Module Code - Title:

PS4033 - RESEARCH METHODS

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

0

Lab

3

Tutorial

0

Other

2

Private

5

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

PS4042

PS4021

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

5.1 For students to receive an overview of research within the field of psychology. 5.2 For students to develop knowledge of the academic discipline of psychology through indepth interrogation of the concepts and principles of the variety of paradigms and epistemologies across psychological research. 5.3 Students will develop their laboratory report writing skills 5.4 By the end of the module students should be able to describe and explain the following aspects of research in psychology: 5.4.1 The epistemological principles underlying the diversity of collection methods 5.4.2 Advanced bivariate inferential statistics 5.4.3 Key aspects of psychological ethics including informed consent, deception, anonymity and confidentiality. 5.4.4 Psychometric properties of standardised tests

Syllabus:

Consolidation and development of students' previous research training in psychological research methods. A review of research methods in psychology; introduction to advanced statistics, research concepts and terminology. A review of the scientific method as used in psychology research. Learning how to access research findings in the literature. Advanced ethics and ethical practice in research. Qualitative and quantitative paradigms and methods. Advanced issues in questionnaire design. Psychometric properties of tests. Advanced issues in sampling of selected populations. Drafting and presenting the psychological report.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

Knowledge of the academic discipline of psychology through indepth interrogation of the concepts and principles of the variety of paradigms and epistemologies across psychological research. Familiarity with the laboratory report and the requirements of scientific report writing.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

An appreciation of the role of ethical research in psychology and the development of knowledge more generally.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

Data coding and analysis in SPSS Ability to undertake advanced bivariate inferential statistics, assess psychometric properties of tests. Ability to formulate and conduct a research project.

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

lectures, lab and fieldwork

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

yes

Prime Texts:

Greer, B & Mulhern, G (2002) Making sense of data and statistics in psychology , Palgrave, Basingstoke

Nation, J (1997) Research methods , Prentice Hall, New Jersey

Other Relevant Texts:

Dyer, C (2005) Beginning research in psychology , Blackwell, Oxford

Forshaw, M (2004) Your undergraduate psychology project , Blackwell, Oxford

Foster, J (1995) Carrying out investigations in psychology , Blackwell, Oxford

Schinker, J Velicer, W (2005) Research methods in psychology, Vol II in Handbook of Psychology , Wiley Interscience

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Module Leader:

chloe.boyle@ul.ie