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Research Methods in Psychology II - PSY00001I

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Alex Benjamin
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching cycle
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

Experimental designs in psychology typically employ statistical analyses such as analysis of variance, factor analysis and regression. The aim of this module is to make these topics more accessible through the use of practical examples and data collection exercises.

Module learning outcomes

  • be able to use SPSS to analyse: regression, correlations, reliability and validity, effect sizes, one-way within and between subjects designs (including Tukey's HSD for between subjects designs only); two-way within, between and split-plot designs; and factor analysis
  • understand the concepts of reliability, validity and effect size
  • check that the assumptions behind an analysis of variance are met
  • understand and have some direct practical experience of qualitative methods in psychology
  • explain the rationale for and make power calculations;
  • be able to select and provide a rationale for the use of an appropriate statistical test for a given set of data
  • present results from statistical tests correctly in both graphical and text form

Module content

In Year 2 we move on to more advanced statistical analysis. These are essential tools for analyzing and interpreting the data that you will gather for your third year empirical research project – valuable methods used in published psychological experiments and a wide range of scientific and social research. This very practical part of the course strikes a balance between providing grounding in key statistical concepts and theories while also developing the skills needed to carry out analyses using statistical software and to interpret and report the results.

  • TB6: Correlations and linear regression
  • TB7: Multiple linear regression and Principal Components Analysis
  • TB8: One way and two way ANOVAs
  • TB9: Repeated measures and mixed design ANOVAs; Power analysis; Qualitative research

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Critical Essay		 N/A 10
Essay/coursework
Qualitative Practical		 N/A 10
Essay/coursework
VLE Test 1		 N/A 5
Essay/coursework
VLE Test 2		 N/A 5
Essay/coursework
VLE Test 3		 N/A 5
Essay/coursework
VLE Test 4		 N/A 5
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Research Methods 2 (Paper 1)		 2 hours 30
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Research Methods 2 (Paper 2)		 2 hours 30

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Critical Essay		 N/A 10
Essay/coursework
Qualitative Practical		 N/A 10
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Research Methods 2 (Paper 1)		 2 hours 30
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Research Methods 2 (Paper 2)		 2 hours 30

Module feedback

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

Students will meet supervisors in wk 6 in AuT, SpT and wk 9 in SuT to discuss their marks.

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 2 we recommend Andy Field, Discovering Statistics Using SPSS: Fourth or Fifth Edition


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.