Module: Psychology Research Skills

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Psychology Research Skills
Module Code	PSY1016 (ITS: PSYC113)
Faculty	Psychology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module uses blended learning to introduce students to the most common quantitative and qualitative research designs and methodologies used in psychology. It also examines the ethical, data and research integrity principles that underpin psychological research. A strong emphasis is placed on developing and supporting core research skills such as literature searching and the use of library resources. This module also supports the development of transversal skills such as teamwork and collaboration, and digital literacy skills. Students will be engaging in innovative activities to support the development of core research skills (e.g. workshops, design challenges) and applying these skills to the study of social behaviours. Group work in this module is integrated with related activities in core psychology modules in Year 1 Semester 1 (e.g. social and cognitive psychology).

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically evaluate core qualitative and quantitative research designs and methods.
2. Discover key strategies for the personal, academic, and digital skills needed for the transition to undergraduate study
3. Identify and evaluate ethical and data protection 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. Integrate ideas, concepts, knowledge and understanding of psychological research in relation to a real-world social behaviour research design challenge
6. Demonstrate awareness of the strengths and areas for development that one brings to a team
7. Recognise and value the strengths that each individual brings to a team
8. Fulfill one's task responsibilities within a team
9. Demonstrate collaborative communication in a team environment
10. Effectively engage with challenges that may emerge within a team.
11. 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.
12. Demonstrate the ability to find, access and organise appropriate information and sources in digital environments.
13. Critically evaluate the reliability, relevance, and accuracy of online information, mindful of misinformation and disinformation.
14. Produce and disseminate difital outputs in different formats, showing an awareness of authorship responsibilities
15. Act responsibly when using digital technologies, with due regard for oneself and others
16. Effectively engage with emerging technologies and their applications in order to improve and update one's digital competence

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	10	Introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods and analysis
Directed learning	10	Students will access digital resources introducing them to qualitative and quantitative research methods and designs, research ethics and research integrity
Workshop	20	Students will explore the use of psychological research methods in relation to real-world social behaviours
Group work	24	Students will work in small groups to design qualitative and quantitative approaches to researching a social behaviour of their choice.
Independent Study	44	Students will study the module material and related resources and references
Portfolio Preparation	17	Students will develop and complete an e-portfolio presenting the output from their group project, and individual assignment
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11467	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
Completion of online activity	Completion of online Loop quizzes relating to the content of the module.	20%	As required
Completion of online activity	Completion on online activities relating to finding information and literature sources, engaging with digital sources, evaluating information and disseminating findings.	20%	n/a
Group project	In small groups, students will work together to develop a research question and to design a suitable qualitative and quantitative approach to the investigation of a real-world social or cognitive 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.	30%	Sem 1 End
Oral Examination	Students, in their groups, will take part in an oral examination of their understanding of a real-world social or cognitive behaviour and their recommended methodologies for researching that behaviour.	30%	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

Introducing psychological research skills
The scientific method, psychology as a science

Literature searching
Accessing and effectively using library and online resources in psychology

Writing psychology reports
Introducing APA-style psychology reports, citations, referencing, plagiarism and academic integrity

Ethics and data protection
Research integrity, ethical research, ethics in DCU / School of Psychology, Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) Code of Professional Ethics, Data management, GDPR, Health regulations

Research design
Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed-Method Designs

Qualitative data collection and analysis
including (i) Interviewing, (ii) Focus groups, (iii) Observations, (iv) Thematic analysis, (v) Content analysis

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
What is group work? Why is it important and why is it included on this module, the psychology of working in groups, fears and expectations

Co-operative learning and dealing with conflict in groups
Tools and techniques for collaboration, effective group management and for dealing with conflict

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 Psychologist’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.