Social Research Methods in Psychology (C8300)
Social Research Methods in Psychology
Module C8300
Module details for 2012/13.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 5
Module Outline
This module complements the term 1 module 'Discovering Statistics'. It has three components: (a) statistical analysis for questionnaire construction and interpretation; (b) observational methods; (c) qualitative data-gathering and analysis. There are two assessed empirical reports using some of these techniques, which will enable students to develop skills in research design, data-gathering and analysis and which will therefore prepare students for their final-year empirical research project. The statistical analysis parts of the module build upon existing knowledge of statistical theory (in both Year 1 and the term 1 module of year 2). Practical workshops complement the lectures by providing hands-on experience and guidance in using the methods, both with SPSS, and through small group work on relevant tasks.
This module builds on knowledge gained in the core psychology modules C8511: Research Skills in Psychology 1 and C8891: Research Skills in Psychology 2 . Students who are not enrolled on the BSc Psychology course at Sussex are expected to be familiar with the material covered in these modules.
Module learning outcomes
Understand the theory and use of questionnaire design and scale construction, factor analysis, reliability analysis, and mediation analysis. Conduct these analyses using SPSS.
Understand the principles and practice of observational methods, including sampling issues, coding and inter-rater reliability estimates.
Understand the rationale for, uses of and limitations of the following qualitative methods of data-gathering and analysis: interviewing, phenomenological analysis and discourse analysis.
Carry out independent research to address a psychological question using some of these methods and present their research in a written report following the conventions of the discipline (i.e. APA format).
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Unseen Examination | Semester 2 Assessment | 40.00% |
| Coursework | 60.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Research Participation | T2 Week 12 (2 hours) | 8.40% |
| Exercise | T2 Week 12 | 41.60% |
| Laboratory Report | T2 Week 7 | 50.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Laboratory | 2 hours | 111100000010 |
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 111101111101 |
| Spring Semester | Workshop | 2 hours | 000000111101 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Eisuke Koya
Assess convenor
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Prof John Drury
Assess convenor, Convenor
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Dr David Leavens
Assess convenor
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Dr Jenny Bosten
Assess convenor
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