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PS20124: Research methods and design

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2013/4
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Psychology
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment: CW 100%
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take PS10087 and take PS10088
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
To provide students with an understanding and competence in qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and data analysis, and the skills to design, conduct and analyse studies using appropriate methodology.

Learning Outcomes:
Be able to explain, design and critically evaluate questionnaire and interview-based methods used in psychological research
Be able to assess practical issues of research design and the interpretation of data
Be able to design, conduct and plan the analysis of a study using questionnaires
Be familiar with key methods of qualitative data analysis and know how to apply them
Be able to conduct a research interview and textual analysis of interview data
Be able to identify and address ethical issues in relation to different forms of psychological research.

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:
Students will engage in practical workshops in questionnaire design and designing questionnaire-based studies, interview techniques, focus groups and qualitative data analysis such as thematic analysis and discourse analysis. Students will explore ethical issues associated with social research and how to address them.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PS20124 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Psychology
  • UHPS-AKB03 : BSc (hons) Psychology (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2013/4 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2014/15 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2013/14.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.