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Course Description
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Course Name
Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology
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Host University
University of Galway
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Location
Galway, Ireland
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Area of Study
Psychology
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Language Level
Taught In English
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Prerequisites
Admission to some psychology courses will depend on the academic background of the student in the relevant subject area.
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Course Level Recommendations
Lower
ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.
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ECTS Credits
5 -
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits2
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Recommended U.S. Quarter Units3
Hours & Credits
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Overview
This module provides students with an introduction to research methods in psychology. While research methods may sound 'boring', it is in fact fascinating to have an opportunity to look at the classic studies that have provided an evidence base for psychology as a science. These studies have asked such questions as 'what happens when you randomly allocate youths to two groups and place them in a competitive environment in a remote area?'; 'just how good are psychiatric staff at differentiating between genuine psychiatric patients and those 'faking' symptoms of mental ill-health?', 'can the holocaust be explained, in part, by obedience to authority and if I tell people to inflict a high-voltage electric shock on another person (with a heart condition) will they actually do it?.
This is a gentle introduction to research methods, with the emphasis very much on introducing students to classic studies in psychology and working from these examples back into core concepts. After being introduced to a study, for instance, the instructor will consider ?what key question is posed in this research?', 'what key prediction is being made?', 'what was manipulated?', 'what changed as a result of this manipulation?', 'are there other things that might also explain this change?' etc.
The module is delivered across two semesters, during which time you will have an opportunity to complete two small experimental studies (most likely on-line).
Module Objectives:
Present a stimulating introduction to research methods in psychology
Provide students with basic knowledge that can be built upon later
Learning Objectives:
Students will understand the basics of research design and methodology in psychology.
Students will able to work with basic descriptive statistics.
Students will be familiar with the classic studies in psychology.
Students will be able to review and critically reflect on psychological research.
Students will be able to present a short laboratory report in APA format.
Assessment:
40% for Study 1 (research report), 40% for Study 2 (research report), 10% for research participation (explained in class), 10% for tutorial attendance (explained in class).Must be taken together with PS124 offered during Spring semester.
Course Disclaimer
Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.
ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are converted to semester credits/quarter units differently among U.S. universities. Students should confirm the conversion scale used at their home university when determining credit transfer.
Please reference fall and spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.
Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.