PS50188: Advanced research methods for applied psychology
[Page last updated: 28 January 2022]
| Academic Year: | 2021/2 |
| Owning Department/School: | Department of Psychology |
| Credits: | 18 [equivalent to 36 CATS credits] |
| Notional Study Hours: | 360 |
| Level: | Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7) |
| Period: |
|
| Assessment Summary: | CW 100% |
| Assessment Detail: |
|
| Supplementary Assessment: |
|
| Requisites: | |
| Learning Outcomes: | By the end of the unit, the students should be able:
* Understand epistemological foundations of applied research * Be able to consider the links between research strategy, design and methods * Be familiar with the different methods of collecting/eliciting data and their implications for analysis and interpretation * Understand the distinctions between quantitative and qualitative data and to be familiar with a range of data collection and processing techniques. * To have understood the different means of measuring psychological constructs * Be able to design their own research using an appropriate design and selecting suitable analysis procedures. * Demonstrate their ability to undertake qualitative research data collection and analysis. * Appreciate the different type of data produced by qualitative research approaches. * Be able to assess different analytical approaches to qualitative data analysis. * To appreciate the practical and theoretical issues involved in undertaking qualitative research. * Have refreshed their knowledge of statistics; * Learn how to use software packages to analyse data and to handle data sets; * Be able to interpret the answers to statistical analyses and report them within an applied context. * Learn and understand how and why selected advanced statistical analyses are computed. * Practice conducting, interpreting and reporting analyses. |
| Aims: | The aim of this unit is
* To give students an appreciation of the uses of qualitative and quantitative methods and how their application in applied psychology research and evaluation. * To develop knowledge and skills in designing research studies. * To provide students with an appreciation of the conduct and analysis of different qualitative approaches in applied psychology research. * To undertake and present qualitative data analysis. * To equip students with the skills to use and interpret statistics using software packages * To appreciate the applications of statistical analysis in an applied context. * To equip students with the skills to use and interpret advanced statistics * To provide an appreciation of the applications of advanced statistical analysis in applied psychology. * To develop knowledge and understanding of evidence based practice in relation to applied psychological research. |
| Skills: | Intellectual Skills
* To think creatively and analytically * To work independently * To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding * To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information * To utilise problem solving skills * To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources * To be able to communicate a sound rationale and justification for research * To communicate research findings Professional and Personal Skills * To effectively and efficiently apply principles of quantitative and qualitative methods within applied psychology research * To develop interpersonal communication skills in relation to research dissemination * Study and learning skills. * Independent working skills * Advanced numeracy skills. * Advanced information technology and computing technology * To be sensitive to the ethical issues in carrying out research and the legal and statutory responsibilities of the researcher. * Time management and administration skills * Effective use of research supervision Transferable Skills * To be aware of ethical issues in carrying out research. * Inter-personal and communication skills. * Research preparation and writing skills. * Time management and administration skills. * Presentation skills and verbal communication. * Advanced information technology and computing technology * To solve problems in a variety of situations. * To prioritise workloads * Independent and group working skills * Advanced oral communication skills * Advanced numeracy skills. |
| Content: | This unit will focus on the methodological issues relating to the development of an applied psychology research study or evaluation and will include issues such as:
* Epistemology underpinning research design and methods; methodological issues in quantitative and qualitative approaches * Justification and types of research design; the place of literature in developing the research; * Development of research questions; matching research questions to appropriate methodologies and methods * Integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches * Ethical considerations and good practice in applied psychology research; * Development of a research proposal and protocol. * Provide students with the knowledge and skills to be able to undertake qualitative data collection and analysis. * Discussion of data collection approaches including interviews, focus groups, online data, and non-verbal data. * There will also be consideration of the practical and methodological issues relating to qualitative approaches including different types of analysis procedures and approaches. * Refresher sessions in parametric and non-parametric statistics using software packages to support the analysis of different types of data. * Introduction to power and sample size and advanced statistical analysis * Evidence synthesis (eg systematic review). |
| Programme availability: |
PS50188 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:Department of Psychology
PS50188 is Compulsory on the following programmes:Department of Psychology
|
Notes:
|