Module: Research Methods & Statistics

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Research Methods & Statistics
Module Code	PSYC207
School	37
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Lisa Fitzgerald Semester 2: Lisa Fitzgerald Autumn: Lisa Fitzgerald
Module Teachers	Lisa Fitzgerald
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Coursework Only

Description

This module builds on " Psychology Research Methods and Statistics 1” in year 1 and introduces students to more advanced quantitative research methodologies, designs and analytical techniques in psychology. It also introduces students to statistical tests such as univariate and factorial ANOVA, regression analysis, their appropriate usage and how to compute them using the SPSS statistical package. Practical experience through laboratory experiments and computer-based exercises will continue. This module will also promote the skills necessary to evaluate and critique empirical journal articles.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss quantitative research designs and methods, and assess their strengths and limitations
2. Understand the principles of ANOVA and regression, appropriately carry out such analyses using SPSS and report statistical results in a manner consistent with standard report writing.
3. Identify the importance of power and effect size when carrying out any analysis
4. Be proficient in identifying the limitations of specific methodologies and in understanding the relative merits of quantitative approaches to an identified research question
5. Think critically about research and apply the skills involved in reviewing to understand the strengths and weaknesses of design, methods, analysis and conclusion
6. Use advanced searching skills to effectively use library and online psychology resources

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	12	Introducing theories, methods, statistics
Laboratory	24	Practicals: Conducting and analysing experiments
Independent Study	57	Write up of practicals, becoming familiar with statistical concepts and research methods, identifying and critiquing key readings, report and tutorial preparation
Independent Study	28	Preparation for assessment
Tutorial	4	Participation in practice materials and activities
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Advanced information literacy skills

Regression

Experimental design

Statistical power and effect size

One-way ANOVA

Repeated measures ANOVA

Mixed Factorial ANOVA

Non-parametric equivalent to ANOVA

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Report(s)	Write-up of one quantitative practical report	40%	n/a
Assignment	Critique of one Quantitative Journal Article	20%	n/a
In Class Test	Completion of one in-class statistical and research methods test.	40%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Lakens, D.: 2022, Improving your statistical inferences, https://lakens.github.io/statistical_inferences/,
Rajiv S. Jhangiani: 2019, Research Methods in Psychology, https://kpu.pressbooks.pub/psychmethods4e, 1085976920
Poldrack, R.: 2019, Statistical Thinking for the 21st century, https://statsthinking21.github.io/statsthinking21-core-site/,
A.J. Shepherd: 2022, Critical Analysis in Experimental Psychology: The Essential Guide to Int Errogating Published Research, 1e, 0335249892
Field A.: 2018, Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS, 5th, SAGE, London, 9781526419521
Darren George,Paul Mallery: 2021, IBM SPSS Statistics 27 Step by Step, Routledge, 9781003205333
HARRIS,Matthew J. Easterbrook,Jessica S. Horst: 2021, Designing and Reporting Experiments in Psychology, 3rd, Open University Press, 0335245951
Barbara G. Tabachnick,Linda S. Fidell,Jodie B. Ullman: 2019, Using Multivariate Statistics, Pearson, 9780134790541
Julie Pallant: 2020, SPSS Survival Manual, 5th, Open University Press, 0335249493
Dr Peter Allen,Kellie Bennett,Dr Brody Heritage: 2018, SPSS Statistics: A Practical Guide with Student Resource Access 12 Months, 4th, Cengage AU, 9780170421140
Cohen, B.H.: 2008, Explaining psychological statistics, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, N.J., 9780470007181
Creswell, J. W.: 2008, Research design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method approaches, 3rd, Sage., London,
Shaughnessy, J.: 2012, Research Methods in Psychology, 9th, McGraw-Hill, New York,
Sternberg, R. J. & Sternberg, K.: 2010, The Psychologist’s Companion: a guide to writing scientific papers for students and researchers., 5th, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 0521144825

Other Resources

None

Readings will be supplemented by items such as journal articles, readers in psychology, and material prepared for lectures and practical sessions.

Programme or List of Programmes

BPY	BSc (Honours) in Psychology

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