Research Methods for Visiting Students

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: THIS MODULE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO VISITING STUDENTS
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: PY2RM Research Methods and Data Analysis
Module version for: 2016/7

Summary module description:
PY2RMS Research Methods for Visiting Students

Aims:
The aims of the module are that the student should extend his or her knowledge of psychological research methods, statistics, and computer packages for data analysis. They will gain practical experience of a variety of methods, analysis techniques, and report writing.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module the student will be able to:

- Show the required standard of knowledge about the statistical concepts and techniques that have been taught, and know which techniques are appropriate for particular data
- Use computer packages to implement the statistical methods
- Be able to design, carry out and report experimental studies of psychological phenomena
Additional outcomes:
Students will gain practical experience of using a number of psychological research methods. They will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge of research methodology, data analysis and literature searching in essays and exam questions produced for other Psychology modules.

Students will participate in research studies being conducted in the School, enhancing their knowledge of research methodology and enabling them to apply their knowledge of research design and procedure to real examples.
Outline content:
- Topics in statistics, including regression and multiple regression, and their applications in psychological research.
- Use of a statistical package to analyse and present data.
- Overview of project planning including ethical issues.
- Designing, running and analysing the data from experimental mini-projects.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
(a) Lectures on research methods and statistics especially General Linear Model
(b) Laboratory practicals on statistical computing and related topics.?
(c) Completion of mini-projects, and associated reports.
(d) Statistics support workshops, where small groups of students can receive help with any topics relating to statistics they have found difficult in lectures or practical classes, and with the analyses they need to employ in their mini-projects
(e) Participation in research studies, selected from those available, followed by debriefing, and answering questions on each. Students who have an approved reason for non-participation will be given an alternative assignment of equivalent value.

Contact hours:
Lectures- 9
Project supervision- 4
Demonstration- 5
Practicals classes and workshops- 9
Guided independent study- 73
Total hours by term- 100
Total hours for module- 100

Summative Assessment Methods:
Report- 50%
Practical skills assessment- 10%
Set exercise- 5%
class test administered by school- 35%

Other information on summative assessment:
This module is assessed by coursework.

Students will complete one miniproject reports in Autumn, that describe an experimental study that they have designed, carried out, and analysed (contributing 50% of overall module mark).

Students' understanding of research methods and data analysis is also assessed by the end-of-term multiple-choice tests (35% of module mark).

Students complete exercises during practical workshops (10% of overall module mark).

Completion of the required hours of research participation (5% of the module mark).
Formative assessment methods:

Length of examination:
Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment is by re-submission of an experimental report in August/September