MEd Psychology of Education

This unit Research Analysis & Evaluation (Semester 2) along with Research Principles & Practice (Semester 1), provide coverage of the BPS syllabus core area of Research Methods.

This unit covers methods and processes relating to the collection, analysis and interpretation of data in psychological research, with a focus on quantitative and qualitative methodologies. This includes sessions exploring practical approaches to data collection, elements of quantitative and qualitative analysis, rigour and quality throughout the research life cycle, effective management and communication of research and the future of psychological research practices.

The course unit is delivered over 9 sessions and using a variety of methods including lectures, tutorials, practical computer sessions, and independent research activities. 
 

This unit aims to: 

• Provide coverage of the BPS Syllabus core area of Research Methods
• Examine the practical and theoretical issues associated with research in psychology and education and their application to real world problems
• Develop an understanding of methods and processes involved in the collection and analysis of  data 
• Develop and extend understanding of scientific processes and rigour and the research life cycle 

On completion of this unit successful students will be able to:

Indicative Curriculum Content

• Ethical consideration and responsibilities
• Survey Data Collection
• Recording Behaviour
• Statistical Hypothesis Testing: ANOVAs
• Statistical Hypothesis Testing: Regression
• Qualitative Data Collection
• Quality and Rigour in Qualitative Research
• Writing Up and Presenting Research
• Future of Psychological Research

The lecture content covers an introduction to conducting and evaluating research in psychology. It combines lecture format with activities, group discussion and class discussion.

Additionally specific research skills are taught to analyse and evaluate data, for example this can include how to use a statistical package SPSS to analyse statistical data.  Research skills are taught to provide the foundation for planning and running an independent dissertation project first assessed by preparing a research proposal (unit assignment). Support is provided in session in terms of choosing a topic, planning and designed the approach. Time is reserved in relevant teaching sessions for students to seek advice and support for their learning or for the assignment.

Independent study is expected and supported by guided reading, independent reading, guided activities, blog posts, and additional materials on the VLE and Reading Lists Online.

The blog posts contain links to other video materials (e.g., YouTube, lecture talks), further reading, optional reading, self-test quizzes. Lecture PowerPoint slides and additional resources are also available on the VLE.

Additionally, the unit make uses of electronic tools and digital platforms to provide further opportunities for student engagement.

The reading list online is reviewed each year. A general unit reading list is provided with suitable textbooks recommended. Individual session readings are also provided and broken down by teaching week to make it easier for students to see relevant sources of information, key recommended readings and further readings themed to sessions. 

• Demonstrate an understanding of research methods and analysis in psychology and education
• Demonstrate an understanding of quality and rigour across the design and implementation of research

• Undertake independent learning and reflect upon achievements
• Present information, ideas and arguments
• Apply theory to practice in a range of situations

• Identify and apply a range of methods for collecting data
• Appropriately apply methods and tools for analysing and presenting data
• Use software tools for research methods where appropriate (e.g. SPSS, NVIVO)
• Undertake searching of electronic databases, access library facilities, word processing
• Demonstrate an ability to prepare and interpret data, graphs, charts and tables

• Time management
• Build confidence in independent study
• Build research skills
• Develop confidence to tackle unfamiliar problems

Unit Feedback and Student Engagement

Student representation at both the programme and unit level plays an important role helping the quality of provision be upheld.  MEd student representatives liaise between staff and students on matters of concern to either side; provide two-way feedback on the course and on teaching quality, and promote student involvement in course development.  Student representatives participate in course review meetings (including a confidential meeting with external examiners) and feedback information from these meetings to other students.

At the end of each semester all students are asked to complete an on-line evaluation questionnaire for each course unit they have taken.  This anonymous feedback is circulated to unit leaders and supports quality assurance.

Formative assessment and written feedback to students is a key feature of this unit. Students are provided with formative written feedback when marking has been completed

General core conceptual and theoretical texts

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2013). Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners. London, United Kingdom: SAGE Publications.
An introductory text for understanding the qualitative research process. Very practically oriented book, so you’ll need to look elsewhere to understand theoretical underpinnings, but it provides a lot of guidance and clear strategies for undertaking qualitative research. Available as an e-book via Reading Lists Online.

Haslam, S. A., & McGarty, C. (2019). Research methods and statistics in Psychology (3rd Edition). Sage.  
Provides students with a highly readable and comprehensive introduction to conducting research in psychology. Guides readers through the choices involved in methodological design and analysis. Available as an e-book via Reading Lists Online.

Meltzoff, J., & Cooper, H. (2018). Critical thinking about research: Psychology and related fields (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association.
This book provides a useful companion for approaching research critically. It explores how research methods and conclusions align, including how we can critically evaluate others’ research and consider planning robustly for our own research. Available as an e-book via Reading Lists Online.

Mertens, D. (2015). Research and Evaluation in Education and Psychology (4th Edition). Sage.  
A great introductory reading on issues relating to research design in education.  Written in an accessible manner providing coverage of qualitative and quantitative methods. Several editions, the 4th has a great range of content.

Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (4th ed.). London, United Kingdom: SAGE Publications. 
A comprehensive textbook for qualitative methods. Clearly outlines theoretical, conceptual, and methodological foundations of qualitative inquiry and includes detailed guidance on each stage of the research process.

SPSS manuals

Brace, N., Kemp, R. & Snelgar, R. (2016). SPSS for psychologists (and everybody else). Palgrave.
A basic “how to guide” for SPSS. Very practical and designed to introduce SPSS in an accessible yet rigorous way. Moves through an introduction to SPSS and data entry, to how to complete the statistical tests. Clear and accessible psychological examples and annotated screenshots.

Dancey, C., & Reidy, J. (2017). Statistics without maths for psychology (7th Edition). Pearson.  
Very similar to text above. Clear, straightforward approach to guide you through SPSS with illustrated examples. Available as an e-book via Reading Lists Online.

Psychological writing text

Beins, B. C., & Beins, A. M. (2020). Effective Writing in Psychology. Papers, posters and presentations (3nd Edition). Wiley-Blackwell. 
Presents a clear set of guidelines on effective writing. From generation and organisation of ideas, conducting a literature search, to generating a compelling argument. Contains illustration of suitable academic presentation, organisation and style, and example manuscripts demonstrating use of APA style. Earlier editions are also helpful. Available as an e-book via Reading Lists Online.

If possible, we encourage part-time students to undertake this unit in their first year.