PSY4073 - Introduction to Research Skills for Psychologists

Objectives:

Assessment tasks are designed to enable students to demonstrate the Learning and Employability outcomes for the relevant level of study. Level Learning Outcomes are embedded in the assessment task(s) at that level. This enables a more integrated view of overall student performance at each level.

Content:

This module provides students with a foundation in quantitative and qualitative research design and analysis. Competencies in research methods and analysis are related to the processes of effective study design, ethical working practices, analysis and handling of qualitative data and quantitative data. Students are introduced to tools for data collection (Online Surveys and E-Prime) and analysis (SPSS). Students will take part in psychological research that has been designed by themselves and by others. This enables the students to develop a sophisticated appreciation of the value of the discipline outside of the classroom.

The module helps to prepare students with the kinds of skills that are valued by employers and provides students with the requisite skills for investigative work throughout their degree.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Lectures
Hours: 30
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Workshops
Hours: 40

Intended Group Size: 50

Guided independent study
Hours: 230

Further details relating to assessment
The quantitative research report will enable students to gain experience of writing up research findings, whilst the negotiated assessment will enable students to develop and reflect on fundamental skills in qualitative research methods (e.g. understanding published research, designing semi-structured interview schedules, analysis of data, reflexive analysis). The format of this assessment could be a written account, a narrated poster, a recorded presentation, for example. Module ethics is in place for the data collection.

Research participation is an essential component of an accredited Psychology degree. The BPS Code of Human Research Ethics states that student participation in psychological research provides them with valuable experience in research methodology and ethical considerations. Therefore, participation in research is considered a prerequisitive for students to conduct their own research. The level of engagement in research participation to achieve a pass for this component will be determined based on the nature and availability of studies on the Research Participation Scheme advertised by Level 6, PGRs and staff each year. Students will be able to choose the studies they participate in. Students who do not engage in research participation to a satisfactory level will be offered an alternative assessment for the resit. The resit assessment will comprise a 20-minute presentation related to research and ethics in psychology. This alternative assessment will be marked on a Pass/Fail basis.

Students will have the opportunity to undertake formative assessment as part of the workshop sessions.

Research participation (component 003) must be passed in order to pass the module overall. Research participation is an essential element of the BPS-accredited programme. Please note that Visiting/Study Abroad students will not be required to complete the research participation component of assessment.

Assessment:

001 Quantitative report; 1,500 words; end of semester 1 50%
002 Negotiated Assessment; 1,500 words or equivalent; end of semester 2 50%
003 Research participation; approx 6-8 hrs; pass/fail; end of semester 2 %

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Helen Heaviside
Level - 4
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4YL

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