
- UCAS course code
- I140
- UCAS institution code
- M20
BSc Computer Science (Human Computer Interaction) / Course details
Year of entry: 2021
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Course unit details:
Research Methods & Statistics
Unit code | PSYC10100 |
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Credit rating | 20 |
Unit level | Level 1 |
Teaching period(s) | Full year |
Offered by | Division of Psychology and Mental Health |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
This course will introduce students to core principles and techniques in Research Methods and Statistics.
Aims
The aim of this course is to introduce you to quantitative and qualitative research approaches used in psychological research. It will outline and examine the components of research designs and methodologies, and explore the fundamental principles and techniques of statistical analysis.
You will gain experience in conducting statistical analyses during PC-based practical classes and will have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge of research methodology in lab classes linked to other course units. More generally, the course aims to promote the development of critical thinking skills, enabling you to objectively evaluate psychological research.
Syllabus
1 Testing for differences between 2 means
2 Independent groups t-test
3 Correlation - Pearson's r and variance explained
4 Non-parametric starts 1 - association
5 Non-parametics starts 2 - correlation Spearmans rho
Non-parametrics starts 3 - differences between means
6 Questionnaires
7 Ethics in Psychology
8 Introduction to qualitative and mixed methods research
9 Qualitatives methods of data collection
10 Qualitative data analysis
11 Critical evaluations of qualitative research
12 Revision
Teaching and learning methods
The course will include 46 hours of lectures, and 12 x 1-hour statistics examples classes.
E-learning provision through Blackboard: Moderated discussion boards for both Research Methods and Statistics; webcasts covering topics students commonly find difficult; regular MCQ quizzes with formative feedback; an Excel assignment
Knowledge and understanding
Employ key terminology and outline concepts of research methods and statistics
Interpret the results of statistical analyses in the context of the research design
Discuss ethical considerations relating to research with human participants
Intellectual skills
Identify and evaluate the methodological elements of published research in psychological science
Explain the limitations imposed by particular design decisions
Practical skills
Design a methodology which is appropriate for a given research question
Choose appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics for different research hypotheses
Undertake basic statistical calculations using Excel
Analyse quantitative and qualitative data and present the results accurately, clearly, and concisely in tables, plots and text
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Use Excel to organise, explore and conduct basic statistical tests on data
Demonstrate confidence in handling and analysis of research data
Assessment methods
Semester 1: Final Examination (multiple choice questions) 90 minutes in length worth 40% of unit. 2 x Open Book Blackboard Quizzes 2 x 45 mins in length worth 2.5% each.
Semester 2: Final Examination (multiple choice questions) 90 mins in length worth 40% of unit. 2 x Open Book Blackboard Quizzes 2 x 45 mins in length worth 2.5% each.
Feedback methods
Separate online discussion boards will be set up for the Quantitative Research Methods, Qualitative Research Methods and Statistics components of the course. Students are encouraged to make use of these for further support and staff will monitor them regularly. Teaching Assistants will be available during the Statistics Practical classes to provide hands-on support. Online assessments will be marked and graded within 2 weeks of the submission deadline and students will have an opportunity to review their grades and the correct answers to questions. In addition, a revision quiz will be made available in the lead up to the exam and an exam revision session will be held in Week 12.
Recommended reading
You will be provided with the core text for this course:
Warren, P., Fisher, A. & Edge, D. (2013). Statistics and Research Methods (3rd ed.). Harlow: Pearson.
This custom text was developed specifically for this course and the 2nd year Statistics unit by the course leaders. It combines selected, essential reading from:
- Dancey, C. P., & Reidy, J. (2011). Statistics without maths for Psychology (5th ed.). Harlow: Pearson.
- Langdridge, D. & Hagger-Johnson, G. (2009). Introduction to research methods and data analysis in Psychology (2nd ed). Harlow: Prentice Hall.
- Howitt, D. & Cramer, D. (2007). Introduction to research methods in psychology (3rd ed.). Harlow: Prentice Hall.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Howell, D. C. (2009) Statistical methods for Psychology, International edition (7th Edition). Wadsworth.
If you like mathematics then this is the statistics text of choice. Authoritative and interesting to read there is little if anything you will come across in Psychology that isn’t given a lucid treatment in this book. It may, however, be scary for those who don’t like maths. Note this book is recommended as an additional text, it is not essential and it is secondary to the essential reading text.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Lectures | 46 |
Practical classes & workshops | 100 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 54 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Paul Warren | Unit coordinator |