Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Research Methods and Project
Module Code	PSY6A
School	Oscail
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15
Pre-requisite	PSY1
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module provides an overview of the research process and research methods used in psychological research and outlines the quantitative and qualitative research techniques employed in psychology. Students complete a research project based on an independent piece of research.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically evaluate the process of carrying out research
2. Employ appropriate research methods and design strategies for the collectionand analysis of data
3. Critically evaluate statistical principles that underpin psychological research design
4. Critically differentiate between various parametric and non-parametric statistical procedures
5. Critically differentiate between different qualitative research methods
6. Utilise SPSS to enter, analyse and interpret data
7. Critically evaluate relevant theoretical concepts and empirical research inwritten format
8. Report research project rationale, findings, conclusions and overallimplications in written format, and to a professional standard
9. Apply the relevant guidelines and requirements for ethical conduct in carryingout psychological research

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Tutorial	24	No Description
Moodle discussion	33	No Description
Independent learning	315	No Description
Lecturer-supervised learning (contact)	3	No Description
Total Workload: 375

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Block 1: Developing the Research Proposal.
Unit 1: Introduction to the Research Process.

Unit 2: Using Information Technology in Research.
Unit 3: Research Ethics.

Unit 4: Generating a Research Topic.
Unit 5: Reviewing the Literature.

Unit 6: Research Paradigms and Methodologies.
Unit 7: Issues in Data Collection.

Unit 8: Data Management.
Unit 9: Preparing a Project Plan and Research Proposal.

Unit 10: Writing up the Dissertation.
Unit 11: Word Processing your Dissertation - Tips and Tricks.

Unit 12: Presenting your Findings - Slide Presentations and Posters.
Block 2: Doing Research - Data Collection and Analysis.

Unit 13: Quantitative Data Collection Methods.
Unit 14: Describing Data.

Unit 15: Exploring and Representing Data.
Unit 16: Inference and Hypothesis Testing.

Unit 17: Comparing Independent Samples.
Unit 18: Comparing Related Samples.

Unit 19: Analysing Nominal Data.
Unit 20: Correlation.

Unit 21: Factor Analysis.
Unit 22: Analysis of Variance.

Unit 23: Regression.
Unit 24: Qualitative Data Collection Methods.

Unit 25: Qualitative Data Analysis.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assignment	n/a	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Mulhern, G. and Greer, B.: 2011, Making Sense of Data and Statistics in Psychology, Second Edition, Palgrave Macmillian, Hampshire,
Bell, J.: 2005, Doing your research project: A guide for first-time researchers in education, health and social sciences, Fourth Edition, Palgrave Macmillian, Hampshire,
Pallant, J.: 2007, SPSS survival manual: A step by step guide to data analysis, Third Edition, Allen & Unwin,

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

Diploma/BA in Humanities

BASM

BA Single Module

Timetable this semester: Timetable for PSY6A

Date of Last Revision

08-DEC-10

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