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Research Methods in Psychology I - PSY00015C

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

This module will equip you with skills required for the effective study of psychology. Some of these skills are practical ones, such as computer skills and presenting results of experiments, whilst others are more conceptual, for example on how best to structure an essay or to critique a scientific paper. The later part of this module provides an introduction to experimental design, data and statistics in psychology. Students will gain theoretical understanding of basic statistical concepts and tests as well as experience using statistical packages.

Module learning outcomes

  • demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts in experimental design
  • demonstrate an understanding of the importance and relevance of data analysis in experimental psychology
  • demonstrate and understanding of different types of experiment, data and tests used in experimental psychology
  • describe and evaluate qualitative methods
  • show proficiency in using excel or SPSS to compute: summary statistics; z-scores; chi square; binomial tests; parametric and non-parametric comparisons of two means (between and within subjects).
  • be able to select and provide a rationale for using a statistical test to analyse a particular datasets
  • present results from statistical tests correctly in both graphical and text form

Module content

In the first two teaching blocks we cover the basics of experimental design and descriptive statistics. In the last two teaching blocks, we concentrate more on experimental design, data and statistics in psychology, including the use of statistical software. We are aware that statistics is an area many students feel nervous about: we do not assume any maths knowledge above GCSE level and we aim to support all our students to graduate happy and confident dealing with data.

  • TB1: Introduction to RM 1: Research, Reports & Descriptive Statistics
  • TB2:, The Bell Curve & Percentiles
  • TB3: Introduction to inferential statistics: types of data, z-scores, statistical tests for nominal data
  • TB4: T-tests and non-parametric equivalent tests, disseminating research findings & qualitative research

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 50
Essay/coursework 12.5
Essay/coursework 12.5
Essay/coursework 12.5
Essay/coursework 12.5

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision.

Indicative reading

We have a custom made textbook to support key study skills throughout your degree: Slocombe, Katie (2010). All you ever wanted to know about research methods and academic skills. Pearson.

In Year 1 we recommend reading about the topics covered in Dancey, Christine P. (2007). Statistics without maths for psychology. Pearson Prentice Hall, as a gentle introduction to statistics used in Psychology.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.