Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module has multiple aims:

1. Introduce students to experimental psychology through the engagement with empirical practical work

2. Introduce students to statistical analyses use in experimental psychology

Support students to develop as independent researchers

Outline Of Syllabus

Principles of experimental psychology

Experimental design

Using literature to justify the rationale, hypothesis(es) and predictions of an experiment

Designing experiments

Independent and related samples samples, one-way ANOVA, independent and related samples two-factor ANOVA, post hoc testing, ANCOVA, Kruskal Wallis test, Friedman test

Statistical tests used in complex design experiments

Reporting experiments in APA reports.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this module students will be able to:

•       Discuss the principles of experimental psychology
•       Identify ethical issues relating to research design
•       Describe and apply methods to assess the internal validity of experiments
•       Carry out a variety of methods of data analysis and statistics.
•       Produce APA style reports as method of disseminating scientific work.

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of this module students will be able to:
- Appraise the psychological literature to justify the rationale, hypotheses and predictions of experiments
- Design a methodologically appropriate experiment.
- Identify relevant ethical issues
- Employ methods of data collection, appropriate to experimental psychology.
- Disseminate research effectively in a full report
- Work independently (individually or in small groups) to make evidenced based choices about psychological research

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The overall rationale is to teach empirical psychology through practical experience. The various sessions are aimed at providing opportunities for students to develop and practice the necessary skills and knowledge outcomes.



The lecture materials introduce the principles of experimental psychology and relevant statistics to guide students to obtain the necessary background knowledge required to conduct their research and justify their methodological choices.



The practical sessions guide students through the research steps or designing an experiment, culminating in communicating the findings in a full report. Students are asked to apply the theoretical knowledge introduced in the lecture materials, thereby developing both their knowledge of empirical psychology and their research skills.



The student-led sessions aim to encourage students to take responsibility of their research project and take initiative in trouble shooting and problem solving. By doing so students will develop skills and confidence as independent researchers.



The staff-led sessions give the students the opportunity to receive weekly formative feedback and reflect on their group work. They also guide students through the more challenging aspects of the practical work.

Guided independent study provides an opportunity to synthesise and consolidate the skills and knowledge covered in the activities mentioned above. Furthermore, the report will be prepared in private study time.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The full report aims to assess the learning outcomes through assessing the students ability to use the most common method of disseminating research in empirical psychology. To demonstrate critical understanding of the research method taught and demonstrate the ability to evaluate the literature, use statistical packages, and follow the conventions of scientific dissemination.

The formative assessment aims to support students understanding of ethical issues in research design. Using research scenarios, students will have to produce a 400-word written exercise identifying ethical considerations in the scenarios.

Formative practice will be embedded in the module through computer based stats exercises providing quick feedback for students on their understanding of the statisitcs covered in the module.

If the module is failed, the report will be submitted as a second attempt during the August examination period and the overall module mark will be capped at 40.

If the module is failed or deferred students will resit failed or deferred assessments in the same format during the August resit period.

General Notes

N/A