Unit information: Psychological Research Methods (Conversion) 2 in 2020/21

Unit name	Psychological Research Methods (Conversion) 2
Unit code	PSYCM0082
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Allen
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Psychological Research Methods (Conversion) 1
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Psychological Science
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

In this unit, students will be introduced to the correlational and qualitative approaches to conducting research in psychology. They will learn about and practice designing correlational and qualitative studies, as well as approaches to collecting, analysing and reporting correlational and qualitative data.

The aims of this unit are to:

• Introduce students to correlational and qualitative design, data collection and analysis techniques.
• Provide students with the opportunity to conduct correlational and qualitative studies, and interpret and report the findings according to disciplinary conventions.
• Facilitate students’ development of a range of transferable research skills, including sourcing and critically reading original research papers; asking and answering specific, measurable, and realistic research questions; the appropriate use of relevant IT resources and subject specific software; and written and oral communication.
• Give students exposure to a diversity of research currently being conducted in the School via their participation in the school’s experimental hours scheme

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, a student will be able to:

1. Apply data collection and analysis techniques associated with correlational and qualitative research in psychology.
2. Justify the selection and use of correlational and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques.
3. Interpret and report correlational and qualitative research findings according to disciplinary conventions.

Teaching Information

A 'flipped classroom' model of instruction will be employed, wherein students will be expected to engage with video lectures, readings and practical activities prior to each online laboratory session. The first part of each online laboratory session will focus on reviewing students' progress on the practical activities. This will be facilitated by a short in-class assessment. The remainder of each session will focus on the tasks necessary for the successful execution of two class research studies (one correlational and one qualitative). Students will choose one of these studies to develop into a poster or oral presentation to be delivered in the final class of the year.

Assessment Information

Formative Assessment:

Students will receive regular formative feedback via their participation in learning activities dispersed throughout laboratory sessions. Participation in these formative activities will assist students' progression toward the unit's ILOs.

Summative Assessment:

1. Weekly In-Class Active Learning Exercises (50%, ILOs 1, 2, 3).
2. Poster with 250-Word Structured Abstract OR Oral Presentation with 250-Word Structured Abstract (50%, ILOs 1, 2, 3).

Other Pass Requirements:

In addition to earning the requisite number of marks, to pass this unit students must participate in a number of studies as a member of the school's experimental hours scheme (or complete an equivalent written activity).

Reading and References

Essential, recommended and further readings will be made available via the unit's online reading list (accessed through Blackboard).