| Module Title |
Exploring Psychological Research |
| Module Code |
PY110 (ITS) / PSY1081 (Banner) |
|
Faculty |
Science & Health |
School |
Psychology |
| Module Co-ordinator | Aoife McNicholl | | | Module Teachers | James Brunton | |
|
NFQ level |
8 |
Credit Rating |
15 |
|
Pre-requisite |
Not Available |
|
Co-requisite |
Not Available |
| Compatibles |
Not Available |
| Incompatibles |
Not Available |
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None
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Description
Psychologists use rigorous scientific methods to further our understanding of different behaviours and mental processes. This module introduces students to Psychological research and its strategies, methods and techniques. Students develop their knowledge of Psychological research methods, including their history, utility, and the importance of ethics; along with the practical skills necessary to carry out effective, ethical Psychological research.
In order to fully support students as they attain the knowledge, skills and competencies relating to Psychological research methods the Exploring Psychological Research module has a larger number of online tutorials and workshops than other modules on the programme, including an intensive 'Research Week' in late January. Students may also be provided with appropriate research methods software (for Windows PC), where necessary.
|
Learning Outcomes
1. Outline the ways in which the scientific method is used to produce knowledge in the field of Psychology
2. Identify the research methods used in Psychology
3. Describe the importance of ethics in Psychological research
4. Identify the appropriate research design for a particular Psychological research investigation
5. Describe the quantitative and qualitative approaches to conducting research in Psychology
6. Carry out quantitative data analysis at an introductory level, including the use of appropriate software
7. Carry out qualitative data analysis at an introductory level
|
| Workload |
Full-time hours per semester |
| Type |
Hours |
Description |
| Tutorial | 30 | Online distance learning tutorials and workshops | | Laboratory | 18 | Research week | | Online activity | 60 | Student-Tutor and Student-Student interaction through online discussion forums and other media | | Independent Study | 267 | Using self-directed learning resources, textbooks and other resources. This may include foundation level maths for students without Leaving Certificate Honours D3 or equivalent | | Total Workload: 375 |
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
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Part 1: Introducing Psychological Research: History, Methods and Ethical Research Practice Book- Introduction to Psychological Research- The Scientific Method and the Production of Knowledge- Introduction to Ethics- Exploring Quantitative Research MethodologiesPart 2: Exploring Quantitative Research Methods- Describing Numerical Data- Statistical Inference and Hypothesis Testing- Survey Research- Correlation- Analysis of Nominal Data: Chi-Square Test- Comparing Independent Samples- Comparing Related Samples- Experimental Design 1: Overview of the Experimental Design- Experimental Design 2: Types of Experimental DesignPart 3: Exploring Qualitative Research Methods- Qualitative Research Methodologies- Introduction to Qualitative Data Analysis - Thematic Analysis- Documents, Archives and Artefacts- Introduction to Mixed Methods Research |
| Assessment Breakdown | | Continuous Assessment | 100% | Examination Weight | 0% |
| Course Work Breakdown |
| Type | Description | % of total | Assessment Date |
|---|
| Assignment | Assessment one will provide students with the first opportunity to take on the role of a
researcher who is examining collected data. It will require engaging with statistical analyses
to explore study hypotheses and interpret the findings. It will also provide the opportunity
to demonstrate the knowledge of research ethics and methodological considerations
relevant to real life research. The focus of this assignment will be on the examination of
differences between independent samples. | 20% | n/a | | Assignment | Assessment two provides students with another opportunity to take on the role of a
researcher who is examining collected data. It will require engaging with statistical analyses
to explore study hypotheses, interpret the findings, demonstrate the knowledge of research
ethics and methodological considerations relevant to real life research. The focus of this
assignment will be on the examination of differences between two related or dependent
samples. The completion of A1 and A2 will build confidence manipulating data and provide
the ability to place the statistical analysis into the context of a real-life study. | 20% | n/a | | Assignment | Assessment three is an important step in developing competencies with quantitative data
analysis and report writing. It involves the examination of relationships between variables
using correlation and Chi-square analyses. This assignment is designed to extend the scope
of work with SPSS and introduce the practical aspect of report writing, a key task in
research. Completion of A3 will provide students with the opportunity to conduct their first
full research study from the analysis of data through to the written final report setting the
research into the context of previous literature, highlighting study limitations and
implications. | 30% | n/a | | Assignment | Assessment four involves engaging with a qualitative method of data analysis,
understanding its key features, and putting them into practice. This assignment requires the
application of thematic analysis to a qualitative data transcript(s). It will provide students with
the first opportunity to apply qualitative methodology to answer a research question. | 30% | n/a |
| Reassessment Requirement Type |
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories:
Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module.
Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element. |
| * ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment |
| This module is category 1 |
|
Indicative Reading List
- Breakwell, G. M., Smith, J. A. and Wright, D. B. (Eds): 2012, Research Methods in Psychology, Fourth, SAGE Publications Ltd., London,
- Pallant, J: 2016, SPSS survival manual: A step by step guide to data analysis using IBM SPSS, Sixth, McGraw-Hill Education, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England,
- Braun, V. & Clarke, V.: 2013, Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners., Sage, Los Angeles:,
- Willig, C.: 2013, Introducing qualitative research in psychology, McGraw-Hill Open University Press, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England,
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Other Resources
None |
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