This module builds on the introduction to research methods and inferential statistics offered in PS4001 Research Methods 1. It will cover more advanced research designs — involving multiple independent variables — and more advanced inferential statistics such as analysis of variance, regression analysis and factor analysis. It will also introduce students to qualitative research methods and data analysis. Students will learn to develop and implement multifactorial experimental designs through practical research exercises and a project. Students' scientific writing skills will be further developed on the basis of a series of lab reports.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
This module will be delivered through 22 two-hour weekly keynote lectures followed by 22 two-hour workshops (laboratory) during which data analysis and research design skills are developed and exercised. The first semester will concentrate on the teaching of computer and research skills, and the teaching of more advanced inferential statistical analyses. The second semester will introduce students to qualitative research methods and data analysis. During the second semester, the focus will be on the students' ability to apply their knowledge in the development of a research project.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures | 44 |
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Workshops | 44 |
| Guided independent study | Independent study | 212 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Students' knowledge of inferential statistics and research methods will be assessed on the basis of four 1/2-hour in-class tests (40%) and two 1,500-word lab reports (60%). The exercises completed in the workshops will help students prepare for the tests throughout the year. Students' critical reflection and experimental design skills as well as their science writing abilities will be assessed on the basis of the lab reports. There will be formative lab reports discussed during the workshops. The comments on these lab reports, as well as the workshop experience will feedforward, helping students write the first longer lab report. As part of the second summative lab report students will have to demonstrate how they have used the feedback from the first summative report to improve their second.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Conduct advanced inferential statistics and qualitative data analyses using data management and analysis software packages | Formatively through workshop exercises and summatively through in-class tests and lab report |
| Use multifactorial experimental designs | Summatively through lab report |
| Reflect critically on research methodology employed in psychological science | Formatively through workshop exercises and summatively through in-class tests and lab report |
| Develop science writing skills | Formatively through workshop exercises and summatively through lab report |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| PRC | In-Class Test | 40 |
| CWK | Lab Report One | 30 |
| CWK | Lab Report Two | 30 |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module
Recommended Textbooks
Dancey, C. P., & Reidy, J. G. (2011). Statistics without maths for psychology (5th edition). Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education Limited.
Howitt, D., & Cramer, D. (2008). Introduction to statistics in psychology (4thedition). Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education Limited.
SPSS
Pallant, J. (2010). SPSS survival manual (4th edition). Maidenhead, Berkshire: Open University Press, McGraw-Hill Education.
Research Methods
Howitt, D., & Cramer, D. (2008). Introduction to research methods in psychology (2nd edition). Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education Limited.
Howell, D.C. (2007). Fundamental statistics for the behavioural sciences (6th edition). London, Thomson-Brooks.
Qualitative Methods
Silverman, D. (2005). Doing qualitative research: A practical handbook. London: Sage Publications.
Smith, J.A. (Ed). (2008). Qualitative psychology: A practical guide to research methods. London: Sage Publications.