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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Quantitative and Qualitative Research in Psyc
Module Code PY220
School 37
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: James Brunton
Semester 2: James Brunton
Autumn: James Brunton
Module TeachersShirley O'Brien
James Brunton
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 15
Pre-requisite PY110
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Repeat the module
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.

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



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Workshop45Online distance learning tutorials and workshops
Online activity60Student-Tutor and Student-Student interaction through online discussion forums and other media
Independent Study270Using 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

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Part 1: Introduction

- Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

- Technology in Psychological Research

- Research Ethics

Part 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 Research

Part 3: Quantitative Research Methods

- Factor Analysis

- Analysis of Variance

- Regression

- Reporting Quantitative Research

- Evaluating Quantitative Research

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentThis 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.20%n/a
AssignmentIn 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.30%n/a
AssignmentAssignment 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.20%n/a
AssignmentAssignment 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 PY30%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

  • 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],
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
BAPYBA in Humanities (Psychology Major)
PYDIPDiploma in Humanities (Psychology Major)
SMPPYSingle Module Programme Psychology
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