ACADEMIC RESEARCH TRAINING - 2020/1
Module code: PSYM130
Module Overview
This module provides students with an advanced knowledge of designing research in a particular field of psychology, in preparation for developing their own dissertations. The module will cover all aspects of research design, including literature reviews, forming hypotheses, ethical conduct, and study design.
Module provider
Psychology
Module Leader
SILVANTO Juha (Psychology)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 7
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Workshop Hours: 10
Independent Learning Hours: 128
Lecture Hours: 10
Practical/Performance Hours: 2
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
n/a
Module content
Indicative content includes: designing a study; conducting literature reviews and forming hypotheses; methodological and ethical issues; research methods
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 2000 word literature review | 50 |
| Oral exam or presentation | Group presentation | 50 |
Alternative Assessment
Group presentation: If unable to attend the session, students will be asked to complete the presentation/discussion with two members of staff (in person in the first instance, or ‘virtually’ if necessary).
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to prepare students for all aspects of designing and conducting research in their field of psychology. Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of: • 10-minute group presentation of a research proposal (assessing learning outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6) • 2000 word mini-report. Data will be collected as a group; the Results and Discussion sections will be written up individually (assessing learning outcomes 1,3,4,5,6)
Module aims
- provide students with practical experience of research design and methods
- provide students with an advanced understanding of recent research in a particular field of psychology, including how to think critically about this research
- enhance written and verbal communication skills through group work, presentation and discussion
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 002 | Demonstrate a reflective understanding of current research in a specific field of psychology | KC |
| 003 | Design a strategy for investigation (design, procedure, methods of data collection) that will address a research question and/or hypotheses that can be logically defended and is in accordance with the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences and BPS ethical guidelines | KCP |
| 004 | Coherently articulate the benefits and limitations of particular styles of research | KC |
| 005 | Communicate ideas, theories and principles through written or oral means, adapting the content appropriately for each medium | KCPT |
| 006 | Work effectively in different groups to discuss and develop ideas | KCPT |
| 001 |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: • encourage students to think critically about research • prepare students for their dissertations by developing practical and professional skills • develop communication skills through group work and discussion The learning and teaching methods include: • Lectures (7 x 2hr) • Workshops (3 x 2hr) • Presentation / discussion sessions (1 x 2 hr) • Individual and group activities
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PSYM130
Other information
Formative feedback. Students will receive formative feedback on their review and research proposal during the workshops.
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Psychology MSc | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Research Methods in Psychology MSc | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Developmental Psychology in Research and Practice MSc | 1 | Compulsory | Each unit of assessment must be passed at 50% to pass the module |
| Social Psychology MSc | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.