ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS AND DESIGN - 2025/6
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 | 40 |
| Oral exam or presentation | Presentation + pre-registration document | 60 |
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 that they have met the learning outcomes.
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
Assessment 1: 1000 word critical evaluation of research methods.
Students will select one of the research methods taught in the module, review how it has been applied within their area of Psychology, and present a critical evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses.
Assessment 2: Research proposal presentation + 500 word pre-registration document.
Students will develop a research proposal developing a line of research from one of the members of the department. This will involve two experiments of which one will use a method taught in the module. The research will be assessed for theoretical contribution, methodological rigour, and real-world impact. The proposal will be developed and delivered as a group. Each group member will individually write a 500 word pre-registration document for their proposal.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Psychology MSc | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Health Psychology MSc | 1 | Compulsory | 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 2025/6 academic year.