & Kinnear, P. R. (2012). IBM SPSS statistics 19 made simple. Hove: Psychology Press
Harris, P. (2008). Designing and reporting experiments in Psychology (3rd Ed) Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
Silverman, D.(Ed.) (2016). Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice (4th Edition). London, Sage.

Be registered on the MSc Psychology Award.

1. REVIEW CRITICALLY AN APPROPRIATE LITERATURE WHICH HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR RESEARCH INVESTIGATION (LEARNING)

2. DEMONSTRATE A SYSTEMATIC UNDERSTANDING OF QUANTITATIVE (EXPERIMENTAL AND CORRELATIONAL) AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGNS (KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING)

3. CONDUCT AN EMPIRICAL STUDY AND ANALYSE THE RESULTS TO DEMONSTRATE A COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF BASIC QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLGIES (ENQUIRY)

4. INTERPRET AND REPORT, IN AN APPROPRIATE MANNER, THE RESULTS OF BASIC QUANTITATIVE DATA ANALYSES TO DEMONSTRATE A CRITICAL AWARENESS AND EVALUATION OF THESE METHODOLOGIES (ANALYSIS, COMMUNICATION)

The module will provide you with an introduction to, and development of, a variety of research methods commonly used in the investigation of psychological phenomena. It will introduce research ethics, design, conduct, analysis, interpretation and reporting of empirical research in psychology.

The module will introduce qualitative research methods such as interviewing, designing interview studies, coding of interview data, and thematic analyses. The module will also focus on introducing quantitative research methods used in psychological research. It will cover experimental and correlational designs, and the hypotheses associated with these designs. It will also cover how to conduct, interpret and report appropriate inferential statistical tests based on these designs. The importance of effect size and power will also be emphasised. Throughout, you will focus on the application of appropriate methods in order to address specific research questions. You will also develop your practical skills in the collection and reporting of psychological data as part of a group, and gain familiarity with statistical software.