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 provide an introduction to the quantitative research methods most commonly used in psychological research. Students will learn to formulate testable hypotheses, use appropriate, industry-standard software to analyse data, and interpret and report the results. The module will also introduce the theory underpinning qualitative psychological research approaches and the design of qualitative research projects. Students will learn to develop appropriate research questions and analyse qualitative data.

Students will attend regular lectures introducing and explaining new concepts in quantitative and qualitative research methods. Lectures will be supported ¿by seminars/workshops where students are given the opportunity to discuss these concepts and apply them by e.g.¿collecting and analysing real data.¿Drop-in sessions with module staff are placed throughout the semester to provide further opportunities for students to seek support.A wide range of supporting materials¿(including video guides and written resources)¿is also provided online,¿to aid student's independent learning.

Appropriate statistical analysis software (e.g.,¿IBM¿SPSS)¿
Appropriately and adequately equipped computer laboratory¿
Use of a suitable VLE (e.g.¿Blackboard, Teams)¿
Library access to relevant textbooks and journals¿
Internet access the relevant websites and online academic databases

Clark-Carter, D. (2018). Quantitative psychological research: The complete student’s companion. 4th Edition. Routledge.

Field, A. (2018). Discovering statistics: Using SPSS. (5th Ed). London: Sage.

Willig, C. (2013).¿Introducing qualitative research in psychology¿(3rd ed.).¿McGraw Hill.¿

Flick, U. (2018) Designing qualitative research. SAGE.¿

Be registered on the MSc Psychology degree.

This module introduces you to some of the quantitative and qualitative methods psychologists use to conduct research. You will learn how to: develop research questions and hypotheses; analyse data; and write up your findings in an academic report.

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of quantitative and qualitative research designs, and of ethical issues arising from psychological research.
Knowledge and Understanding

2. Interpret, evaluate, and systematically communicate the results of quantitative and qualitative psychological research in a suitable academic format.
Communication, Reflection

Summative assessment:
A 1.5 hour short answer exam (LO1&2) assessing students’ knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods

Formative assessment:
Regular practice questions throughout the module
Mock exam prior to final exam