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Practical Skills in Experimental, Cognitive & Social Psychology - PSY00092M

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Philip Quinlan
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

The aim of this module is to give students hands-on experience with programming and data management skills. Students will learn to translate a phenomenon of interest into an appropriate experimental paradigm. Further, they will learn the practicalities of how to run an experimental paradigm in a lab setting, i.e., how to present stimuli on a computer monitor, how to acquire behavioural responses from human participants using the computer, and how to model human cognition/behaviour using computer technology. In addition, students will learn how to manipulate complex data they acquire using software packages that are widely used in research laboratories around the world.

Module learning outcomes

Subject Content

  • The course will predominantly provide an introduction to programming
  • Students will start by exploring basic programming concepts in Excel and many of the advanced features in Excel will be examined
  • Basic instruction in Python follows leading up to instruction in using the PsychoPy package to configure an experiment

Learning Outcomes

  • Become conversant with basic programming in Excel
  • Become adept at using advanced features of Excel
  • Basic programming skills in Python
  • Using PsychoPy
  • Appreciate and apply modern programming techniques
  • Attain a solid understanding of how to program

Indicative assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Lab Portfolio		 N/A 60
Essay/coursework
Poster		 N/A 10
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Exam		 5 hours 30

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Lab Portfolio		 N/A 60
Essay/coursework
Poster		 N/A 10
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Exam		 5 hours 30

Module feedback

Marks will be available through e:vision.

Indicative reading

Although the internet can provide all the key information, a useful introductory reference is:

Dawson, M. (2010). Python Programming for the absolute beginner (3rd edition). Boston MA: Cengage Learning..


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.