Introductory description

This module allows students to develop research skills by conducting a project in Psychology

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.

Details of all procedures are set out on the PS302 Module Outline. The summary of the course of
the module is:

• submission of project outline agreed and signed by the supervisor
• submission of ethical approval form, approved and signed by the supervisor
• carrying out project
• attend PS302 lectures as required
• meet with supervisor as required
• oral presentation of project
• submission of raw data and written report of project

Learning outcomes

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

• Understand and critically evaluate relevant existing research
• Formulate a testable hypothesis or research question and set it in the context of the existing research literature
• Design, plan, and carry out a piece of empirical research within a defined period
• Appreciate the ethical context of psychological research
• Analyse and present data
• Draw appropriate conclusions from a piece of empirical research
• Recognise the theoretical, practical, and methodological implications and limitations of their research communicate research findings orally and in a written report

Indicative reading list

Bem, D. (2002). Writing the empirical journal article. In J. M. Darley, M. P. Zanna, & H. L. Roediger
III (Eds.), The Compleat Academic: A Career Guide. Washington, DC: American Psychological
Association.
Sternberg, R. J., & Sternberg, K. (2010). The Psychologist's Companion: A Guide to Scientific
Writing for Students and Researchers (5th edition). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Wood, C., Giles, D., & Percy, C. (2009). Your Psychology Project Handbook: Becoming a
Researcher. Harlow: Prentice Hall

Research element

Students must design, plan, and carry out a piece of empirical research within a defined period, obtaining appropriate ethical approval and present and analyse the data obtained.

Subject specific skills

• recognition that Psychology involves a range of research methods, theories, evidence, and applications
• ethical and safe application of psychological knowledge
• use of a variety of psychological tools, including specialist software, laboratory equipment and psychometric instruments;
• carry out empirical studies involving a variety of methods of data collection
• generate and explore hypotheses and research questions drawing on relevant theory and research

Transferable skills

• effective communication skills to develop a cogent argument supported by relevant evidence and being sensitive to the needs and expectations of an audience
• effective personal planning skills
• accurately analyse, present, and evaluate data and evaluate research findings
• effective personal planning, self-reflection, and project management skills, so they become more independent and pragmatic as learners.