Unit information: Psychological Research Methods (Conversion) 1 in 2021/22

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.

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 week’s live synchronous class. The classes will focus on reviewing students' progress on the practical activities (facilitated by a Q&A and a short in-class assessment) and completing 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 engagement with learning activities dispersed throughout the unit. 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).

A reasonable attempt of all assessment must be made for the award of credit.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PSYCM0081).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.