Introductory description

This module will familiarize students with the principles of good experimental design

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1: Validity
2: Randomized designs
3: Reliability
4: Non-randomised designs
5: Meta-analysis
6: Observational methods
7: Sampling
8: Ethical considerations
9: Survey and questionnaire studies
10: Case studies and longitudinal research

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Assess the advantages and uses of alternative experimental and non-experimental designs
• Design a logically sound experiment to test a hypothesis
• Identify common errors in poorly designed experiments
• Outline the key techniques for collecting qualitative data
• Design a protocol for collecting non-experimental data to address a research question

Indicative reading list

Rosenthal, R., & Rosnow, R.L. (2008). Essentials of behavioral research (3rd Ed). McGraw-Hill: New York.
Howell, D. C. (2017). Statistical methods for psychology (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Duxbury Press.
Todman, J. B., & Dugard, P. (2001). Single-case and small-N experimental designs. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
Tourangeau, R., Rips, L. J., & Rasinski, K. (2000). The psychology of survey response. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

• Familiarity with the principles of good experimental design and identification of errors in poor experimental design
• Employment of evidence-based and critical reasoning
• Examination of practical, theoretical, and ethical issues associated with a range of methodologies

Transferable skills

• effective personal planning skills
• effective communication skills to develop a cogent argument supported by relevant evidence