Introduction in Research Methods

Code

REHB4016

School

Rehabilitation and Ageing

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

This course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to effectively plan and design research as well as to critically appraise published research. Student will be introduced to how to write a literature review in a systematic way, how to write a research proposal, study designs (including developing research questions), ethics and practical issues when planning and conducting research. The course will also cover designing questionnaires, psychometric issues such as reliability and validity, using interviews and focus groups, and use if the internet and an introduction to online research methods.

Target Students

Postgraduate students in the Division of Rehabilitation & Ageing and Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology. Also open to PhD Students (both PGT and PGR).

Classes

• One 4-hour lecture each week for 5 weeks

Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester.

Assessment

• 100% Coursework 1: 1 x 3000 critical review of a published paper

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding: a) Knowledge of research designs used in applied psychology and mental health research b) Understanding the strengths and limitations of quantitative and qualitative methods c) awareness of the social, ethical and organisational issues involved in research and practitioner contexts d) sound knowledge and understanding of research design d) sound knowledge and understanding of research design.

Intellectual skills: a) Appraisal of scientific methodology of studies in applied psychology and mental health b) Ability to design applied research c) analyse and interpret evidence d) display the skills of problem-solving and reasoning e) demonstrate skills of independence of thought f) appraise and critically evaluate g) apply psychological research methods h) problem-solve in relation to psychological, social and organisational issues in work and organisational psychology

Professional practical skills: a) Awareness of ethical issues in research b) professional and ethical conduct

Transferable Skills a) Written and oral communication skills b) Critical appraisal of research methods c) communicate effectively in writing d) retrieve information from databases and the internet

Conveners

• Dr Shirley Thomas