Modules

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
2018/9, Trimester 1, Face-to-Face,
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Face-to-Face
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Lindsey Carruthers
Module Organiser:


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

a) Two-hour lectures: Students 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. The students will then practice this technique by working in small groups or independently, depending on the type of task (LOs 1-5).

c) Guided independent learning: The students will be expected to read materials provided on Moodle, and engage in their own literature searching and learning on the topic. They will also be required to finish any incomplete practical work in the week before their next class, and to practice their new techniques outwith the lab. The weekly formative assessments will be completed independently, in addition to their two summative assessments. Moodle will also be used to enhance learning on the module (e.g., using video tutorials of SPSS procedures and other resources).
Formative Assessment:
Implementing formative assessments in this module will allow staff to monitor the progress of the students, 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 the students submit one task per week, they could have general feedback on all or a predetermined proportion of submissions.

This will allow the students to receive feedback on important aspects of their work before any formal assessments are submitted, enabling them to actively make improvements.

Further details are below:

1. Weeks 2-5 (qualitative content): Short written tasks, around 500 words, submitted on Turnitin. Each would critique the research methods used in prescribed qualitative papers. This would engage students 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 them to read critically (LOs 2, 3, 5). General feedback could include comments on writing style, content, relevance etc.

2. Weeks 7-11 (quantitative content): Short multiple choice tests on Moodle. Tasks could include test selection, interpretation of SPSS output, reporting results, and/or questions relating to experimental design (LOs 1, 2, 4). Feedback could be automatically generated through Moodle, and would inform the student of errors, or on areas to improve.
Summative Assessment:
1. 50% Qualitative report (due week 8): A group report using thematic analysis, this first option would allow students to practice their 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, etc.) and analysis. This would let the students see the research process from beginning to end, and would let them produce and analyse the statistics themselves (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 18
Independent Learning Groupwork (Independent Study) 16
Independent Learning Guided independent study 160
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= 0, WORDS= 2000
Report 50 1,2,4,5 14 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 1500
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

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 in SPSS.
LO5: Develop skills in report writing.
Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
PSY07014 Researching Psychology 1
 

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