Research Methods in Psychology
MODULE CODE
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Module Aims
Aim 1
To enable students to develop their knowledge and skills in research methods and statistics to a professional level by providing students with:
Aim 2
An up-to-date knowledge of a broad range of methodological and advanced statistical techniques
Aim 3
The ability to carry out analyses using SPSS for Windows to interpret and report the findings appropriately.
Aim 4
A more critical approach to the psychological research literature and to research design and analysis.
Module Content
The module will cover a variety of methodologies, univariate and multivariate statistical techniques, as well as important theoretical and methodological issues. Initial sessions will review techniques typically covered at the undergraduate level (for instance, two sample designs, correlational designs, and factorial designs), however, a more critical approach will be adopted from the outset. For example, greater emphasis will be placed on such issues as reliability, validity, effect sizes, statistical power, and significance. Theoretical and methodological issues introduced in the course will be set in context by way of examples drawn from the current literature. The module will include discussions on how to conduct research in a diverse population and how to ensure inclusivity in data collection (i.e., avoid biased results) and analysis. Students will be encouraged to critically examine the ethical and social implications of conducting research with a diverse population. More advanced techniques, reflecting recent developments in research design and statistics will be introduced later in the course (for instance, multiple regression and structural equation modelling). Appropriate computer software will be introduced where appropriate and extensive use will be made of statistical software, particularly SPSS for Windows.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:
Teaching Methods
Lectures – these introduce various methods and analyses that are essential in developing research proposals and evaluating the published literature. Workshops – these provide hands-on experience in running and interpreting analyses using SPSS in preparation for assignments.
Assessment Methods
This module is assessed through a Research Design & Statistics Portfolio, one Presentation and one Examination.
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