Module: Psychology Research Skills

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Psychology Research Skills
Module Code	PSY1009 (ITS: PSYC104)
Faculty	Psychology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will introduce students to the most common quantitative and qualitative research designs and methodologies used in psychology. It will also introduce students to the ethical principles that underpin psychological research. A strong emphasis will be placed on developing and supporting core research skills such as literature searching and the use of library resources. This module will also develop transferable skills such as data literacy and analytics, teamwork, communication and presentation skills through a variety of class activities and assignments. The content of practical sessions in this module will be informed by the core modules taken in Year 1 Semester 1.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe basic qualitative and quantitative research designs and methods, and assess their strengths and limitations
2. Use library and online psychology resources effectively
3. Identify and evaluate ethical issues in undertaking psychological research
4. Discuss the ethical and legal requirements involved when gathering, storing, analysing and reporting data and the societal impact of data analytics.
5. Describe the fundamental concepts of Data Literacy and Analytics, the key steps in the analytics process, and the applications and implications of data analytics in the learner’s given specialism.
6. Describe and evaluate normative group development
7. Demonstrate cooperative learning skills
8. In order to support these learning outcomes, students will be encouraged to participate in psychological research projects within the school including those of staff, post-graduate students and undergraduate final year projects.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	10	Remote Synchronous Lecture - Introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods and designs
Lecture	10	Remote Asynchronous Lecture - Introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods and designs
Seminars	20	On Campus Practical - Psychological research methods are supported by specialist seminars and practical classes on specific topics and methodologies to support lectures and coursework using learning activities, including seminars, debates and group work
Group work	24	Prepartion for and completion of group project
Independent Study	44	Identifying and critiquing key readings; Practical review and preparation
Directed learning	17	Contribution to online activities
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11465	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	Louise Hopper	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group presentation	In-class group presentation	10%	As required
Group project	In small groups, students will work together to develop a research question and to design a suitable investigation of a real-world research question. Students, in their groups, will take part in an oral examination of their understanding of their recommended methodologies for researching that behaviour. Each student will also reflect on the process of working in a group, challenges that arose during the completion of the group project, how these challenges were met and their individual contribution to the group.	45%	Sem 1 End
In Class Test	In class examination of theory and methodology relating to psychological research.	45%	Sem 1 End

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

Introduction – the scientific approach in psychology

Accessing and effectively using library and online resources in psychology

Report writing

Research ethics

Research design

Qualitative research methods
including (i) Interviewing, (ii) Focus groups, (iii) Thematic analysis, (iv) Content analysis and (v) Observational design

Quantitative research methods
including (i) Quasi-experimental design: Survey, (ii) Experimental design, (iii) Correlational design, (iv) Within- and between-subject design and (v) Variables and levels of measurement

Normative group development

Co-operative learning and dealing with conflict in groups

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Braun, V & Clarke, C: 2013, Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Beginners., SAGE, London, UK,
Harris, P: 2008, Designing and Reporting Experiments in Psychology, 3rd Ed., Open University Press, Maidenhead, 9780335221783
Shaughnessy, J. J., Zechmeister, E. B., & Zechmeister, J. S.: 2015, Research Methods In Psychology, 10th Ed., McGraw-Hill Publishing, New York, USA,
Sternberg, R.J. & Sternberg, K.: 2015, The Psychologistâ€™s Companion: a guide to writing scientific papers for students and researchers., Cambridge: University Press, UK,
Willig, C.: 2013, Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3rd Ed., Open University Press, Maidenhead, UK,
American Psychological Association,: 2009, Concise Rules of APA Style, 6th Ed., Eurospan University Press, London, 9781433805608
American Psychological Association: 2010, Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.), Washington, DC:,
Bowell, T., & Kemp, G.: 2014, Critical thinking: A concise guide., Routledge, New York,
Breakwell, G. M., Hammond, S., Fife-Schaw, C., & Smith, J. A.: 2012, Research Methods in Psychology, 4th Ed., SAGE Publications Ltd., London,
Cooper, H.: 2016, Ethical choices in research: managing data, writing reports., American Psychological Association, Washington, DC,
Cozby, P.: 2012, Methods in Behavioural Research, 11th Ed., McGraw Hill, London, 9780078035159
Creswell, J. W.: 2008, Research design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method approaches, 3rd Ed., Sage, London, UK,
Denscombe, M.: 2017, The Good Research Guide: For Small-Scale Social Research Projects, 6th Ed., Open University Press, UK, 978-033526470
Dunn, D. S.: 2012, The Practical Researcher: A student guide to conducting psychological research, 3rd Ed., Wiley Blackwell, Chichester,
Field, A. & Hole G.: 2003, How to Design and Report Experiments, Sage, London, UK,
Flick, U.: 2014, An introduction to qualitative research, 5th Ed., Sage, London, UK,
Oliver, P.: 2010, The student's guide to research ethics, Open University Press, Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK, 9780335237975
Passer, M.: 2017, Research Methods, 2nd, Worth Publishers, New York, USA, 9781319292652
Smith, J.A. (Editor): 2015, Qualitative psychology: A Practical Guide to Research Methods, 3rd Ed., SAGE Publications Ltd., London, UK,

Articles:

0: Readings will be supplemented by journal articles and material prepared for lectures and practical sessions.,

Other Resources

None

Readings will be supplemented by core module materials such as journal articles, on-line resources and materials prepared for lectures and practical sessions.