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.
