module specification

The aims of this module are to:
(1) provide students with basic numeracy and digital literacy skills and methods of describing and summarising quantitative and qualitative data
(2) introduce students to the practice of designing, conducting and reporting research in psychology
(3) provide students with an understanding of basic concepts in psychological research (e.g. reliability and validity)
(4) provide students with understanding of and experience using different ways of disseminating research findings (e.g. research reports, poster presentations, press releases)
(5) develop students’ understanding of codes of professional practice in psychology and of ethics in psychological research

As such, the module allows students to develop numerical, analytical, practical and digital literacy skills that are relevant to many employment settings, and which will facilitate progression to level 4 of the BSc (Hons) Psychology. The aims of the module align with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

The module will provide students with basic numeracy skills an understanding of, and ability to conduct, basic descriptive statistics.  LO 1

The syllabus includes an introduction to the nature and aims of different types of psychological research, including different methods of collecting data. LO 2

The module includes a practical element where students actively participate in psychological research, design and conduct basic psychological studies, analyse data, and present the findings in different ways. LO 3,4,5

Throughout the module, students will engage with and develop understanding of codes of professional practice in psychology and the importance of ethics in psychological research. LO 6

The module is delivered through a combination of group and individual activities which will take place within a framework of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions. Supplementary guided learning via weblearn and self-managed private study will be provided when appropriate. Students will receive different types of feedback from formative and summative assessments to facilitate learning and reflection on their understanding and progress.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

(1) conduct basic numerical and thematic analysis
(2) understand some basic concepts and processes in research in psychology
(3) formulate basic research questions and hypotheses
(4) design and conduct psychological research using different methods
(5) analyse, summarise and present research findings in different ways
(6) be aware of codes of professional practice in psychology and of ethics in psychological research

The summative assessment for this module has four components: two partial research reports; one unseen examination; and on multiple-choice test (MCT). Each assessment items is weighted 25% of the module grade. Formative assessments will be provided through the module (via web-based exercises and seminar work) to help students to prepare for the summative assessments. Students must obtain a minimum aggregate grade of 40% across the four summative assessments to pass the module.

British Psychological Society (2014). Code of human research ethics. Leicester: British Psychological Society. https://www.bps.org.uk/sites/bps.org.uk/files/Policy%20-%20Files/BPS%20Code%20of%20Human%20Research%20Ethics.pdf

Heath (2018). Psychology research methods: Connecting research to students’ lives. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. [Core]