Research Methods for Policy, Practice and Change

Cod y Modiwl: PSM0720
Teitl y Modiwl: Research Methods for Policy, Practice and Change
Blwyddyn Academaidd: 2026/2027
Semester: Semester 1
Cyd-gysylltydd y Modiwl: Dr Alexander Taylor
Rhestr Ddarllen: Gweld ar Aspire
Staff Eraill sy'n Cyfrannu: Dr Jason Bush; Dr Saffron Passam; Miss Alexandra Brookes; Dr Catherine O'Hanlon; Dr Alexander Taylor; Professor Charles Musselwhite; Dr Victoria Wright; Dr Simon Payne; Dr Valerie Todd

Dulliau Asesu

Math o Asesiad	Manylion Asesiad	Cyfran
Asesiad Semester	Practical portfolio: This assessment will involve a portfolio of tasks associated with key practical sessions. Each element of the portfolio will involve an associated practical MCQ to test specific understanding of approaches and analyses and a written critical evaluation of the use of the relevant method/ analytic test to a chosen case study (approx. 500 words equivalent per practical submitted as one final portfolio of 2500 words) 2000 Words	40%
Asesiad Semester	Social science research report: Students will be required to identify a suitable research question relating to data from a large data set pool (offering variety of question and methodological choices) to write up as a full quantitative OR qualitative research report. 2500 Words	60%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Practical portfolio: This assessment will involve a portfolio of tasks associated with key practical sessions. Each element of the portfolio will involve an associated practical MCQ to test specific understanding of approaches and analyses and a written critical evaluation of the use of the relevant method/ analytic test to a chosen case study (approx. 500 words equivalent per practical submitted as one final portfolio of 2500 words) 2000 Words	40%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Social science research report: Students will be required to identify a suitable research question relating to data from a large data set pool (offering variety of question and methodological choices) to write up as a full quantitative OR qualitative research report. 2500 Words	60%

Canlyniadau Dysgu

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

Critically evaluate and synthesise academic literature to identify original research questions
Critically evaluate research methods to justify their application to investigate identified research problems
Demonstrate the required knowledge to design rigorous and appropriate research strategies to investigate identified problems
Analyse and interrogate data and evidence using quantitative and qualitative techniques
Interpret research findings with critical judgement
Reflect critically on research limitations and implications
Demonstrate an ability to inform real world decision-making through effective research communication

Disgrifiad cryno

Conducting scientifically rigorous research is an important skill for social scientists. This module helps you to understand how scientific methods enable social scientists to identify knowledge gaps, and to rigorously collect and analyse research data. You will learn how to systematically identify gaps in current knowledge, design studies to address scientific and socially relevant questions and will be provided with the skills to analyse quantitative and qualitative data. The module also teaches you how to write about research clearly and effectively. You’ll follow the full research journey—from identifying questions and planning a study, to sharing your findings and thinking about their real-world impact. Along the way, you'll build valuable skills like critical thinking, project planning, and academic writing—useful for many future careers.

Nod

The aim of the module is to provide students with the necessary skills to identify suitable research questions, design and conduct rigorous research, analyse and communicate research data appropriately

Cynnwys

Research Ethics: Codes of practice, Informed consent; sensitive subjects; vulnerable participants.

Quantitative research methods and analysis: Questionnaire research and design, Experimental and correlational design, counter balancing, and control variables; Scales of data; distributions; measures of central tendency and dispersion; probability; levels of significance and hypothesis testing; tests of mean difference (e.g., t-tests; non-parametric tests ANOVA), tests of association (e.g. correlation, regression).

Qualitative research methods and analysis: Developing and conducting interview questions, Thematic analysis, IPA and Discourse analysis, Quality criteria.

Communication: Systematic literature searching; presenting findings; introduction to data handling using software packages; using tables and figures; developing arguments; referencing

Sgiliau Modiwl

Math o Sgiliau	Manylion Sgiliau
Addasrwydd a gwydnwch	Adaptability and resilience are developed as students engage with the complexities of research, including the use of software and analytical techniques. Through feedback and self-directed learning, students learn to adjust their approach, persist through challenges, and develop confidence in overcoming obstacles.
Cydlynu ag erail	Collaboration is central to practical and group-based activities. Students work together to design research studies, share ideas, and interrogate data. These experiences build teamwork and negotiation skills and reflect the collaborative nature of psychological science.
Cyfathrebu proffesiynol	Professional communication is enhanced through writing research reports and engaging in group discussions. Students learn to express ideas clearly, use APA style conventions, and communicate findings in ways that are professional, inclusive, and accessible.
Datrys Problemau Creadigol	Creative problem solving (being enterprising) is encouraged as students develop innovative research questions, design studies, and interpret findings. Students are challenged to think flexibly and critically to explore multiple approaches to research problems, preparing them for dynamic professional environments and global research challenges.
Gallu digidol	Digital competency is developed through the use of software for data analysis (e.g. SPSS, Excel and NVIVO) and research management (online literature databases). Students develop skills in data handling, digital presentation of results, and ethical management of digital data.
Meddwl beirniadol a dadansoddol	Critical and analytical thinking (a questioning mindset) is fostered through the evaluation of research methods, data analysis, and evidence interpretation. Students use statistical principles to understand the strength of evidence, apply quality criteria, and select appropriate methodologies. They critique published research and develop an understanding of research ethics, bias, and the importance of methodological rigour.
Myfyrdod	Reflection (self-awareness) is supported through regular self-assessment and feedback, helping students evaluate their progress and identify areas for development as independent and ethically aware researchers. Students are encouraged to understand reflection not just as a personal development tool, but as an essential aspect of the research cycle and scientific method, informing understanding of research limitations, interpretation, and ethical decision-making.
Sgiliau Pwnc-benodol	Subject-specific skills are strengthened through designing studies, collecting and analysing data, and applying both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Students engage with the core principles that underpin these approaches, developing skills in literature searching, evaluating sources, and conducting research ethically and inclusively in line with BPS ethical guidelines.
Synnwyr byd go iawn	Real world sense is built through the connection between psychological research and applied issues. Students explore how research informs global problems such as mental health and wellbeing, education, policy, and environmental decision-making, equipping them to contribute to real-world change as active citizens.

Nodau

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