BSc Psychology

This unit introduces students to fundamental principles and techniques in quantitative research methods. Students will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge by designing and conducting a quantitative research study on perception, utilizing psychophysical methods. After collecting data, students will analyse the results and write a full lab report.

The unit is delivered using both asynchronous lectures and interactive workshops, incorporating collaborative activities to help students develop and apply the knowledge and skills necessary for conducting and reporting quantitative psychological research

The unit aims to:

• Provide scaffolded support to develop quantitative research skills to answer questions about sensation and perception
• Provide an understanding of historical context, contemporary perspectives, and research methods in psychology, with a focus on quantitative research methods.
• Introduce the skills needed for conducting and reporting quantitative research in Psychology, to lay the foundations for the Final Year Project.
• Develop ethical awareness in relation to research in psychology and foster collaboration.  
• Encourage students to become independent, active and self-directed learners through a variety of delivery methods and technologies.
• Support students in applying knowledge of research methods to the research design process and conducting experimental research to aid understanding of human experience. 

This unit will deliver 1 x synchronous and 5 x asynchronous lab lectures (approx. 50mins) and 8 x lab workshops (approximately 110 mins) in addition to 1 x optional drop-in (approx. 110mins).

The lab lectures will comprise a combination of live or pre-recorded teaching plus activities and quizzes to cement understanding.  

In the lab workshops, students will work together in small groups to complete activities to consolidate lecture content and to conduct the empirical work for the unit.  

The optional drop-in will support students with preparing their coursework assignment.

Lecture content, workshop materials, supplementary reading and resources and a monitored discussion board will be available via the unit Canvas site. 

• Discuss the role of diversity and variability in psychological experience
• Explain how social and perceptual processes influence behaviour and the interrelation of these core psychological subfields.
• Apply multiple perspectives to psychological issues, recognising that psychology involves a range of research methods, theories, evidence, and applications.
• Discuss issues around theory development, experimental design, sources of error and methods of data collection in quantitative research. 

• Evaluate different perspectives, methods, and theories, to address theoretical questions.
• Employ evidence-based reasoning and examine practical, theoretical, and ethical issues associated with quantitative research
• Generate testable hypotheses and research questions drawing on relevant theory and research.
• Describe the historical and conceptual roots of the contemporary understanding of quantitative methods in psychological research recognising the importance of the subjective nature of experience. 

• Employ numerical reasoning and analytical skills to accurately analyse, interpret, and present quantitative data.
• Apply psychological knowledge ethically and safely to investigate an empirical research question.
• Analyse and present quantitative data and evaluate research findings.
• Plan an empirical research project to address a research question recognising ethical, theoretical, practical, and methodological considerations.
• Use psychological tools, including appropriate specialist software, to conduct an experiment and collect empirical data. 

• Use a range of appropriate sources (library, internet, electronic databases) to gather relevant and robust information.
• Manage learning through effective personal planning, project and data management, and digital literacy skills.
• Write a research report describing an empirical piece of work in accordance with APA guidelines. 

Students will receive a grade and written feedback

Reading lists will be provided through Canvas