ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS AND DESIGN - 2023/4

Module code: PSYM147

Module Overview

This module will provide students with knowledge, skills, and practical experience of advanced research methods and design. It emphasises a critical and creative approach to evaluating research methods and design and applying them to scientific questions. It will support the development of novel, theoretically significant, rigorous, and impactful research proposals.

Module provider

Psychology

Module Leader

BANKS Adrian (Psychology)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 108

Lecture Hours: 22

Guided Learning: 10

Captured Content: 10

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

n/a

Module content

Indicative content includes: Theory testing & hypothesis generation; Study design; Advanced research methods, including eye tracking and psychophysiological measures; Research impact; Open research & ethical research; Creating research proposals.

Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Coursework Critical methods analysis 50
Oral exam or presentation Presentation 50

Alternative Assessment

Assignment 2: Individuals will record a presentation at an appropriate time.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate: Knowledge and critical analysis of advanced research methods; Application of research methods and design to a scientific question. The summative assessment consists of: A critical evaluation of research methods (LO 2); A presentation of a research proposal (LO 1, 3, 4). Formative feedback: students will receive verbal formative on their research proposals during the group discussions.

Module aims

  • To develop knowledge and skills in designing research
  • To develop knowledge and skills in using advanced research methods
  • To provide students with practical experience of advanced research methods and design
  • To develop knowledge and skills in critical evaluation of research methods and design
  • To develop knowledge and skills in open research and conducting ethical research

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 Apply research methods and designs to answer scientific questions CK
002 Critically analyse research methods and designs CKT
003 Apply ethical and open research principles in research design CK
004 Communicate research ideas effectively P

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The teaching and learning methods are designed to convey knowledge about advanced research methods and design, develop skills in critically evaluating research methods and design, and practical skills in using advanced research methods and design.

They will include lectures, group discussions, and practicals.

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: PSYM147

Other information

The School of Psychology is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills and capabilities in the following areas:

Employability: The module develops knowledge and hands-on practical skills in using a range of advanced research tools that are valuable in both research and commercial organisations e.g. eye-tracking, heart rate variability, and electrodermal activity. The module has a theme of real-world impact and offers the opportunity for students to develop a number of skills in conducting and applying research in a wide range of practical contexts.

Digital Capabilities: Some of the advanced research tools require specialized software (e.g. Biopac and Tobii Eyetracker Pro) to acquire and analyse data. To use the tools effectively, students quickly learn to understand and operate novel software in order to achieve their objectives.

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Health Psychology MSc 1 Compulsory A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module
Environmental Psychology MSc 1 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required 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 2023/4 academic year.