Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module has multiple aims:

1. Introduce students to qualitative research with secondary data, through the engagement with empirical practical work

2. Introduce students to methods of collecting secondary data for qualitative research and a method of qualitative analysis appropriate to secondary data

3. Introduce students to the philosophical underpinnings of positivistic qualitative analysis

4. Introduce the students to the use of mixed methods in generating psychological knowledge

Support students to become independent researchers

Outline Of Syllabus

Principles of positivist qualitative research and mixed methods research

Using literature for developing and justifying an appropriate research question for positivist qualitative research

Positivist qualitative research and mixed methods research design

Methods of secondary data collection

Positivist qualitative research methods of analysis

Reporting qualitative research in the positivist tradition.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

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

•       Discuss the basic principles of the positivist approach to qualitative research and of mixed methods research
•       Discuss and apply the principles underpinning and procedures involved in the collection of secondary data in qualitative and mixed methods research
•       Demonstrate knowledge of qualitative and mixed methods data analysis.
•       Produce a scientific poster and disseminate scientific research orally

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of this module students will be able to:
- Appraise the psychological literature to justify research questions appropriate to a positivistic qualitative method of analysis and to mixed methods research in psychology and design a methodologically appropriate study to answer the question.
-Employ methods of secondary data collection, appropriate to the aim of positivistic qualitative analysis and mixed methods research.
-disseminate research effectively in a poster and oral presentation
-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 positivistic qualitative research and mixed methods research and relevant data collection and data analysis methods and 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 of designing, collecting appropriated data for and analyzing the data of a qualitative study in the positivistic tradition and mixed methods research, culminating in communicating the findings in an oral presentation and a scientific poster. 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 provide the students with 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 the opportunity to synthesise and consolidate the skills and knowledge covered in the activities mentioned above. Furthermore, the poster and oral presentation will be prepared in private study time.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The scientific poster and the oral presentation will give the student the opportunity to disseminate their scientific work using two of the most common means of dissemination in psychology. The poster aims to assess the students’ ability to communicate their work concisely and through visual elements, to demonstrate their attainment of the other learning outcomes.

The formative oral presentation will give students the opportunity to engage with the process of evaluating oral presentations, whilst demonstrating critical understanding of one of the research methods taught and demonstrate the ability to evaluate the literature, use appropriate methods of analysis, and follow the conventions of scientific dissemination.

If they fail the module the students will have to submit the scientific poster in the August examination period.

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