Run by School of Human and Behavioural Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr Vivek Thuppil

The purpose of this module is to: Review and ensure the basic understanding of research methods and statistics suitable for the study of psychology at Masters level. The module will be based on weekly lectures supported by weekly seminars to allow the students to progress through the material. By the end of the module, students should be able to understand what research methods and statistical tools are available for use, and be able to select the appropriate tool to support the Master's level empirical project they will be conducting

It is expected that the students will enter the programme with a diverse range of skills. This module is to ensure that students on this programme are equipped with the basic research methods skills necessary to study psychology. The programme is not designed to prepare students for a future doctoral programme (Clinical and/or Research), but rather allow the study of psychology without the usual emphasis on research, research methods, and statistics. However, there is a level of competency in research methods and statistics required for an understanding of the area, as well as being able to carry out the Master's level empirical project. The course is designed for students to establish competency at a fundamental level for the following topics: research methods basics, basic and advanced experimental designs, parametric tests including correlation, regression, t-tests, ANOVA & Regression.

good

• Reasonably comprehensive coverage. • Well organised and structured. • Good understanding of the material. • Clearly written

excellent

• Comprehensive and accurate coverage of the area clarity of argument and expression. • Depth of insight into theoretical issues. • Clarity of argument and expression.

threshold

• Adequate answer to the question, largely based on lecture material. • No real development of arguments.

1. At the end of this module, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of research methods basics such as descriptive and inferential statistics

2. At the end of this module students should be able to use SPSS independently to run parametric and non-parametric statistical analyses

3. At the end of this module students should be able to distinguish between the various parametric and non-parametric statistical tests and its uses in various research designs

4. At the end of this module students should be able to competently report scientific results and discuss their implications of the statistics

5. At the end of this module students should be able appraise the different types of research designs used in psychological research

Type	Name	Description	Weight
COURSEWORK	Weekly Homework		50.00
COURSEWORK	Research report		30.00
CLASS TEST	Practical Tests		20.00

		Hours
Lecture		22
Private study		156
Seminar		22

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
• Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
• Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
• Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
• Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

• Understand the scientific underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.
• Communicate psychological concepts effectively in written form.
• Be computer literate for the purpose of processing and disseminating psychological data and information.
• Retrieve and organise information effectively.
• Use effectively personal planning and project management skills.
• Work effectively under pressure (time pressure, limited resources, etc) as independent and pragmatic learners.
• Problem-solve by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions, making critical judgements, and evaluating outcomes.
• Reason scientifically and demonstrate the relationship between theory and evidence.
• Comprehend and use psychological data effectively, demonstrating a systematic knowledge of the application and limitations of various research paradigms and techniques.
• Use a range of statistical methods with confidence.
• Employ evidence-based reasoning and examine practical, theoretical and ethical issues associated with the use of different methodologies, paradigms and methods of analysis in psychology.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/prp-4015.html

Reading list

Text Book Discovering Statistics Using SPSS (Sage, 4th Edition) Andy Field (Preferred Edition);

Compulsory in courses:

• C8DU: MSc Psychology year 1 (MSC/PSY)
• C8EX: MSc Psychology (with Incorporated Pre-Masters) year 1 (MSC/PSY1)

Optional in courses:

• C8BY: MA Psychology year 1 (MA/PSYCH)
• C8BZ: MRes Psychology year 1 (MRES/PSYCH)
• C8EF: MSc Clinical and Health Psychology year 1 (MSC/CHPSY)
• C8ER: MSc Clin & Health Psychology (with Incorporated Pre-Masters) year 1 (MSC/CHPSY1)
• C8AL: MSc Psychological Research year 1 (MSC/PSYRES)
• C808: MSci Psychology with Clinical & Health Psychology year 4 (MSCI/PHS)
• C807: MSci Psychology year 4 (MSCI/PS)