Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | 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% |
| Semester Assessment | 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% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 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% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 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% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
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
Brief description
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.
Aims
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
Content
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
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 interrogate data. 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 critically to 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 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. |
| 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 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. |
| 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 understanding of research limitations, 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 7