module specification

This module aims to provide you with an introduction to the research process in psychology and to develop numerical, analytical, practical, and digital literacy skills that are relevant for progression onto level 4 BSc (Hons) Psychology, and more specifically, to help you prepare for Level 4 research methods. You will be introduced to: 1) research design in psychology; 2) research ethics in psychology; 3) basic quantitative and qualitative concepts; and 4) skills relating to reporting and disseminating psychological research.

Through weekly lectures and workshops, the module aims to: 1) develop your understanding of codes of professional practice in psychology and the ethics of psychological research; 2) introduce you to the practice of designing, conducting and reporting research in psychology; 3) provide you with basic numeracy, thematic, and digital literacy skills and methods for describing and summarising quantitative and qualitative data; 4) develop your understanding of basic concepts in psychological research (e.g., reliability and validity); and 5) develop your understanding of different ways of disseminating research findings.

This module will facilitate your progression to level 4 of the BSc Psychology course and enhance your knowledge and transferable skills necessary for working in various professional contexts.

The module will provide students with basic numeracy skills an understanding of, and ability to conduct, basic descriptive statistics.  LO1
The syllabus includes an introduction to the nature and aims of different types of psychological research, including different methods of collecting data. LO3
The module facilitates students to actively conduct basic psychological studies, analyse data, and present findings via different mediums. LOs 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. LO5
To acquire critical appreciation through in-session activities, formative/summative assessment and self-directed learning activities, reflect on and critically appreciate the social justice context within which all psychological research is conducted. LO6

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. The blended learning approach will be aligned with ongoing strategic emphases. Reflective learning will be embedded throughout formal contact teaching time, formative assessment and within summative assessment.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
1) Formulate basic research questions and hypotheses
2) Understand how to design and conduct psychological research using different methods
3) Conduct basic numerical and thematic analysis
4) Present and summarise research findings through research reports
5) Identify codes of professional practice in psychology and of ethics in psychological research

Core and additional reading lists on the online reading system are available here:
https://tinyurl.com/4kk9t9dx