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Module Catalogue

PS906-15 Experimental Design and Data Collection

Department
Psychology
Level
Taught Postgraduate Level
Module leader
Michaela Gummerum
Credit value
15
Module duration
10 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

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

Module aims

  • To familiarize students with the principles of good experimental and non-experimental design, and the various ways in which empirical data is collected
  • To deepen students’ understanding of the best ways to address different kinds of research problems and questions
  • To teach students how to critically assess research articles

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: Sampling
6: Ethical considerations
7: Meta-analysis
8: Observational methods
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 quantitative and 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 and non-experimental design and identification of errors in poor designs
  • 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

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%)
Seminars 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%)
Private study 130 hours (87%)
Total 150 hours

Private study description

130 hours guided private study

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.

Assessment group A4
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
Research Design 10% Yes (extension)

Description of the main research question, hypotheses, and design section of a Stage 1 registered report.
Up to 500 words. 10%
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Stage 1 Registered Report 40% Yes (extension)

Write a Stage 1 Registered Report on a self-chosen psychological topic. The Stage 1 RR should include an Introduction, proposed Methods and Design, proposed Analyses, and ethical considerations.
Between 1000 and 2000 words. 40%
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Class test - online 50% No
Reassessment component is the same
Feedback on assessment

Formative feedback on class presentations during seminars, and during seminar discussions of papers. Summative feedback through comments on Research Design and Stage 1 Registered Report manuscripts and general summary of performance on the Class Test.

Courses

This module is Core for:

  • TPSS-C8P5 Postgraduate Taught Clinical Applications of Psychology
    • Year 1 of C8P5 Clinical Applications of Psychology
    • Year 1 of C8P5 Clinical Applications of Psychology
  • Year 1 of TPSS-C848 Postgraduate Taught Mental Health and Wellbeing

This module is Optional for:

  • Year 1 of TPSS-C8P9 Postgraduate Taught Psychological Research