PYMCRMP-Research Methods and Data Analysis (Conversion)

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Eugene McSorley
Email: e.mcsorley@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides students with knowledge of, and competency in, psychological research methods and statistics.

Aims:

The aims of the module are that students should develop their knowledge of psychological research methods, statistics, and computer packages for data analysis. They will gain practical experience of a variety of methods, and analysis techniques.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Show the required standard of knowledge about the statistical concepts and techniques that have been taught, and know which techniques are appropriate for particular data


• Use computer packages to implement the statistical methods


• Show knowledge of questionnaire design and the principles underlying the use of questionnaires


• Understand qualitative data analysisand study design.

Additional outcomes:

Students will gain practical experience of using several psychological research methods. They will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge of research methodology, data analysis and literature searching in projects, essays, and exam questions produced for other modules on the course.

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

Outline content:

• Introduction to mathematical and statistical concepts in Psychology.


• Topics in statistics, including the normal distribution, parametric and nonparametric tests (correlation, paired tests, chi-square), analysis of variance, regression and principal components analysis, and their applications in psychological research.


• Introduction to questionnaire design,


• Introduction to qualitative data analysis, study design, and interview techniques.


• How to choose of statistical methods.


• Use of a statistical package to analyse and present data.


• Overview of project planning including ethical issues.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

1. Lectures on research methods and statistics, including introductory statistical teaching for beginners; then lectures on general techniques in psychological research, based on the General Linear Model and on non—parametric statistics; designing and administering questionnaires; psychometrics; qualitative methods such as thematic analysis; Principal Components Analysis.


2. Statistics support workshops, where small groups of students can receive help with any sta tistics topics that they have found difficult in lectures or practical classes, and with the analyses they need to employ in the projects they complete for other modules.


3. Seminars that provide the opportunity to deepen understanding and apply learning


4. Participation in research studies, selected from those available, followed by debriefing, and answering questions on each. Students who have an approved reason for non-participation will be given an alternative assig nment of equivalent value.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20	9	1
Seminars		9
Demonstration	10	8
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	2	2	6
Wider reading (directed)	18	18	2
Peer assisted learning	18	18	3
Advance preparation for classes	1	1
Completion of formative assessment tasks	10	10
Revision and preparation	10	10	14
Total hours by term	89	85	26
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	45
Set exercise	10
Class test administered by School	45

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 90 minute open-Book Exam (45%) 

Students’ understanding of research methods and data analysis is assessed by an end of year summer exam. 

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• Weekly online tests (practical skills assessment) 2 blocks in the Autumn term; 2 blocks in the Spring term) contributing 45% of the overall module mark).


• Set exercise (10% of the module mark) – completion of the required hours of research participation in research studies in the School of Psychology & Clinical Language Sciences across Autumn, Spring and Summer terms.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy “Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes”, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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:

50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment in the Autumn examination period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: Field, A (2013). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics. Sage Publications. ISBN: 9781446249185 - £43.99

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 30 March 2023