Department of Psychology, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
PS20092 Research methods and design |
| Credits: 12 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Academic Year |
| Assessment: PR 100% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS10087 and take PS10088 |
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Aims: To provide students with an understanding and competence in qualitative and quantitative methods, and the skills to design, conduct and analyse studies using appropriate methodology.
Learning Outcomes: * Be able to explain, design and critically evaluate key quantitative and qualitative methods in psychological research * Be able to assess practical issues of research design and the interpretation of data * Be able to conduct and analyse a study using questionnaires * Be able to conduct a research interview * Be familiar with key methods of qualitative data analysis and know how to apply them. Skills: * Understand the scientific underpinnings of psychology as a discipline, its historical origins, development and limitations. (T/F) * Can demonstrate a systematic knowledge of a range of research paradigms, research methods and measurement techniques, including statistical analysis, and be aware of their limitations. (T/F A) * Can adopt multiple perspectives and systematically analyse the relationships between them. (T/F) * Can detect meaningful patterns in behaviour and experience and evaluate their significance. (T/F/ A) * Can pose, operationalise and critically evaluate research questions. (T/F A) * Can demonstrate substantial competence in research skills through practical activities. (T/F A) * Can demonstrate competence in a range of qualitative research methods (T/F A) * Can competently initiate, design, conduct and report an empirically-based research project under appropriate supervision, and can recognise its theoretical, practical and methodological implications and limitations. (T/F A) * Is aware of the ethical context of psychology as a discipline and can demonstrate this in relation to personal study, particularly with regard to the research project. (T/F A) * To reflect upon new technology and innovation within psychology and to make decisions regarding legitimacy, reliability and effectiveness. (T/F A) * To effectively and efficiently apply principles of psychological analysis within a variety of environments. (T/F A) * To develop sensitivity to the values and interests of others. (T/F A) * Can communicate ideas and research findings both effectively and fluently by written, oral and visual means. (T/F A) * Is computer literate and is confident in using word processing, database and statistical software. (T/F) * Can solve problems by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions and evaluating outcomes. (T/F) * Is sensitive to and can react appropriately to contextual and interpersonal factors in groups and teams. (T/F) * Can undertake self-directed study and project management in order to meet desired objectives. (T/F) * Is able to take charge of their own learning, and can reflect and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses for the purposes of future learning. (T/F) Content: In semester 1, students will engage in practical workshops in questionnaire design, interview techniques, focus groups, observation and in qualitative data analysis such as discourse analysis, grounded theory, narrative and case studies. In semester 2, students will design, conduct, analyse and report an independent study, working in small groups. |