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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2023 - 2024

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

This module will provide students with an understanding of advanced qualitative, quantitative and mixed research methods appropriate to psychological and behavioural sciences research. Through this module, students will acquire practical data analytic skills, with a focus on both qualitative and quantitative data. In relation to quantitative data analysis, the module will cover when and how to use a range of univariate and multivariate statistical procedures, how to report the results of these analyses, and how to interpret the findings. Students will also gain valuable research communication and dissemination skills - including oral and written formats.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate critical awareness of key qualitative, quantitative and mixed research methods
2. Demonstrate skilled analysis of data (both qualitative and quantitative) and interpretation of statistical tests.
3. Evaluate advances and current trends in research design and analysis.
4. Evaluate and review empirical research.
5. Clearly disseminate research findings in written and oral formats.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture12On Campus delivered lectures on specific topics
Laboratory28Practical classes linked to lectures and completion of CAs including data collection, analysis and interpretation of findings – on campus delivered
Seminars10Reviewing and interpreting empirical research – on campus and online remote discussion
Fieldwork20Lecture review, pre- and post-practical session work, completion of directed reading
Assignment Completion150No Description
Independent Study30No Description
Total Workload: 250

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

Indicative content
• Advanced information literacy skills • Research methods and design (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods) • Qualitative methodology (e.g. action research, phenomenology, grounded theory, case study) • Approaches to qualitative data collection (e.g. interview, focus groups, observation) • Approaches to qualitative analysis (e.g. content and thematic analysis, IPA, narrative analysis) • Experimental and correlational design • Designing and evaluating interventions • Univariate and bivariate techniques (e.g. Within- and between-group t-tests and ANOVA, non-parametric equivalents of each, factorial ANOVA; correlation and simple regression analysis) • Preparing for multivariate analysis (e.g. examining your data, missing data analysis, outliers, assumptions, data transformation) • Dependence techniques (e.g. multiple regression analysis, logistic regression, multivariate analysis of variance) • Interdependence techniques (e.g. factor analysis) • Secondary data analysis • Knowledge translation • Ethical and professional issues • Advanced research reporting and communication skills. • Attendance at specific workshops held during the Wellbeing Spring School

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
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
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Field, A.: 2018, Discovering statistics using SPSS, (5th ed).,, Sage, London,
  • Brace, N., Kemp, R., & Snelgar, R.: 2016, IBM SPSS for Psychologists: And Everybody Else (6th ed.)., Abingdon, United Kingdom: Routledge.,
  • Tabachnick, B. G., & Fidell, L. S.: 2013, Using Multivariate Statistics, 6th, Pearson, UK,
  • Braun, V. & Clarke, C.: 2013, Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Beginners., London: Sage.,
  • Willig, C.: 2012, Qualitative interpretation and analysis in psychology, Open University Press, 978-033524141
  • Willig, C., & Rogers, W. S. (Eds.)..: 2017, (2017). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in psychology., Sage,
  • Gray, D. E.: 2018, Doing Research in the Real World, Sage, London,
  • White, P.: 2017, Developing Research Questions: A guide for social scientists, 2nd, Palgrave McMillan, Basingstoke,
  • Pallant, J: 2013, SPSS Survival Manual, 6th, McGraw-Hill Education, UK,
  • Rasch, D., Kubinger, K. D., Yanagida, T.: 2012, Statistics in Psychology Using R and SPSS,, John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken, NJ,,
  • Charmaz, K.: 2014, Constructing grounded theory: A practical guide through qualitative analysis,, SAGE London, UK,
  • Cozby, P.C.: 2012, Methods in Behavioral Research,, 11th, Mc-Graw Hill London, UK,
  • Morgan, D. L., & Morgan, R. K. ,: 2009, Single-case research methods for the behavioral and health sciences,, SAGE London, UK Morse,
  • Wood, C., Giles, D. & Percy, C.: 2012, Your Psychology Project Handbook: Becoming a researcher, 2nd edition., London: Pearson.,
  • Gravetter, F. J., & Wallnau, L. B.: 2016, Research methods for the behavioral sciences (5th ed.). Stamford CT: Cengage,
  • Harris, P.: 0, Designing and Reporting Experiments in Psychology (3rd ed.). Maidenhead: Open University Press.,
  • Orna, L, Stevens, G.: 2009, Managing information for research (2nd ed.). Maidenhead: Open University Press.,
  • Silverman, David: 2020, Interpreting qualitative data, 6th, SAGE, Los Angeles, 978-152646724
  • Breakwell, Glynis M.; Wright, Daniel B; Smith, Jonathan A: 2012, Research methods in psychology, 4th, SAGE, London,
Other Resources

None
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