Module: Computer Applications in Psychology Research

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Computer Applications in Psychology Research
Module Code	PSY1001 (ITS: PSYC303)
Faculty	Psychology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Module Aims: To introduce students to experiment generating software commonly used in computerised experimental psychology. To enable students to produce a simple computerised experiment. To introduce students to an online survey platform including the creation of surveys, collection and exportation of data. To introduce students to technology used in psychology research.

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognise the importance of technology and computer skills in a variety of experimental psychology research designs.
2. Demonstrate the basic skills necessary to generate computerised experiments using experiment generating software commonly used by psychologists.
3. Design a brief computerised experiment.
4. Programme and/or generate a simple computerised experiment capable of collecting data.
5. Demonstrate the basic skills needed to create an online survey, recognising good design and user interface requirements.
6. Export data produced by experimental programmes and online surveys and import into data analysis packages.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	12	Formal Lectures
Directed learning	24	Specified skills-based practical activities
Independent Study	89	Theoretical and Practical
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10291	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Sinead Smyth	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Computing project - demonstrating competency in experimental design and programme implementation. The Project will include: 1. A proposal. 2. A working programme. 3. A written report.	70%	n/a
Assignment	In-unity Test 2: Short written questions and design and execution of a brief online survey using appropriate software.	30%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Basic skills in experiment generating software

An introduction to a programming language

Keywords and syntax of the chosen programming language

Data collection and exportation from computerised experimental procedures

Key issues in computerised experimentation such as randomisation, use of picture, audio and verbal stimuli will be interspersed throughout

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None

SuperLab and Qualtrics software available in the Psychology Laboratory Skills Lab (HG50). Recommendations Readings and Guide Books will be provided in class.