Module Code - Title:
PS6022
-
ADVANCED EMPIRICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The purpose of this research methods module is to familiarise students with a range of laboratory-based activities and fieldwork and to learn about advanced experimental, quasi-experimental and longitudinal methodologies. This module is designed to give students and in-depth understanding of the rationale of the procedures, to develop students critical reflection on these procedures and to develop students independent research skills.
Syllabus:
This module primarily covers experimental research methods, quasi-experimental research designs and longitudinal research designs with a focus on both the technicalities involved in using these methods and the rationale that underlie these procedures. In laboratory and fieldwork settings, students will learn how to use these methods and will demonstrate independent research skills in two research projects relating to these procedures. The tutorials are designed to facilitate critically reflection on the purpose and rationale of research methods and to discuss alternative research procedures.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Understand the rationale of experimental research, quasi-experimental research and longitudinal research designs.
Assess the quality of the psychological research methods and applications.
detect the pros and cons of particular designs for particular research questions.
Defend the use of particular research procedures.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Display confidence in using research designs.
Embrace the research designs that psychological research offers
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Demonstrate to independently design basic psychological studies and psychometric tests.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught in lab sessions and tutorials. The teaching style will be interactive. In addition, students will have to demonstrate independent research and submit coursework that summarises their research activities and that discusses the pros and cons of the research procedures that they applied.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Giles, D.C. (2002)
Advanced Research Methods in Psychology
, London, UK: Routledge
Maxwell, S.E. and Delaney H.D. (2004)
Designing Experiments and Analyzing Data, A Model Comparison Perspective (2e)
, Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum
Pallant, J. (2007)
The SPSS Survival Guide (3e)
, New York: McGraw Hill Education
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
kevin.omalley@ul.ie