Applied Research Methods Year 1
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PSGY5006 | Psychology | 5 | 60 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- PSGY5006
- School
- Psychology
- Level
- 5
- Credits
- 60
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
This module considers:
The nature of enquiry in the social sciences, the relationship between epistemology and methodology, and the qualitative-quantitative debate.
Evidence-informed practice in a diverse society: the relationship between research findings, policy and practice at the national and local level, from legislation through to individual work with or around young people, teachers, parents and other professionals.
Systematic searching, critiquing, synthesis and reporting of literature.
Fixed designs in applied research.
Flexible designs and action research paradigms.
Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.
Ethics in applied psychological research.
Pragmatic skills in research design and execution.
Self-reflection and decision making as researchers.
Target Students
Postgraduate students enrolled on Doctorate of Applied Educational Psychology (Professional Training) Programme.
Classes
- Two 3-hour seminars each week for 30 weeks
Module activity includes: • Elicitation of TEPs’ previous knowledge and research experiences • Tutor-led overviews of research sometimes supplemented by presentations by external professionals and researchers with areas of expertise. • Critical analysis and review of previous literature and research . • Small-scale research projects undertaken on placement including the development and implementation of single-case experimental design. • Small group research and documentary analysis. • Group discussion and presentation of placement-based research activities, research proposals and projects • Research exercises led by tutors • TEP group reflection and connection building related to research • Follow-up and exploration of trainee learning during university- based tutorials and research supervisions • Set reading related to research methods
Assessment
- 40% Review 4000 words: A small-scale systematic review or synthesis of literature 4000 words 40% Spring semester.
- 40% Review 4000 words: A single-case experimental design investigating a learning intervention.
- 20% Presentation 15 - 20 minutes Summer term: A presentation of formative research proposals 15 - 20 minutes 20%
Assessed by end of summer vacation
Educational Aims
The aim of this module is toequiptrainee educational psychologistswith theknowledge, skills, confidence and objectivity in order to be able to fulfil the requirements placed upon professional educational psychologists to be researchers in applied settings. The module aims toensuretrainee educational psychologistsdevelop: required methodological knowledge.critical intellectual skills.personal effectiveness in planning and execution of applied research.understanding of research governance, including ethical principles and governance.skills and competence in planning for knowledge transfer and research dissemination.Learning Outcomes
A) Knowledge and Understanding
- Knowledge of the epistemologies underpinning research methodology within the social sciences.
- Knowledge of key characteristics and applications of the scientific method, particularly as applied in real-world research.
- Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods.
- Understanding of core issues in design, conduct and analysis of research in applied settings, including sampling, measurement or coding and reliability and validity or authenticity and trustworthiness.
- Knowledge pertaining to research governance and ethical principles.
- Knowledge of the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.
B) Professional Practice Skills
- Skills in the application research governance and ethical principles.
- Skills in the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.
- Skills in critiquing research designs and reports.
- Skills in planning a sustained investigation.
- Skills in the use of software to support data management, including as a minimum: word processing for extended documents; Excel; SPSS; and referencing software.
- Personal and professional skills pertaining to research conduct and dissemination.
- Critical self-awareness and self-management as a practitioner-researcher.
Conveners
- Sarah Godwin
- Dr Nick Durbin