Module Code - Title:
PS4043
-
EMPIRICAL PSYCHOLOGY 1
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
PS4042
PS4041
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To introduce students to a range of laboratory based activities in psychology and to develop students ability to design, collect, code and analyse empirical data using research methodologies.
Syllabus:
Classical approaches to psychology emphasise the importance of the experimental paradigm to understanding behaviour and mental processes. This lab based module introduces students to the traditional experimental approach and familiarises them with concepts such as randomisation, experimenter bias, confounding variables via a series of practicals. Issues such as correlation and causation are discussed and the necessity of quasi experimental approaches highlighted. Students learn to design, conduct, code and analyse experimental data whilst paying due consideration to the welfare of participants and attending to the appropriate ethical guidelines.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to...
... demonstrate knowledge of basic differential, experimental and survey-based research designs in Psychology
... demonstrate knowledge of how to design studies, collect, analyse and present data for a range of research areas in Psychology
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to...
... demonstrate an understanding of the importance of ethical considerations at all points of the research process
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to...
... use a statistical software package for the social sciences
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module is taught via a combination of laboratories and independent work. Students will design studies in collaboration with their classmates. They will also collect, analyse, interpret and present data while considering ethical implications throughout. The assessment approaches will examine the students' abilities in these tasks. These practices will aid in their development of the Graduate Attributes of Curious, Articulate and Responsible
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Field, A. (2017)
Discovering Statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics
, UK: Sage Publications Ltd.
Howitt, D. and Cramer, D. (2020)
Research Methods in Psychology
, UK: Pearson
Other Relevant Texts:
Bourne, V., James, A.I. and Wilson-Smith, K. (2021)
Understanding Quantitative and Qualitative Research in Psychology: A Practical Guide to Methods, Statistics and Analysis.
, UK: Oxford University Press.
Pallant, J. (2020)
SPSS Survival Manual: A Step by Step Guide to Data Analysis using IBM SPSS. 7th Edition.
, UK: Open University Press.
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BAULARUFA - ARTS
BAPSSOUFA - PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY
BSPSYCUFA - PSYCHOLOGY
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
sandra.obrien@ul.ie