Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
PS30300
Module Title
RESEARCH METHODS
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Dr Kathryn Bullen
Semester
Semester 1
Co-Requisite
PS30320 Social psychology and its applications
Co-Requisite
PS30120 Brain and behaviour
Co-Requisite
PS30520 Individual differences and lifespan development
Co-Requisite
PS30420 Cognitive psychology and its applications
Pre-Requisite
PS10320 Introduction to psychology: investigation and communication
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 10 x 1 hour lectures (5 per semester) To run in alternative week with practicals
Practical 8 x 2 hour practicals to run in alternative week with lectures
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Quantitative Research Report. Chi-Square  1000 word practical report  15%
Semester Assessment Quantitative research Report. T-Test  1500 word practical report  15%
Semester Assessment Qualitative Research Report Interpretive Phenomenol. review  1500 word practical report  15%
Semester Assessment Quantitative Research Report. Regression  1500 word practical report  15%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   open book examination at the end of semester 1  20%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   written examination at the end of semester 2  20%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to.
1. Demonstrate knowledge of psychological theory and research as it relates to research methods and statistics
2. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate psychological theory and research as it relates to research methods and statistics.
3. Assess research questions, choose and justify the appropriate research method (s).
4. Identify research evidence from the published literature using databases and critically assess its contribution to the development of research projects.
5. Demonstrate their ability to use SPSS.

Brief description

The module aims to develop students' data analysis skills within the context of social science with particular reference to psychological investigation. Students will learn how to use advanced statistical techniques and analyse complex data sets using SPSS for Windows. To develop students ability to understand the need for mixed methods of investigation qualitative research methods will be outlined as part of developing understanding of experimental design and research methodology.

Content

Quantitative research methods
  • Introduction to SPSS for Windows.
  • Review of statistical principles.
  • Advanced statistical techniques including:
    • - regression - analysis of variance - multivariate analysis of variance and factor analysis
Qualitative research methods
  • Review of the rationale for qualitative research methods.
  • Case studies; content analysis; interpretative phenomenological analysis
Methodology
  • Formulating a research problem and selecting a research design

Aims

This module introduces students to the use of SPSS for Windows to prepare, manipulate, analyse and present data building on the introduction to statistics and research methods provided at level 1. Students will also further develop skills in qualitative research methods. Both sets of skills are a requirement for psychologists and other social scientists and will be used in students' final year project.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Application of number will be addressed throughout the module (see B3 above).
Communication Students will learn how to present their ideas both verbally and in writing and how to assert themselves to advantage. They will understand the importance of information and clear communication and how to exploit these. They will know how to use the many sources of information available and how to use the most appropriate form of communication to the best advantage. They will learn to be clear and direct in their aims and objectives. Students will be expected to submit their work in word-processed format and the presentation of work should reflect effective expression of ideas and good use of language skills in order to ensure clarity, coherence and effective communication.
Improving own Learning and Performance The module aims to promote self-management but within a context of assistance from both the facilitator and the fellow students alike. Students will be expected to improve their own learning and performance by undertaking their own research and to exercise their own initiative, including searching for sources, compiling reading lists, and deciding (under guidance) the direction of their essay and presentation topics. The need to meet an practical report deadline will focus students' attention on the need to manage their time and opportunity resources well.
Information Technology Students will be expected to submit their work in word-processed format. Also, students will be encouraged to search for sources of information on the web, as well as seeking sources through electronic information sources (such as Web of Science and PsychLit; PsychInfo). Students will be introduced to SPSS for Windows and will continue to develop their expertise in the use of Excel and Powerpoint.
Personal Development and Career planning Discussions in practical classes and the team work required to generate and collect data will help to develop students team working and negotiating skills. Students will develop a portfolio of evidence of their learning throughout the module which will include report writing and communication of ideas in various media. Students will be encouraged to identify how their developing skills can contribute to their APPR forms. Learning about the process of planning research projects, framing the parameters of the projects, honing and developing the projects and seeing through to completion will contribute towards their portfolio of transferable skills
Problem solving Independent project work and problem solving will be one of the central goals of the module; the submission of 4 practical reports will require that the student develops independent research skills as well as problem solving skills. The ability of students to solve problems will be developed and assessed by asking them to: identify research questions and appropriate research designs; collect and analyse data; reason logically; develop arguments to explain their findings in relation to published literature in the area. Two open book statistics assessments and a research methods examination will ensure that an assessment of the student's ability to work alone can be undertaken.
Research skills The submission of a four practical reports will reflect the independent research skills of the student. The need to locate appropriate research resources and write up the results will also facilitate research skills. Research preparation for practical workshop presentations will also enable the student to develop independent project skills. A final examination will ensure that an assessment of the student's ability to work alone can be undertaken.
Subject Specific Skills Students will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of subject specific skills that will help them to understand, conceptualise and evaluate examples and research publications presented on the module. These subject specific skills include:
&#149Assessment of scientific methods in psychology.
&#149Differentiation between quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry and identification of appropriate research methods.
&#149Demonstration of a familiarity with the techniques required for literature searches.
&#149Appreciation of the complex interactions and diverse influences on human behaviour.
Team work The submission of a four practical reports will reflect the independent research skills of the student. The need to locate appropriate research resources and write up the results will also facilitate research skills. Research preparation for practical workshop presentations will also enable the student to develop independent project skills. A final examination will ensure that an assessment of the student's ability to work alone can be undertaken

Reading List

Should Be Purchased
Field, A. and Hole, G. (2005) Discovering statistics using SPSS 2nd edition Sage, London Primo search Harris, P. (2008) Designing and reporting experiments in psychology OUP, Maidenhead Primo search Recommended Text
Oliver, P. (2004) The student's Guide to Research Ethics OUP: Maidenhead Primo search Recommended Consultation
Dancey, C. P. & reid, J (2002) Statistics without maths for psychology, using SPSS for windows 2nd edition Prentice hall, Essex Primo search Field, A. and Hole, G. (2003) How to design and report experiments Sage, London Primo search Munro, B.H. (2005) Statistical methods for health care research 5th edition Lippincott williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6