BSc Psychology

This unit provides an introduction to research methods in psychology, with a focus on qualitative approaches. The content is designed to build students' understanding of how psychological research is conducted and how qualitative methods can be used to explore human thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Students will develop key analytical skills, critically engage with research literature, and explore the role of diversity and subjectivity in psychological experience.

Introduction to Research in Psychology

• The role of research in psychology: Understanding psychology as a science
• Key differences between qualitative and quantitative research
• The importance of open science and ethical considerations in research
• Historical and conceptual foundations of psychology as a science
• The role of diversity and variability in psychological experience

Foundations of Qualitative Research

• Philosophical perspectives: How we approach and interpret data
• Historical and conceptual influences on qualitative research
• Different types of qualitative data (e.g., interviews, focus groups, written responses)
• Different types of qualitative analysis (e.g., Thematic Analysis, Interpretative
• Phenomenological Analysis, Grounded Theory)
• Designing a qualitative research project: Formulating research questions and selecting methods
• Engaging with peer-reviewed literature to inform research design
• Quality in qualitative research

Collecting Qualitative Data

• Designing interview schedules and conducting data collection
• Ethical issues in qualitative research
• Understanding the role of researcher reflexivity and subjectivity in qualitative research
• Analysing Qualitative Data: key stages (familiarisation, coding, theme generation)
• Inductive reasoning and analytical skills in qualitative research
• Identifying patterns in experience through data analysis

Communicating Research Findings

• Structuring and writing a qualitative research report in accordance with APA guidelines
• Presenting qualitative data effectively
• Engaging critically with research questions, theories, and methodologies
• Using academic sources to support research claims and interpretations
• Developing critical thinking, reflective skills, and personal project management

This unit aims to introduce first-year psychology students to the foundations of research methods, with a particular focus on qualitative approaches. Through a blend of online lectures, in-person practical workshops, and independent activities, students will develop an understanding of psychology as a science, including open science principles, ethical considerations, and the philosophical foundations of qualitative research.

Students will be supported in designing and conducting qualitative research, including formulating research questions, selecting appropriate data collection methods, and applying analytical techniques such as thematic analysis. Emphasis will be placed on ethical and responsible research practice, as well as critically engaging with research literature to inform methodological choices.

The unit aims to foster independent, self-directed learners who can make informed decisions throughout the research process. Students will develop their ability to analyse, interpret, and communicate qualitative research findings effectively, culminating in the production of a research report. By engaging in hands-on research activities, students will build confidence in applying qualitative methods and develop the critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate psychological research.

This unit is delivered through a blend of weekly online lectures, structured workbook activities for independent study, and weekly in-person practical workshops. The lectures introduce core concepts and research methods, while the structured activities reinforce learning through guided tasks. The practical workshops provide hands-on experience with qualitative research techniques, including data collection and analysis. This format ensures that students engage with both theoretical and applied aspects of qualitative research, developing essential skills for conducting and reporting psychological research.

• Evaluate the relevance of multiple research methods, with a specific focus on qualitative approaches.
• Describe and evaluate approaches to data collection, stages of analysis, and methodologies in qualitative psychological research, including their advantages and limitations.
• Explain the process of theory development and its role in psychological research.
• Describe the role of diversity and variability in psychological experience and analyse its significance.
• Recognise psychology as a science and understand the relevance of multiple methods with a specific focus on qualitative research methods.  
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of approaches to data collection, stages of analysis and different methodologies involved in qualitative research in psychology and their advantages and limitations.   
   

• Explain the process of theory development and formulate exploratory research questions.
• Generate research questions that are grounded in relevant theory and empirical evidence.
• Employ inductive reasoning and analytical skills to analyse, interpret, and present qualitative data.
• Critically evaluate psychological research questions, theories, and methodologies.
• Understand how psychological knowledge is constructed, considering the philosophies that underpin psychology as a science.  
• Appreciate the historical and conceptual roots of the contemporary understanding of psychology as a science recognising the importance of the subjective nature of experience.
• Employ, interrelate, and systematically analyse different perspectives, methods, and theories, to address theoretical and real-world questions.

• Collect qualitative data by designing interview schedules and conducting interviews.
• Plan an empirical research project to address a research question recognising ethical, theoretical, practical, and methodological considerations.
• Apply psychological knowledge ethically and safely to investigate an empirical research question.
• Analyse, present, and evaluate qualitative data research findings.
• Use a range of appropriate sources (peer-reviewed journal articles) to gather relevant and robust information.
• Identify, assess and evaluate patterns in behaviour, psychological functioning, and/or experience, through practical activities

• Analyse, present, and evaluate qualitative data research findings. 
• Communicate effectively with academic audiences by writing a research report that describes an empirical study in accordance with APA guidelines.
• Manage learning through effective personal planning, project and data management, and digital literacy skills.

You will receive a grade and written feedback on your work after the January exam board.

 Relevant reading will be provided at appropriate timepoints.