Overview

Introduction to module & refresher of basic concepts Questionnaire design –part 1 Questionnaire design –part 2 Correlation and Partial Correlation Regression I Regression II Qualitative I: What is it? Qualitative II: How to collect it? Qualitative III: How to analyse it? Exam revision and guidance on writing your Research Report

This module covers both quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis techniques.

Topics covered include: Introduction to module & refresher of basic concepts Questionnaire design –part 1 Questionnaire design –part 2 Correlation and Partial Correlation Regression I Regression II Qualitative I: What is it? Qualitative II: How to collect it? Qualitative III: How to analyse it? Exam revision and guidance on writing your Research Report

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -(D) •Adequate answer to the question, largely based on lecture material and basic readings •No substantial development of arguments •Well organised and structured

-good -(B) •Reasonably comprehensive coverage •Good understanding of the material with appropriate insights into theoretical issues •Well organised and structured •Clearly written

-excellent -(A) •Comprehensive and accurate coverage of the area •Depth of insight into theoretical issues •Reasonably strong, well-written arguments •Clarity of argument and expression

Learning Outcomes

• Apply their knowledge of research methods and statistics by analyzing data sets both by hand and on computer (including choosing appropriate analyses based on study hypotheses), producing graphical representations of data and interpreting results with respect to the hypotheses.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the basis of psychological testing, its applications, and related constructs including reliability, validity and discrimination power.

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific research in both written and oral formats

• Demonstrate the ability to productively work as part of a team by contributing, in the role of research participant, to the research conducted within the School of Psychology.

• Develop confidence in oral presentation of psychological material

• Participate in ongoing psychological research through the SONA program as well as experiment-related homework assignments.

• Practice collecting, transcribing and analysing qualitative data and generating a qualitative research report.

• Relate theoretical understandings of research methodology and design to live experience in participation in live research within the School.

• Take a “data-driven” approach to interpreting statistical analyses and research methods by inferring research questions, choosing/conducting analyses and designing graphical representations of data and interpreting findings based on collected data.

• Understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative methods of collecting and analysing data.

• Use their knowledge of methodological concepts to evaluate and understand issues related to research design, the logic of hypothesis testing, data collection and interpretation.

• Use their knowledge of psychological testing concepts to construct and evaluate a psychometric questionnaire. Analyze individual items with respect to their reliability and discrimination power.