MEd Psychology of Education / Course details

To provide coverage of the BPS Qualifying Exam Syllabus core areas of:

•  Research design & ethics
• Quantitative methods and analysis in psychology
• Qualitative methods and analysis in psychology

• Research design & ethics
• Quantitative methods and analysis in psychology
• Qualitative methods and analysis in psychology

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

• Identify and critique the philosophical bases for making methodological choices
• Apply appropriate research methods to a chosen research question and prepare a proposal for undertaking such research.
• Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues and current codes of conduct

Indicative Curriculum Content

• Science as an Approach to Understanding: Thinking Like a Scientist
• The Research Life Cycle: Introducing Research Processes
• Introduction to Quantitative Research Design and Variables
• Foundations for Statistical Hypothesis Testing
• Statistical Conclusions: p Values, Power, and Effect Size
• Foundations for Qualitative Inquiry
• Qualitative Analysis and Interpretation
• Ethical Principles and Responsibilities
• Thinking Like A Scientist: Incorporating Practical Issues

The course unit will be delivered using a variety of methods including lectures, tutorials, simulations, role play, practical experiments, and independent research activities. Students will be required to work both independently and in small groups and active participation will be encouraged at all times.

Learning Hours:

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

• Identify and critique the philosophical bases for making methodological choices
• Apply appropriate research methods to a chosen research question and prepare a proposal for undertaking such research.
• Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues and current codes of conduct

Key Skills

•  Time management
•  Independent study
•  Using electronic databases, accessing library facilities, word processing.
•  Undertake independent learning and reflect upon achievements
•  Present information, ideas and arguments.

 Assessment

 The assessment for this unit comprises of one assignment, responsible for 100% of the unit weighting that will take the form of a research proposal (forming the basis for your dissertation). Formative written feedback is provided.

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

The list below indicates texts that will be directly useful for both Semester 1 Research Principles and Practice and Semester 2 Research Methods and Analysis.

These texts are useful as an introduction to the area and will take you through the most of the topics studied in the module.

Feedback will be available via blackboard.

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

The list below indicates texts that will be directly useful for both Semester 1 Research Principles and Practice and Semester 2 Research Methods and Analysis.

These texts are useful as an introduction to the area and will take you through the most of the topics studied in the module.

As with all modules on the MEd, we like to offer a range of books and let you choose the combination that appeals to you.  As such, you are advised to have a look through them all first (either in the University Library or online). 

The Online version of this Reading List will show you where these texts can be found in the library or online:

https://manchester.alma.exlibrisgroup.com/leganto/public/44MAN_INST/lists/318223058880001631?auth=CAS

In addition to the recommended texts, you will be provided with an expanded reading list, including additional recommendations, reading lists of journal articles, chapters in edited texts and on-line resources that you are strongly encouraged to make use of.  You will also be expected to search relevant databases (e.g. PsycInfo) to find research that extends beyond explicit recommendations and the content covered in sessions.

Additional Notes This is a semester one unit. If possible, we encourage part-time students to undertake this unit in their first year.