Module: PSY4011-20 Research Methods in Psychology 1 (BPS)

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Dr Joe Walsh

Module Tutor Contact Details: j.walsh@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module aims to provide a general introduction to research methods and statistics in Psychology in preparation for advanced modules in Psychology. The specific module aims are:

1. To foster an understanding of the fundamentals of descriptive and inferential data analysis and presentation of findings.

2. To develop further skills in the practical aspects of research design e.g. experimentation, observation and correlational studies.

3. To explore methods and techniques used when reporting research.

4. To examine and evaluate methodological issues in psychology e.g. the role of science; ethics in research.

5. To develop further research-related skills valued by potential employers as set out in the Higher Education Academy’s Psychology Student Employability Guide (2011).

2. Outline syllabus:

1) Practical aspects of research design.

Problem definition and hypothesis formulation. Independent and dependent variables. Sampling techniques. Experimental designs, manipulation and control, validity, and causality. Introduction to concepts of qualitative research design.

2) Descriptive and inferential data analysis and presentation

Descriptive and summary statistics: measures of central tendency and dispersion. Graphing, skew and kurtosis, exploratory data analysis, non-parametric tests: Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed ranks test, Mann-Whitney test, and t-tests. Confidence intervals for the population mean and the difference between two population means. Tests for goodness of fit and association. Choice of appropriate statistical analysis: levels of measurement, normality, homogeneity of variance, linearity, transformations of data. Correlation coefficients: Pearson's and Spearman's, partial correlation. Probability and statistical significance.

3) Reporting research.

4) Methodological issues in psychology including the role of science in psychology and ethics in research.

5) The use of statistical software for data analysis.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Teaching will take the form of lectures, seminars, and workshops. Seminars contain a variety of student-centred activities including individual, small group and large group work and computing exercises. The course documentation gives recommended reading for each week to support the work covered in the lectures and seminar sessions.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Research methods workbook

• % Weighting: 70%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type:

• Description: SAFMEDS

• % Weighting: 50%