Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Qualitative research report A qualitative research report communicating the data collection and analysis conducted during the semester 1500 Words | 40% |
| Semester Assessment | Quantitative research report Quantitative research report summarising research data collection and analysis conducted during the semester 1500 Words | 30% |
| Semester Assessment | Peer feedback report task Engagement with mini lab report development and feedback task 1200 Words | 20% |
| Semester Assessment | SONA particpation Completion of 10 credits of research participation | 10% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Quantitative research report Quantitative research report summarising research data collection and analysis conducted during the semester 1500 Words | 30% |
| Supplementary Assessment | SONA particpation Reflective essay on importance of research participation 500 Words | 10% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Feedback task Engagement with mini-lab report feedback task (individual) 1200 Words | 20% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Qualitative research report A qualitative research report communicating the data collection and analysis conducted during the semester 1500 Words | 40% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the need for and use of ethics in psychology
Demonstrate an understanding of the key principles of, and similarities and differences between quantitative and qualitative research design and questions
Demonstrate an ability to use and communicate different research methods appropriately
Demonstrate an ability to analyse qualitative and quantitative data appropriately according to the research question and design
Demonstrate an ability to use specialist analytical software appropriately.
Develop an appreciation of the importance of research participation within the Department.
Brief description
Psychology is a science and therefore conducting scientifically rigorous research is an important skill for advancing the discipline. This module helps you understand how psychology works as a science and how research in this field is developed. You'll learn how to spot gaps in current knowledge, develop research ideas, and design studies to explore them. The course 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 not just in psychology, but in many future careers.
Content
Quantitative research methods: Observational research, Questionnaire research and design, Online experimental tasks, basic psychophysiological data.
Quantitative analysis: Scales of data; distributions; measures of central tendency and dispersion; probability; levels of significance and hypothesis testing; one and two tailed tests; Experimental design and control; counter balancing, control of variables; Correlational design; parametric and non parametric statistics; Chi-Square, Spearman and Pearson correlation, Mann-Whitney U test; Wilcoxon signed ranks test, related and independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis & Friedman tests.
Qualitative research methods: Developing interview questions, semi-structured interviews.
Qualitative research analysis: Basic Epistemology; Thematic analysis, Quality criteria.
Communication: Literature searching; presenting findings; introduction to data handling using software packages; using tables and figures; developing arguments; referencing
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Adaptability and resilience | 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. |
| Co-ordinating with others | Collaboration is central to practical and group-based activities. Students work together to design research studies, share ideas, and co-create knowledge. These experiences build teamwork and negotiation skills and reflect the collaborative nature of psychological science. |
| Creative Problem Solving | 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 explore multiple approaches to research problems, preparing them for dynamic professional environments and global research challenges. |
| Critical and analytical thinking | Critical and analytical thinking (a questioning mindset) is fostered through the evaluation of research methods, data analysis, and evidence interpretation. Students use statistical and qualitative principles to understand the strength or rigour 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. |
| Digital capability | 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. |
| Professional communication | Professional communication is enhanced through writing lab 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. |
| Real world sense | 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. |
| Reflection | 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 research design, interpretation, and ethical decision-making. |
| Subject Specific Skills | 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. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4