Advanced Research Methods - PSY00025H

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

Numerical and analytic skills are highly prized by employers, and provide graduates with a competitive edge in the job market, or when applying for future courses of study. This module will introduce a range of modern analysis techniques used in both academic and commercial domains. Concepts will be taught with reference to real examples and controversies, and practical sessions will give students hands on experience of implementing the techniques. Former students have gone on to varied and interesting careers in analytical roles, including working for the Government Statistical Service and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. We recommend that students select this module only if they have averaged at least a 2.1 in Research Methods during 1st and 2nd year..

Module learning outcomes

  • Give an overview of each data analysis method, including the key underlying theoretical assumptions
  • Compare analysis techniques and select an appropriate method for a given data set or experimental design
  • Design studies to take advantage of advanced analysis techniques
  • Implement some data analysis techniques in R (a software environment used for statistics)

Module content

  • Introduction to R
  • Meta-analysis and systematic reviews
  • Mixed effects models
  • Stochastic methods (bootstrapping)
  • Nonlinear curve fitting and optimization
  • Structural equation modelling
  • Multivariate Pattern Analysis
  • Bayesian statistics

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

Correct answers to (formative) homework assignments will be provided on the VLE following submission.

Written feedback on up to two formative practice essays will be provided for each student.

Indicative reading

Baker, D.H. (2022). Research Methods Using R: Advanced Data Analysis in the Behavioural and Biological Sciences. Oxford University Press, ISBN: 9780192896599