MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE

MODULE DETAILSModule title Empirical PsychologyModule code SS511Credit value 20LevelMark the box to the right of the appropriate level with an ‘X’

Level 4 Level 5 X Level 6 Level 7 Level 8Level 0 (for modules at foundation level)

Entry criteria for registration on this module

Pre-requisitesSpecify in terms of module codes or equivalent

Normally level 4 Introduction to Research Methods (SS414) or equivalent

Co-requisite modulesSpecify in terms of module codes or equivalent

Module delivery

Mode of delivery Taught X Distance Placement OnlineOther

Pattern of delivery Weekly X Block Other

When module is delivered Semester 1 Semester 2 Throughout year XOther

Brief description of module content and/ or aimsOverview (max 80 words)

Students learn about research methods in psychology including advanced experimental design, multivariate analyses, and qualitative research techniques. They gain experience in small-scale research projects and develop skills in literature reviews, research design, data collection, data analysis and report writing. The module meets the British Psychological Society accreditation requirements for coverage and assessment of empirical research methods in psychology.

Module team/ author/ coordinator(s)

Julie Morgan (coordinator)

School SASSSite/ campus where delivered

Falmer

Course(s) for which module is appropriate and status on that course

Course Status (mandatory/ compulsory/ optional)

Applied Psychology and Sociology CompulsoryApplied Psychology and Criminology Compulsory

MODULE AIMS, ASSESSMENT AND SUPPORT

Aims The aims of the module are:

To develop knowledge and understanding of psychological research methods and design

Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2012

To gain experience in the application of quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and data analysis for psychological research

To develop skill in the interpretation of psychological research findings and the structuring of research reports.

To gain experience in the planning of small scale research projects.

Learning outcomes On successful completion of the module the student will be able to:

1. Design and/or utilize an appropriate method for a quantitative research project.

2. Demonstrate skill in analyzing quantitative data and interpreting the findings.

3. Demonstrate skill in writing up a quantitative research report.

4. Critically reflect on methodological limitations of a small-scale quantitative research project.

5. Utilize an appropriate data collection method for a qualitative research project.

6. Demonstrate skill in analyzing qualitative data and interpreting the findings.

7. Demonstrate skill in writing up a qualitative research project.

8. Critically reflect on the application of qualitative methods.

9. Formulate a research question that utilizes quantitative and/or qualitative research methods in psychology.

10. Use a visual format to present a feasible and ethical research design to investigate a research question.

Content Indicative guide of topics to be covered:

Section one Designing quantitative research projects (literature review &

hypothesis formation, advanced experimental design, methodological and ethical issues)

Data collection methods (standardized measures, experimental computer software, designing questionnaires, testing for reliability and validity)

Data analysis methods (ANOVA, multiple regression, factor analysis, categorical data analysis)

Using SPSS to analyse and interpret analyses Writing up quantitative research

Section two Formulating qualitative research projects (research questions and

the literature, ethics, issues of reliability and validity, the reflexive researcher)

Data collection methods (interviews, focus groups, texts and images)

Data analysis methods (IPA, Discourse Analysis, memory work) Writing up qualitative research

Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2012

Learning support Students have additional material to support their learning available via the module handbook and Student Central. Blended learning approaches (e.g. Camtasia) are used for additional support.

Indicative reading:

Brace, N, Kemp, R. & Snelgar, R. (2009) SPSS for psychologists. Basingstoke: Palgrave.

Coolican, H. (2009) Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology, Hodder Education.

Field, A. (2009) Discovering Statistics Using SPSS (3rd Edition), London: Sage.

Howitt, D. & Cramer, D. (2011) Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology. (3rd Ed). Essex: Pearson.

Langdrige, D. & Hagger-Johnson, G (2009) Introduction to Research Methods and Data Analysis in Psychology. (2nd Ed) Harlow, Essex: Pearson.

Willig, C. (2008) Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology. London: Sage.

Willig, C. & Stainton-Rogers, W. (2008) The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research in Psychology. London: Sage.

SPSS is used for quantitative data analysis. Superlab and OpenSesame will also be available for student use.

Teaching and learning activities

Details of teaching and learning activities

200 hours study time delivered through a minimum of 52 hours lecture/large group workshop/directed timetabled workshop activities and 148 hours of directed individual study.

Additional tutorial support will be available through a drop-in programme and assessment support from the module team.

Allocation of study hours (indicative)Where 10 credits = 100 learning hours

Study hours

SCHEDULED This is an indication of the number of hours students can expect to spend in scheduled teaching activities including lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, practical classes and workshops, supervised time in workshops/ studios, fieldwork, external visits, and work-based learning.

52

GUIDED INDEPENDENT STUDY

All students are expected to undertake guided independent study which includes wider reading/ practice, follow-up work, the completion of assessment tasks, and revisions.

148

PLACEMENT The placement is a specific type of learning away from the University that is not work-based learning or a year abroad.

0

TOTAL STUDY HOURS 200

Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2012

Assessment tasks

Details of assessment for this module 2000 word quantitative research report; (LO 1, 2, 3, 4) (40%)

2000 word qualitative research report (LO 5, 6, 7, 8) (40%) Group poster presentation of qualitative and/or quantitative

research design (LO 9, 10) (20%)

Types of assessment task1

Indicative list of summative assessment tasks which lead to the award of credit or which are required for progression.

% weighting(or indicate if component is pass/fail)

WRITTEN Written exam 0%

COURSEWORK Written assignment/ essay, report, dissertation, portfolio, project output, set exercise

80%

PRACTICAL Oral assessment and presentation, practical skills assessment, set exercise 20%

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

Area examination board SASS Undergraduate

Refer to Faculty Office for guidance in completing the following sections

External examiners

Name Position and institution Date appointed Date tenure ends

Dr Ian Tucker Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology, University of East London

Sep 2012 30/09/2016

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Date of first approvalOnly complete where this is not the first version

2011

Date of last revisionOnly complete where this is not the first version

04/2013

Date of approval for this version

19/06/13

Version number 3

Modules replacedSpecify codes of modules for which this is a replacement

Available as free-standing module? Yes No X

1 Set exercises, which assess the application of knowledge or analytical, problem-solving or evaluative skills, are included under the type of assessment most appropriate to the particular task.

Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2012