| Module Title |
Quantitative & Qualitative Research in Psychology |
| Module Code |
PY220 (ITS) / PSY1084 (Banner) |
|
Faculty |
Science & Health |
School |
Psychology |
| Module Co-ordinator | James Brunton | | | Module Teachers | Shirley Anne O'Brien | |
|
NFQ level |
8 |
Credit Rating |
15 |
|
Pre-requisite |
Not Available |
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Co-requisite |
Not Available |
| Compatibles |
Not Available |
| Incompatibles |
Not Available |
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Repeat the module
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Description
This module further develops students' knowledge, skills and competencies with regard to Psychological research methods. Data collection and data analysis methods for quantitative and qualitative are explored, with students assessing their strengths and weaknesses. It is essential for Psychology students to be able to explain why a particular data collection or analysis method is appropriate in a particular instance. Practical skills and competencies with regard to the analysis of data using appropriate software are developed in this module. Students are provided with appropriate research methods software (for Windows PC), where necessary.
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Learning Outcomes
1. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research designs and methods
2. Examine quantitative and qualitative data collection/analysis methods and illustrate why a particular data collection/analysis method is appropriate for a particular research study
3. Examine, and reflect on, the importance of ethical issues in Psychological research
4. Demonstrate competence in utilising appropriate software to analyse quantitative data
5. Demonstrate competence in utilising appropriate software to analyse qualitative data
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| Workload |
Full-time hours per semester |
| Type |
Hours |
Description |
| Workshop | 45 | Online distance learning tutorials and workshops | | Online activity | 60 | Student-Tutor and Student-Student interaction through online discussion forums and other media | | Independent Study | 270 | Using self-directed learning module resources, textbooks and other resources | | 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: Introduction- Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods- Technology in Psychological Research- Research EthicsPart 2: Qualitative Research Methods- Qualitative Data Collection Methods – Overview- Repertory Grids- Observation- Ethnography- Interview Design and Implementation- Case Study- Managing Qualitative Data- Content Analysis- Grounded Theory- Multi-Strategy (Mixed Methods) Research- Reporting Qualitative Research- Evaluating Qualitative ResearchPart 3: Quantitative Research Methods- Factor Analysis- Analysis of Variance- Regression- Reporting Quantitative Research- Evaluating Quantitative Research |
| Assessment Breakdown | | Continuous Assessment | 100% | Examination Weight | 0% |
| Course Work Breakdown |
| Type | Description | % of total | Assessment Date |
|---|
| Assignment | This assignment contributes towards knowledge building with regard to qualitative analysis and report writing. You will be presented with a scenario and required to undertake all the tasks necessary in completing a report to APA standard. These tasks will include developing a research question, data collection and analysis and completing all sections of a report as outlined in the assignment brief. The method employed for this assignment will be the story completion method. | 25% | n/a | | Assignment | In this assignment you are required to undertake the steps necessary to complete a report to APA standard by completing all the steps necessary to address a specific research topic. This topic will be presented to you in the assignment brief. The method employed for this assignment will involve interview design. You will be required to design an interview schedule and administer following protocol, transcribe and analyse in accordance with methodological convention. You will have the opportunity to engage and establish competence in CAQDA in analysing the data. | 25% | n/a | | Assignment | Assignment three is an important step in developing competencies with quantitative
data analysis and report writing. This will build on the methodologies employed in
assignments undertaken in Py110. It involves the examination of relationships
between variables, the creation of scales and use of ANOVA to investigate
differences between variables. This assignment is designed to extend the scope of
experience utilising SPSS for data analysis with real life data sets and build on the
practical aspect of report writing, a key task in research. | 25% | n/a | | Assignment | Assignment 4 is designed to build on assignment 3 which was the first experience of
manipulating scales and handling real life data sets. This assignment will further
develop skills in assessing the reliability of scales, through conducting a factor
analysis. It will introduce statistical modelling using regression analysis, a technique
used to identify the strength of effect that the independent variable(s) have on a
dependent variable. This assignment is designed to expand the knowledge of more
advanced statistical methods and increase the confidence in writing a research
report. Successful completion of A3 and A4 will prepare the student for the
independent research required in PY | 25% | 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 |
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Indicative Reading List
- Breakwell, G. M., Smith, J. A. and Wright, D. B. (Eds): 2012, Research Methods in Psychology, Fourth, SAGE Publications Ltd., London [ebook],
- 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, Open University Press, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England [ebook],
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Other Resources
None |
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