Module Descriptors
FURTHER RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY
PSYC70820
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 7
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Louise Humphreys
Email: L.Humphreys@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 40
Independent Study Hours: 110
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- A 2,500 word practical report . weighted at 60%
- A one-hour concept test weighted at 40%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
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 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
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 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
Module Additiional Assessment Details
1. A 2,500 word practical report (60%). (LO's 1, 2 and 3)
2. A one-hour concept test (40%). (LO 4)
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, 2 and 3)
2. Unseen 90 mins online exam (40%) (LO 4)
2. A one-hour concept test (40%). (LO 4)
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, 2 and 3)
2. Unseen 90 mins online exam (40%) (LO 4)
Module Learning Strategies
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (40)
12 x 1 hour Lectures during which the basic concepts are explained
2 hours x 12 weeks Workshops during which the 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: (110)
40 hours Reading about the concepts covered in the module and preparation for the concept test
12 hours Completing workbook outside formal class time
58 hours 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
12 x 1 hour Lectures during which the basic concepts are explained
2 hours x 12 weeks Workshops during which the 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: (110)
40 hours Reading about the concepts covered in the module and preparation for the concept test
12 hours Completing workbook outside formal class time
58 hours 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
Module Resources
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.
Module Texts
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.
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
Field, A. (2018). Discovering statistics: Using SPSS. (5th 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
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Be registered on the MSc Psychology Award.
Pre-requisites Must have studied Research Methods in Psychology (PSYC70804) module
Pre-requisites Must have studied Research Methods in Psychology (PSYC70804) module
Module Learning Outcomes
1. REVIEW CRITICALLY AN APPROPRIATE LITERATURE WHICH HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR RESEARCH INVESTIGATION (LEARNING)
2. DESIGN, CONDUCT AND ANALYSE PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH TO DEMONSTRATE A COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES COVERED IN THE MODULE.
(ENQUIRY)
3. INTERPRET AND REPORT, IN AN APPROPRIATE AND SYSTEMATIC MANNER, THE RESULTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH TO DEMONSTRATE A DETAILED CRITICAL AWARENESS AND EVALUATION OF THE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES COVERED IN THE MODULE
(ANALYSIS, COMMUNICATION)
4. DEMONSTRATE A COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE RESEARCH DESIGNS CONSIDERED, INCLUDING THE INTERPRETATION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF DATA FROM APPROPRIATE STATISTICAL SOFTWARE, AND CONSIDERATION OF THE ETHICAL ISSUES ARISING FROM PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH (KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING)
2. DESIGN, CONDUCT AND ANALYSE PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH TO DEMONSTRATE A COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES COVERED IN THE MODULE.
(ENQUIRY)
3. INTERPRET AND REPORT, IN AN APPROPRIATE AND SYSTEMATIC MANNER, THE RESULTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH TO DEMONSTRATE A DETAILED CRITICAL AWARENESS AND EVALUATION OF THE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES COVERED IN THE MODULE
(ANALYSIS, COMMUNICATION)
4. DEMONSTRATE A COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE RESEARCH DESIGNS CONSIDERED, INCLUDING THE INTERPRETATION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF DATA FROM APPROPRIATE STATISTICAL SOFTWARE, AND CONSIDERATION OF THE ETHICAL ISSUES ARISING FROM PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH (KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING)
Web Descriptor
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 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
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 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