Research Methods in Psychology I - PSY00015C
Module will run
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Semester 1 2025-26 |
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) | 100 |
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.