Psychological Science (conversion) MSc
Research Methods 1 (PGT Conv) PSYCH5088
- Academic Session: 2024-25
- School: School of Psychology and Neuroscience
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Semester 1
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
Short Description
Students will gain a critical understanding of research principles in psychological quantitative research. They will learn about psychological research paradigms, data analysis techniques and principles in open science centred on quantitative methodologies. Students will advance their use and understanding of statistics, data analysis and open science principles. To achieve the course objectives students will complete a research methods portfolio and write a quantitative research report.
Timetable
10 x 1 hour lecture
9 x 1 hour lab session
Excluded Courses
None
Assessment
Students will produce a quantitative research report (weighted at 80%) as well as a research portfolio (weighted at 20%).
Course Aims
Students should learn how to conduct and critically evaluate psychological research as an evidence base. Students should gain practical skills in experimental research design, data collection and analysis methods, and practical skills in statistical techniques and use of statistical analysis software. They should further develop good practices in applying ethical and open science principles to psychological research and working as part of a research team.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ Understand and apply the principles of open and reproducible science
■ Generate and explore hypotheses and research questions for experimental and observational research
■ Select appropriate research designs and methodologies for different research questions
■ Demonstrate critical awareness of the assumptions of these methods and analyses and the limitations associated with experimental and observational research designs
■ Identify the ethical issues involved in experimental and observational research
■ Work as a group to plan and execute a small-scale research project using quantitative research methods
■ Demonstrate critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of ideas
■ Use the programming language R to conduct a range of descriptive and inferential statistics.
Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits
Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.