Unit information: Psychological Research Methods (Conversion) 1 in 2020/21

Unit name	Psychological Research Methods (Conversion) 1
Unit code	PSYCM0081
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Allen
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
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 experimental approach to conducting research in psychology. They will learn about and practice designing valid experiments, as well as approaches to collecting, analysing and reporting experimental data.

The aims of this unit are to:

• Introduce students to experimental design, data collection and analysis techniques.
• Provide students with the opportunity to conduct an experiment, and interpret and report the results 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 experimental research in psychology.
2. Justify the selection and use of experimental data collection and analysis techniques.
3. Interpret and report experimental research results 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 an experimental class research study. Students will write up this study and submit it for assessment at the end of unit.

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. 2000-Word Research Report (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).