Module Code: H7ARMTH
Long Title Applied Research Methods
Title Applied Research Methods
Module Level: LEVEL 7
EQF Level: 6
EHEA Level: First Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: Caoimhe Hannigan
Module Author: Caoimhe Hannigan
Departments: School of Business
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff

Lecturer with PhD in Psychology or related cognate discipline
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Design a research study, taking into account practical, ethical and methodological considerations.
LO2 Critically analyse published research work with respect the methodology and analysis.
LO3 Evaluate and demonstrate understanding of when different research methods are suitable for specific research questions.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this module. The programme entry requirements apply.
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Introduction to the Course
Psychology as a Research Discipline The importance and necessity of research practice in modern psychology.
Developing Research Ideas
How to formulate research studies in psychology. Conducting literature reviews. Using the literature review to inform development of the research study.
Research Questions, Aims and Hypotheses in Psychological Research
How to define a research question for a psychological study. Evaluate different research designs and explain distinctions between aims and hypotheses.
Sampling and Generalisability
Principles of inferential testing; sampling and generalisation to the population. Sampling strategies (e.g., probability versus non-probability sampling; Probability sampling strategies: simple random, systematic, cluster, and stratified samples; non-probability sampling strategies: convenience, snowball and purposive samples). Sample size and statistical power; using power calculations to determine an appropriate sample size.
Ethics
Ethical conduct for researchers in psychology. Guiding principles and ethical codes of conduct for research in Psychology (e.g. the Belmont Report; Psychological Society of Ireland Code of Professional Ethics; Institutional Ethical Guidelines).
Qualitative Research Design and Data Collection
Assess various approaches to qualitative research design and data collection.
Qualitative Data Analysis
How to conduct different forms of qualitative data analysis – e.g., thematic analysis, IPA, narrative analysis, grounded theory development.
Quantitative Research Design
Evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of different quantitative research designs: cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental designs.
Writing Research Reports
How to write research reports in APA style
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Continuous Assessment % of total: 100
Assessment Date: Sem 2 End Outcome addressed: 1,2,3
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Research Proposal: Students will be required to develop a research proposal that is suitable for a hypothetical final year undergraduate research project. They will complete a project proposal form including an ethical review application.
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
Reassessment Description
If a student fails the module, they are required to repeat the research proposal assessment.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Classroom and demonstrations 24 Per Semester 2.00
Independent Learning Independent learning 101 Per Semester 8.42
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Breakwell, G. M., Wright, D. B. & Barnett, J. (2021), Research Methods in Psychology, 5th edition. Sage, London.
  • Haslam, S. & McGarty, C. (2018), Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology, 3rd edition. Sage, London.
  • Sullivan, C. & Forrester, M.A. (2018), Doing Qualitative Research in Psychology: A Practical Guide, Sage, London.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Braun, V & Clarke, V. (2021), Thematic Analysis: A Practical Guide, Sage, London.
  • Evans, J. (2007), Your Psychology Project: The Essential Guide, Sage, London.
  • American Psychological Association. (2020), Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th Edition. American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: