Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of this module is to ensure that students have an advanced understanding of quantitative research methods and analytic techniques as appropriate for applied psychological research. The overarching objective of the module is to equip students with the necessary skills to enable them to plan and conduct independent research. This will also support students in their future professional practice, and prepare them to plan and carry out a study of sufficient standard for their final MSc psychology project. More specifically, the module aims to enable students to:

• Identify, evaluate and critically appraise research evidence;
• Advance their skills in applying quantitative psychological research methods and conducting quantitative data analysis and interpretation;
• Gain an in-depth understanding of research as a process, of its value and importance in the development of evidence-based practice and the importance of methodological rigour.

Outline Of Syllabus

•       Topics covered may include:
•       Developing research questions
•       Research design: quantitative methods
•       SPSS skills
•       Experimental designs
•       Correlational designs
•       Ethical and Open Science practices

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On successful completion of the module a student will be able to:
1.Identify the essentials of good research design and advanced quantitative methodologies.
2.Choose and apply appropriate techniques for the analysis and interpretation of psychological data
3.Identify key statistical concepts and procedures, including multivariate statistics.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On successful completion of the module a student will be able to:
1. Identify, evaluate and critically appraise research evidence.
2.       Apply an appropriate statistical package effectively and appropriately.
3.       Identify, carry out, interpret and disseminate results from appropriate data analysis.
4.       Critically evaluate psychological research articles and methods.
5.       Write up psychological research according to psychological conventions.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

PIP structured learning activities will be used to facilitate a workshop approach to module delivery to clarify and enhance understanding of module content. The interactive nature of the PIP sessions will prepare students for future independent research and will foster critical thinking. To attain the intended knowledge outcomes and skills in full, it will be essential that students engage in private study. This private study is informed by worksheets appropriate to methods introduced during workshops, as well as directed and independent reading. Formative practice is embedded across this module. Students have the opportunity to discuss topics covered on the module and preparation for the assessment. Support is also provided to improve their knowledge and understanding and practical application of statistics.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

ECA: Students will be required to submit a practical report (1500 words) based around the statistical analysis of a dataset. Students will be provided with the outline of a study, provided with an SPSS dataset and asked to test prespecified predictions described in the study description. This assignment provides students with opportunities to demonstrate their abilities to identify and conduct statistical tests using SPSS and to present the findings according to established psychological conventions (i.e., in APA style). The assignment also provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate research findings.

General Notes

N/A