Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2016 - 2017

Module Title
Module Code
School
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module further develops students' knowledge, skills and competencies with regard to Psychological research methods. Data collection and data analysis methods for quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research 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. As part of their assessment students produce a research proposal that demonstrates their ability to design a research project that is both methodologically and ethically sound. Students are required to attend a mandatory introductory day and a mandatory research methods school for this module.

Learning Outcomes

1. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research designs and methods
2. Examine quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods 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. Analyse case studies focusing on existing Psychology research studies
5. Demonstrate competence in utilising appropriate software to analyse quantitative data
6. Demonstrate competence in utilising appropriate software to analyse qualitative data
7. Prepare and present a research project proposal of professional standard

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Tutorial	15	Face to face and/or virtual online distance education tutorials and workshops
Laboratory	24	Mandatory, face to face, introductory day and research methods school
Online activity	60	Student-Tutor and Student-Student interaction through Moodle-based discussion forums and other media
Independent Study	276	Using self-directed learning module texts, 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

Unit 1: Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

Unit 2: Technology in Psychological Research

Unit 3: Ethical issues in Psychological Research

Unit 4: Factor Analysis

Unit 5: Analysis of Variance

Unit 6: Reporting Quantitative Research

Unit 7: Evaluating Quantitative Research

Unit 8: Regression

Unit 9: Qualitative Data Collection Methods – Overview

Unit 10: Repertory Grids

Unit 11: Observation

Unit 12: Ethnography

Unit 13: Interviewing

Unit 14: Case Study

Unit 15: Managing Qualitative Data

Unit 16: Content Analysis

Unit 17: Grounded Theory

Unit 18: Multi-Strategy (Mixed Methods) Research

Unit 19: Reporting Qualitative Research

Unit 20: Evaluating Qualitative Research

Unit 21: Preparing a Project Plan and Research Proposal

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	%	Examination Weight	%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

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

Breakwell, G. M., Smith, J. A. and Wright, D. B. (Eds): 2012, Research Methods in Psychology, Fourth, SAGE Publications Ltd., London,
Mulhern, G. and Greer, B.: 2011, Making Sense of Data and Statistics in Psychology, Second, Palgrave Macmillian, Hampshire,
Pallant, J.: 2010, SPSS survival manual: A step by step guide to data analysis, Fourth, Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, NSW,

Other Resources

None

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