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Research Methods in Psychology I - PSY00001C

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Alex Benjamin
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
    • See module specification for other years: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2021-22 to Spring Term 2021-22

Module aims

This module will equip you with skills required for the effective study of psychology. Some of these skills are practical ones, such as computer skills and presenting results of experiments, whilst others are more conceptual, for example on how best to structure an essay or to critique a scientific paper. The later part of this module provides an introduction to experimental design, data and statistics in psychology. Students will gain theoretical understanding of basic statistical concepts and tests as well as experience using statistical packages.

Module learning outcomes

  • show an ability to find, read, summarize and critique scientific papers
  • demonstrate skills in planning, writing and presenting essays, reports and presentations in Psychology
  • be able to understand the basic concepts in experimental design

  • demonstrate an understanding of the importance and relevance of data analysis in experimental psychology

  • understand the different types of experiment, data and tests used in experimental psychology

  • understand and evaluate qualitative methods
  • show proficiency in using excel or SPSS to compute: summary statistics; z-scores; chi square; binomial tests; parametric and non-parametric comparisons of two means (between and within subjects).

  • ·be able to select and provide a rationale for using a statistical test to analyse a particular datasets

    present results from statistical tests correctly in both graphical and text form

Module content

In the first two teaching blocks we equip you with the skills you need for degree level study, including critical thinking, how to write essays and practical reports, and use of excel and word computer software. In addition we cover the basics of experimental design and descriptive statistics. In the last two teaching blocks we concentrate more on experimental design, data and statistics in psychology, including the use of statistical software. We are aware that statistics is an area many students feel nervous about: we do not assume any maths knowledge above GCSE level and we aim to support all our students to graduate happy and confident dealing with data.

  • TB1: Introduction to RM 1: Research, Reports & Descriptive Statistics
  • TB2: Critical Analysis, Essay writing, The Bell Curve & Percentiles
  • TB3: Introduction to inferential statistics: types of data, z-scores, statistical tests for nominal data
  • TB4: T-tests and non-parametric equivalent tests, disseminating research findings & qualitative research

 

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Coursework - extensions not feasible/practicable
Portfolio		 N/A 10
Essay/coursework
VLE 1		 N/A 5
Essay/coursework
VLE 2		 N/A 5
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Research Methods 1 (Paper 1)		 1.5 hours 30
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Research Methods 1 (Paper 2)		 2 hours 50

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Research Methods 1 (Paper 1)		 1.5 hours 30
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Research Methods 1 (Paper 2)		 2 hours 50

Module feedback

The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision.

Students will meet supervisors in wk 5 in AuT, SpT and wk 9 in SuT to discuss their marks.

Formative feedback will be provided to students on Autumn term practical reports and several items of work contributing to the portfolio (e.g. essay plan and results/discussion section)

Indicative reading

We have a custom made textbook to support key study skills throughout your degree: Slocombe, Katie (2010). All you ever wanted to know about research methods and academic skills. Pearson.

In Year 1 we recommend reading about the topics covered in Dancey, Christine P. (2007). Statistics without maths for psychology. Pearson Prentice Hall, as a gentle introduction to statistics used in Psychology.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.