Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	LC Research Methods (Study Block A)
School	School of Psychology
Department	School of Psychology
Module Code	03 40319
Module Lead	Dr Christian Perrin
Level	Certificate Level
Credits	0
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites	LC Research Methods (Assessment Block 1) - (03 40317) LC Research Methods (Assessment Block 2) - (03 40318)
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	Research Methods Study Block A introduces students to the research processes and methods that psychologists and neuroscientists use to study mind and behaviour. Through a combination of lectures, practical workshops, computer labs, and experiential learning students will gain basic knowledge and understanding of how to undertake all elements of research including collecting, analysing, and presenting data and evaluating research findings and theory. LECTURES: Why do we need to do research; approaches to research in psychology; basic concepts in research methodology; ethics in psychological research; descriptive statistics; distributions, correlations; z-scores; testing statistical significance; General study skills, Plagiarism, Critical thinking, Library and literature search, Scientific writing, Using feedback COMPUTER PRACTICAL: Email and communication in the School; Accessing the internet and Canvas; Using the library catalogue; conducting a literature search (Web of Science); Presenting references; Word-processing, Powerpoint; Presenting graphs and tables; On-line support for statistic; Using software to carry out statistical analyses. WORKSHOPS: Good and bad examples of research; Using the library; How to read a research paper; How to write for a scientific audience; Plagiarism and its avoidance. RESEARCH PARTICIPATION: Approximately 4.5 hours participation in research via Research Participation Scheme
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Describe the different approaches that are taken by research psychologists. Describe the scientific method of knowledge acquisition and its advantage over common sense. Apply simple statistical concepts and methods and use software to carry out simple analyses. Describe the need for principled ethical research in psychology. Conduct (with guidance) psychological studies involving simple qualitative analyses. Summarise the processes involved in a qualitative research study. Critically read and interpret a research paper. Demonstrate the ability to think logically and critically about their own and other people's work. Demonstrate the ability to use physical and electronic facilities for communication, knowledge acquisition, and presentation of work. Demonstrate the ability to use reflective self-assessment to revise their own writing Write reports that are clear, well-organised and persuasive Understand the concept of plagiarism in a scientific context.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment:n/a Reassessment: n/a
Other
Reading List