Module Code: H6IRM
Long Title Core Research Skills for Psychologists
Title Core Research Skills for Psychologists
Module Level: LEVEL 6
EQF Level: 5
EHEA Level: Short Cycle
Credits: 10
Module Coordinator: David Mothersill
Module Author: Fearghal O'Brien
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 Explain the role of psychological research methods in the research process
LO2 Search for appropriate primary sources to address theoretical and practical questions
LO3 Compare and contrast various research methodologies
LO4 Discuss ethical issues arising from empirical research
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  
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Research in Psychology
• Introduction to course • Methods of acquiring knowledge • The scientific method • Influences on research
Ethics
• Definition and importance of ethics • Case studies of ethics in psychology • Ethical considerations when using human participants and animals in research • Ethical codes of conduct
Conducting a Literature Search
• The research process • Research questions and hypotheses • Sources of literature • Reading and understanding a research article • Writing a literature review • APA referencing style
Sampling
• Populations and samples • Representative samples • Probability sampling methods: types and evaluation • Nonprobability sampling methods: types and evaluation • Sample size
Defining and Measuring Variables
• Levels of measurement • Theoretical constructs and operational definitions • Validity of measurement • Reliability of measurement • Modalities of measurement • Qualitative and quantitative methods
Research Designs
• Experimental Research Designs o Independent and dependent variables o Between-participants and within-participants designs • Quasi-Experimental Research Designs o Extraneous variables • Correlational Research Designs • Cross-sectional vs. longitudinal designs
Data Collection Methods: Interviews and Focus Groups
• Interview types • Types of questions • Conducting interviews • Interviewer effects • Analysis and interpretation
Data Collection Methods: Observations
• Types of observation • Naturalistic observation and participant observation • Observer bias • Recording observations
Data Collection Methods: Questionnaires and Surveys
• Comparing and contrasting questionnaires and interviews • Planning questionnaires • Question types (e.g. Likert scale vs. independent alternatives) • Formulating items • Testing reliability and validity in questionnaires
Data Collection Methods: Experiments
• Experiment Types (e.g. field experiments and naturalistic experiments) • Conducting online experiments • Considerations when designing and experiment • Threats to internal validity
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Assessment50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Assignment (0350) % of total: 50
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
A literature review and study proposal
End of Module Assessment
Assessment Type: Terminal Exam % of total: 50
Assessment Date: End-of-Semester Outcome addressed: 1,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Students will complete a MCQ exam consisting of 100 questions to be answered in 1 hour and 40 minutes.
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
Reassessment Description
Should students fail the module overall, they will be required to resubmit the failed components, and/or sit a repeat examination.

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 2 Every Week 2.00
Tutorial Mentoring and small-group tutoring 2 Every Week 2.00
Independent Learning No Description 15.8 Every Week 15.80
Lab Support Class/Clinic 1 Every Week 1.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Gravetter, F. J. J. G., Forzano, L.-A. B., & Rakow, T.. (2021), Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences, 1st. Cengage.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Howitt, D. & Cramer, D.. (2014), Introduction to research method in psychology, 4th Ed. Pearson.
  • Smith, R.A. & Davis, S.F.. (2013), The Psychologist as Detective: An introduction to conducting research in psychology., Pearson.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: