Practical Methods in Psychology 1
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PSGY1015 | Psychology | 1 | 20 | Full Year Malaysia |
- Code
- PSGY1015
- School
- Psychology
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year Malaysia
Summary
This Practical Module offers several components that relate to psychological research methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Approximately fourteen laboratory classes, of three hours duration each, address several different psychological topics using a range of investigative procedures, some based on the experimental method and with one qualitative approach. Students work alone or in pairs designing studies, and collecting and analysing data. Work handed in for assessment must be done individually. To undertake these studies students are instructed in the use of experimental design and analysis software, and will be introduced to web-based resources, and modern research techniques in experimental psychology. They will also be introduced to some aspects of qualitative research methods. Students also will attend some psychological experiments, presentations and participate in a fieldtrip to enhance their understanding.
Target Students
1st year BSc Psychology and BSc Psychology & Cognitive Neuroscience students
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
Classes
- One 3-hour practicum each week for 23 weeks
Assessment
- 60% Coursework 1: 3 Lab reports
- 25% Coursework 2: Individual report on thematic analysis of focus group discussion or individual interview
- 10% Coursework 3: One fieldtrip report of 1000 words
- 5% Coursework 4: Experimental participation. Students will be required to act as participants in SONA experiments and/ or qualitative research throughout the year conducted by researchers at UNM
Educational Aims
To provide an integrative approach to psychology through the use of scientific method, enabling students to critically assess previous research and to design conduct, analyse and report their own studies.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
- Can demonstrate knowledge of a range of research paradigms, research methods and measurement techniques, including statistical analysis and one qualitative method, and be aware of their limitations.
Intellectual skills
- Can pose, operationalise and critique research questions.
Professional/practical skills
- Can demonstrate substantial competence in research skills through practical activities; can reason statistically and use a range of statistical methods with confidence; can competently initiate, design, conduct and report an empirically based research project under appropriate supervision; can demonstrate proficiency with E-prime software used for designing experiments; can recognise theoretical, practical and methodological implications and limitations of experiments conducted. Can conduct a focus group discussion or individual interview and perform thematic analysis on a transcript.
Transferable skills
- Is computer literate and is confident in using word processing and statistical software; can solve problems by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions and evaluating outcomes; can undertake self-directed study and project management in order to meet desired objectives.
Conveners
- Dr Wong Hoo Keat