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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2018 - 2019

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



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Tutorial15Online distance learning tutorials and workshops
Laboratory18Mandatory research methods school, in March
Online activity60Student-Tutor and Student-Student interaction through online discussion forums and other media
Independent Study282Using self-directed learning module resources, 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

Part 1: Introduction

- Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

- Technology in Psychological Research

- Ethical issues in Psychological Research

Part 2: Qualitative Research Methods

- Qualitative Data Collection Methods – Overview

- Repertory Grids

- Observation

- Ethnography

- Interviewing

- Case Study

- Managing Qualitative Data

- Content Analysis

- Grounded Theory

- Multi-Strategy (Mixed Methods) Research

- Reporting Qualitative Research

- Evaluating Qualitative Research

Part 3: Quantitative Research Methods

- Factor Analysis

- Analysis of Variance

- Reporting Quantitative Research

- Evaluating Quantitative Research

- Regression

Part 4: The Research Project Proposal

- Preparing a Project Plan and Research Proposal

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

  • Breakwell, G. M., Smith, J. A. and Wright, D. B. (Eds): 2012, Research Methods in Psychology, Fourth, SAGE Publications Ltd., London [ebook],
  • Mulhern, G. and Greer, B.: 2011, Making Sense of Data and Statistics in Psychology, Second, Palgrave Macmillian, Hampshire,
  • Pallant, J.: 2016, SPSS survival manual: A step by step guide to data analysis using IBM SPSS, Sixth, McGraw-Hill Education, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England,
  • Braun, V. & Clarke, V.: 2013, Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners., Sage, Los Angeles,
  • Willig, C.: 2013, Introducing qualitative research in psychology: adventures in theory and method, Open University Press, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England [ebook],
Other Resources

None
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