PYM0RT-Research Methods and Transferable skills in Psychology
Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2017/8
Module Convenor: Dr Graham Schafer
Email: g.w.schafer@reading.ac.uk
Summary module description:
The module will expose students to some of the diversity of psychological enquiry. The module is broadly based within the research activity of the department. Teaching sessions cover generic research and transferable skills.
Aims:
To introduce students to some of the key activities for research in Psychology. To improve students’ ability to synthesise complex novel information. To develop students' ability to write in scientific style, and to present complex information in a variety of formats. To instruct students about use of bibliographic resources. To develop students' essay-writing abilities. To instruct students about APA style.
Assessable learning outcomes:
Course members should be able to:
- Demonstrate an awareness of a range of approaches and methods in research at the graduate level, by attendance at departmental research seminars;
- Critically summarise and evaluate these approaches and methods in relation to particular research hypotheses/questions;
- Show a practical knowledge of how to search and exploit databases of relevant literature, and be able to demonstrate a skilful, logical, and graduate-level approach to data searching.
Additional outcomes:
Course members should also be able to:
- Use web-based materials as a resource for learning and research.
- Use the library resources of the University effectively.
Outline content:
Outline content
Specific teaching sessions will be held in the School, or at the Main Library, on the following topics. Amount of contact time will depend on assessment weighting and nature of the topic. More than one topic may be covered in a single session.
-Writing abstracts of research seminars
-APA format, style, guidelines
-Literature searching and effective use of library resources
- Presentations and scientific posters
-Scientific writing in psychology
- Feedback from students about their experiences of the course and any concerns they would like to discuss
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Five interactive sessions of up to 3 hours each, in which a number of topics are covered. The likely running order is:
Session 1:
Seminar abstracts; APA style, referencing, resources; the Methods Literature Review
Session 2:
Literature searching and databases
Session 3:
Presentations and posters
Session 4:
Scientific writing for psychology
Session 5:
Discussion
Contact hours:
The whole module is intended to engage the students in around 200 hours of effort.
Summative Assessment Methods:
| Method |
Percentage |
| Written assignment including essay |
40 |
| Set exercise |
60 |
Other information on summative assessment:
One Description of a Literature Search, using approved databases and showing knowledge of the mechanics of literature searches (8 credits).
Three Summaries of research seminars given in the School (3 x 3 credits each).
Understanding of participation in research (3 credits)
Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx
Requirements for a pass:
50% weighted average
Reassessment arrangements:
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:
Last updated: 25 September 2017