University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: USPJCU-20-1 Title: PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH PROCESS Version: 2
Level: 1 UWE credit rating: 20 ECTS credit rating: 10
Module type: STANDARD
Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field: Psychology
Valid from: September 2005 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites: NONE
Co-requisites: NONE
Excluded combinations:
Research Design and Methods 1 (USPJCL-20-1)
Introduction to Experimental Psychology (USPJCP-20-1)
Learning outcomes:
At the end of this module, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate an understanding of issues in research in psychology.
• Identify methodological approaches in psychological research.
• Identify methods and design used in well known psychological research.
Syllabus Content:
The nature of science.
Psychology as science.
The nature of research in psychology.
Methodological approaches in psychology.
Methods used in psychological research.
Experimentation and its use in psychology.
What is an experiment?
Reducing and analysing data from psychological experiments.
Criticism and weaknesses of experimental approaches, alternative approaches.
Surveys in Psychology.
Development, administration and analysis of questionnaires.
Simple correlational studies.
Qualitative approaches to psychological research.
Interviews, focus groups, narrative analysis.
How is science presented to the public?
Communication of research.
Literature reviews and references.
Ethics in research.
Teaching and learning methods:
Weekly lectures will be used to present information and these will be supported by seminars, where published psychological research will be read and critically evaluated.
Reading Strategy
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
Babbie E (1990) Survey Research Methods Second Edition. Belmont, California, Wadsworth.
Banyard, P. & Grayson, A. (2000) Introducing Psychological Research (2nd Ed)
Brenner M (Ed) (1985) The Research Interview: Uses & Approaches. London Academic Press.
Bulmer M (1982) Social Research Ethics London, Macmillan.
Glassman, W. E. (1997) Approaches to Psychology (2nd Ed). Open University Press
Gross, R. (1995). Themes, Issues and Debates in Psychology. Hodder and Stoughton.
Herbert M (1990) Planning a Research Project London, Cassell Educational Ltd.
Kane E (1990) Doing Your Own Research London, Marion Boyars.
Robson, C. (1993) Real World Research: A Resource for Social Scientists and Practitioner-Researchers. Blackwell Books
Sapsford, R (1999) Survey Research. Sage Publications.
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50 %
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A Element weighting
EX2 |
Examination – (2 hours) |
1 |
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Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
ES1 |
Essay (2000 Words) |
1 |
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Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes) NO
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
EX2 |
Examination – (2 hours) |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
ES1 |
Essay (2000 Words) |
1 |
|
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SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes. YES
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)