module specification

PY7163 - Research Design and Analysis for Psychology (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Research Design and Analysis for Psychology
Module level Masters (07)
Credit rating for module 20
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Total study hours 200
 
164 hours Guided independent study
36 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 50%   Research Portfolio Exercises.
Coursework 50%   Research Report
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester North Thursday Afternoon

Module summary

The aim of this module is to introduce you to a wide range of methods of psychological investigation. You will learn how to design different types of psychological studies, create materials for data collection, collect and analyse data, summarise, and present results in line with professional publication standards and the principles of open science. You will learn how to manage and manipulate different types of data (qualitative and quantitative) and to conduct different types of data analysis using appropriate software where appropriate. The module will develop your ability to integrate and evaluate different lines of theory and research and to reflect on the ethical implications of different research methods in line with professional standards and principles of open science. Each of these aims is associated with general competencies that are highly valued in employment settings (e.g., communication, numeracy, data management, critical thinking).

Prior learning requirements

N/A

Syllabus

Topics covered in the module will be drawn from: The nature and purposes of research in psychology; principles of open science; different approaches to research design, including the match between research design and research questions; different methods for gathering data in psychology; research ethics for psychologists; reporting of research studies, including how to structure of a research report; different ways of both summarising and presenting data; using data analysis software; using statistics to draw inferences about populations from research samples; qualitative methods (e.g., interviews, observation, and examination of secondary data sources) and simple text analysis.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

The learning objectives will be achieved through a combination of lectures, interactive workshops, seminars, supplementary guided web-based learning, and self-managed independent study. You will be encouraged to reflect on your learning throughout the module, particularly using formative feedback, and to take responsibility for identifying gaps in your learning.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

  1. Critically discuss core concepts and principles associated with psychological investigation (e.g., formulating research questions/hypotheses; research design; data collection; data analysis).
  2. Demonstrate your awareness of relevant codes of professional practice, research ethics, and open science and how these are implemented in the design and conduct of psychological research.
  3. Describe, analyse, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate methods and tools, including specialist statistical and qualitative analysis software.
  4. Write a research report in line with professional publication standards.

Bibliography