Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Researching Psychology 1
SCQF level: 07:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: PSY07104
Module leader: Eleanor Drake
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Psychology
Prerequisites

n/a
Description of module content:

This module is designed to provide you with some of the tools required to carry out research and analyse the data you collect. You will analyse qualitative data using thematic analysis and quantitative data using basic statistical techniques. You will learn about and revise descriptive statistics, such as measures of central tendency and dispersion, before proceeding to learn about inferential statistics such as t-tests and correlations. You will gain practical experience of collecting data using psychological research methods, analysing the data you obtain, and writing your findings up as in the form of research reports.
Learning Outcomes for module:

LO1: Describe the differences and similarities between qualitative and quantitative methods.
LO2: Define key terms in psychology research methods, such as: sample, research question, hypothesis, ethics, reliability, validity, transparency.
LO3: Describe the steps of analysing data using thematic analysis.
LO4: Develop competence in running t-tests and correlations using statistical software.
LO5: Develop skills in report writing.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2022/3, Trimester 1, FACE-TO-FACE,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Eleanor Drake
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
The module will include three lectures (weeks 2, 6, 12), nine practical classes (weeks 2-5, 7-11), five workshop classes (weeks 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11) and independent learning, as outlined below:

a) Two-hour lectures: You will be introduced to the overarching concepts and methods used in psychology research (LOs 1-2).

b) Two-hour practical classes: Each will begin with a short presentation on a research technique, conducted by the member of teaching staff. You will then practice this technique by working in small groups or independently, depending on the type of task (LOs 1-5).

c) One-hour workshop classes: Each will begin with a summary of material covered over the past fortnight alongside upcoming submission activities, conducted by the member of teaching staff. You will then work to determine your related ongoing learning needs and how these can be met. This will be achieved through working in tutor-supported small groups and individually, depending on the type of task being used to scaffold your ability to identify needs and capacities.

d) Guided independent learning: You will be expected to read materials provided on Moodle, and engage in your own literature searching and learning on the topic. You will also be required to finish any incomplete practical work in the week before your next class, and to practice your new techniques outwith the lab/classroom. Weekly formative assessments will be completed, in addition to two summative assessments. Moodle will also be used to enhance learning on the module (e.g., using video tutorials of statistical software procedures and other resources).
Formative Assessment:
Implementing formative assessments in this module will allow staff to monitor your progress, and should encourage engagement with the material. The tasks will be short, achievable yet challenging, and directly related to the content covered in class. If you submit one task per week, you could have general feedback on all or a predetermined proportion of submissions. This will allow you to receive feedback on important aspects of your work before any formal assessments are submitted, enabling you to actively make improvements.

Further details are below:

1. Weeks 2-5 (qualitative content): Short written tasks, around 500 words, submitted on Turnitin. This engages you in thinking about the concepts used in describing, evaluating, and critiquing research. This could highlight the aspects that make a good research project (i.e., validity, reliability, transparency, etc.), and should encourage you to read critically (LOs 2, 3, 5). General feedback could include comments on writing style, content, relevance, viability, ethics.

2. Weeks 7-11 (quantitative content): Short multiple choice tests on Moodle. Tasks could include test selection, interpretation of statistical software output, reporting results, and/or questions relating to experimental design (LOs 1, 2, 4). Feedback could be automatically generated through Moodle, and would inform you of errors, or on areas to improve.
Summative Assessment:
1. 50% Qualitative report (due week 8): A group report using thematic analysis, this allows you to practice your qualitative research skills (LOs 1, 2, 3, 5).

2. 50% Quantitative report (due week 14): A quantitative report based on in-class data collection (e.g., CogLab experiment, questionnaire data) and analysis. This lets you see the research process from beginning to end, and to produce and analyse statistics yourself (LOs 1, 2, 4, 5).


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 6
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 23
Independent Learning Groupwork (Independent Study) 16
Independent Learning Guided independent study 155
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Report 50 1,2,3,5 8 HOURS= 00.00, WORDS= 2000
Report 50 1,2,4,5 14/15 HOURS= 00.00, WORDS= 1500
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
PSY07014 Researching Psychology 1
 

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