PY0FIR-Foundation Introduction to Psychological Research

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:F
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: PY0FTP Foundation Topics in Psychology and IF0RAS Foundation in Academic Skills
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Richard Carciofo
Email: r.g.carciofo@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces students to various aspect of psychological research, and provides them with the basic numerical skills and understanding of psychological research methods to support their learning during a subsequent psychology degree.

Aims:

To gain the basic numerical skills and understanding of research methods required for successful transition to a psychology degree. This module also aims to provide students with an understanding of how psychological research is conducted, and to begin developing skills in experimental design, data collection and data analysis. Students will also have the opportunity to practice using relevant software, such as Excel.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an appropriate level of competence in numerical skills for entry to a psychology undergraduate degree


• Demonstrate the ability to navigate relevant, such as excel 


• Show an understanding of how psychological research is conducted and how data is collected and summarised

Additional outcomes:

Students will participate in research studies being conducted in the School, and thereby enhance their knowledge of experimental methodology and enable them to apply their knowledge of experimental design and procedure to real examples. 

Outline content:

Through lectures, workshops, laboratory classes, and independent study, students will be taught basic mathematics, and will gain an understanding of how psychological research is designed, conducted and how the resulting data is presented and analysed.  Students will also receive guidance on how to navigate software typically used in a Psychology degree. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is taught via lectures, workshops and the virtual learning environment, and supported by recommended reading from a core textbook.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20	8
Supervised time in studio/workshop		10	4
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		10
Wider reading (directed)		10
Exam revision/preparation		20	53
Other		5
Preparation for presentations		50
Completion of formative assessment tasks		10
Total hours by term	0	135	65
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Project output other than dissertation	45
Set exercise	5

Summative assessment- Examinations:

This module is assessed by an exam in Summer term (50% of the mark for the module).

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The coursework includes a research project (45%) and completion of the required hours of research participation (5%).

Formative assessment methods:

Formative assessment will be used throughout the module and supported via workshops.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Coursework covering topics covered within the module. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: 


2. Specialist equipment or materials:


3. Printing and binding:


4. Computers and devices with a particular specification:


5. Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

 

Last updated: 30 March 2023