PY2RMP-Research methods in Psychology

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites: PY1IPR Introduction to Psychological Research
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Dan Jones
Email: dan.jones@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The aim of this module is to further develop students’ knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, statistics, and data analysis. Content taught on this module will support students’ ability to complete coursework on other part 2 modules. This module is delivered at University of Reading and University of Reading Malaysia. 

Aims:

This module aims to further develop students’ skills required for the scientific study of psychology. Students will extend upon their existing knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods in psychology; further examine the methods of conducting and analysing quantitative and qualitative research; enhance their data analysis (i.e. using statistical packages) and critical evaluation skills.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module the student will be able to: 

• Understand and recognise knowledge gained on this module to generalise and explore more advanced statistical techniques. 


• Demonstrate the required standard of knowledge to analyse and interpret qualitative data, using more advanced analysis methods.  


• Demonstrate an understanding of questionnaire design and the principles underlying the use of questionnai res. 


• Be proficient in manipulating and interpreting statistical data using SPSS and Excel. 


• Evaluate analysis decisions in existing research and consider the validity of the conclusions drawn. 

Additional outcomes:

Students will participate in research studies being conducted in the School, and thereby enhance their knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodology and enable them to apply their knowledge of research design and procedure to real examples. Workshops will give students experience of teamwork, numeracy, data handling, computer literacy, critical analysis and problem solving.   

Outline content:

The module will cover a range of more advanced research methods, typically including: 

• Topics in statistics, including parametric and nonparametric analysis of variance, regression and principal component analysis. 


• Introduction to more advanced qualitative analysis approaches.  


• Introduction to questionnaire design and phrasing of the questions. 


• Use of statistical software (SPSS/Excel) to analyse and present data. 


• Group work that exemplifies the design and analysis techniques that have been taught in lectures.  


• Develop research management skills; overview of project planning and understanding and considering ethics and ethical issues across all aspects of their professional practice.  


• Participation in research studies.  

Global context:

This module will consider the global context of the research and its approaches. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

1. Lectures will employ a variety of teaching methods appropriate to the material and the learning outcomes.  


2. Workshop sessions involve guided practical exercises in groups to familiarise students with technical content of the lectures and learn the use of the statistical package SPSS.  


3. Participation in research studies, selected from those available, followed by debriefing, and answering questions on each.  


4. Statistics support drop-in sessions where students can receive help with any topics relating to statistics, they may have found difficult in lectures or workshops.  

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	9	9	1
Demonstration	6	6
Practicals classes and workshops	9	12
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	22	22
Wider reading (directed)	30	26
Advance preparation for classes	9	9
Revision and preparation	15	15
Total hours by term	100	99	1
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Set exercise	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

This module is assessed via 50% coursework and 50% examination: 

• One open-Book Exam (50%) 


• Students’ understanding of research methods and data analysis is assessed by an end of year summer exam. 

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is assessed via 50% coursework and 50% examination, comprising:  

• Continuous Assessment Questions, making up 45% of the total assessment: 
  
  
  
  • Research methods, design, data analysis and interpretation are assessed through continuous assessment questions and exercises throughout the course.
  
  
  
  


• Research Participation, making up 5% of the total assessment (10hr of participation) 

Formative assessment methods:

Exercises in lectures and workshops: enable students to prepare for the continuous assessment questions and end of year summer exam.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment is via resit examination in the University resit period. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 21 May 2021