PSYC06031 2022 Research Methods for Psychology I

General Details

Full Title
Research Methods for Psychology I
Transcript Title
Res Meth for Psych I
Code
PSYC06031
Attendance
70 %
Subject Area
PSYC - Psychology Studies
Department
SOCS - Social Sciences
Level
06 - NFQ Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Dr. Allison Gillen
Programme Membership
SG_HENGL_H08 202200 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English and Psychology SG_HENGL_H08 202400 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English and Psychology
Description

The Research Methods for Psychology I module will introduce students to research methods in Psychology.  Students will explore research methods with a particular focus on the practical experience of the ethical administration of qualitative research methods, in this module this will be focus groups.  Students will subsequently learn how to analyse this qualitative data using NVivo, with particular emphasis on thematic analysis.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Discuss and evaluate conceptual and ethical considerations in qualitative research methods and design in Psychology.

2.

Generate original focus group qualitative data which is ethically sourced.

3.

Demonstrate evidence of competency in conducting focus group qualitative data analysis using NVivo software.

4.

Demonstrate evidence of competency in interpreting and reporting focus group qualitative data analysis using NVivo software.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

This Research Methods for Psychology I module will be delivered through formal face-to-face lecture and laboratory sessions, using a range of strategies including PowerPoint presentations, research based activities, laboratory work, journal articles, and discussion of topics and online materials.  Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of group work, independent learning, and using NVivo.  Students will be expected to develop their knowledge of topics through independent and guided reading for the lecture and laboratory sessions, and by engaging with the activities during the lecture and laboratory sessions.

Module Assessment Strategies

Assessment 1: Focus Group Qualitative Research Report (100%; 2,500 words)

Students will design and conduct a qualitative piece of research which will include focus groups.  Students will complete a Focus Group Qualitative Research Report based on the thematic analysis of this qualitative data.

References must be presented in APA format.

Repeat Assessments

Students who do not successfully complete this work will resubmit for the next available sitting.  This second attempt will be capped at 40%.

Indicative Syllabus

This Research Methods for Psychology I module is divided into four topics: (1) Qualitative Research Design and Ethical Considerations of Psychology Research; (2) Conducting Qualitative Data Analysis [thematic analysis]; (3) Interpretation and Reporting of Qualitative Data Analysis [thematic analysis]; and (4) Using NVivo.

 

Learning Outcome 1: Discuss and evaluate conceptual and ethical considerations in qualitative research methods and design in Psychology.

Building on the learning achieved from the Research Ethics in Psychology module, ethical considerations such as those from the Psychological Society of Ireland's Code of Professional Ethics and other appropriate Codes of Professional Ethics will be discussed and evalutated to qualitative research methods and design in Psychology.  

 

Learning Outcome 2: Generate original focus group qualitative data which is ethically sourced.

Ethical considerations such as those from the Psychological Society of Ireland's Code of Professional Ethics and other appropriate Codes of Professional Ethics will be applied to facilitate the collection of primary and original focus group qualitative data which is ethically sourced.

 

Learning Outcome 3: Demonstrate evidence of competency in conducting focus group qualitative data analysis using NVivo software.

Following the collection of the primary and original focus group qualitative data which is ethically sourced, students will learn how to analyse this focus group qualitative data following thematic analysis, and how to use NVivo software to facilitate this focus group qualitative data analysis.

 

Learning Outcome 4: Demonstrate evidence of competency in interpreting and reporting focus group qualitative data analysis using NVivo software.

Students will demonstrate skills of appropriate Report Writing in Psychology by demonstrating that they can interpret and report their focus group qualitative data analysis (using thematic analysis) appropriately, with the evidence included from NVivo to demonstrate this competency.

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Focus Group Qualitative Research Report Coursework Assessment Assessment 100 % End of Semester 1,2,3,4
             
             

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Lecture Theatre Lecture 1 Weekly 1.00
Practical / Laboratory Computer Laboratory Laboratory Practical 2 Weekly 2.00
Independent Learning Not Specified Student Independent Effort Hours 3 Weekly 3.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
2017-10-19 Collecting Qualitative Data Cambridge University Press
ISBN 1107054974 ISBN-13 9781107054974

Is there more to qualitative data collection than face-to-face interviews? Answering with a resounding 'yes', this book introduces the reader to a wide array of exciting and novel techniques for collecting qualitative data in the social and health sciences. Collecting Qualitative Data offers a practical and accessible guide to textual, media and virtual methods currently under-utilised within qualitative research. Contributors from a range of disciplines share their experiences of implementing a particular technique, provide step-by-step guidance to using that approach, and highlight both the potential and pitfalls. From gathering blog data to the story completion method to conducting focus groups online, the methods and data types featured in this book are ideally suited to student projects and other time- and resource-limited research. In presenting several innovative ways that data can be collected, new modes of scholarship and new research orientations are opened up to student researchers and established scholars alike.

Required Reading
2019-12 Concise Guide to APA Style American Psychological Association (APA)
ISBN 1433832739 ISBN-13 9781433832734

Designed specifically for undergraduate writing, this easy-to-use pocket guide provides complete guidance for new writers on effective, clear, and inclusive scholarly communication and the essentials of formatting papers and other course assignments.

Required Reading
2020-01-14 Reporting Qualitative Research in Psychology American Psychological Association (APA)
ISBN 1433833433 ISBN-13 9781433833434

"Reporting standards are guidelines that describe how to communicate findings clearly in journal articles so that readers can access and understand the story of the research endeavor. Recognizing that reporting standards can aid authors in the process of writing and evaluating manuscripts and editors and reviewers in the process of evaluating those manuscripts, the Publications and Communications (P&C) Board of the American Psychological Association (APA) invited two task forces of researchers to develop standards for reporting quantitative and qualitative research in journal articles. The Quantitative Journal Article Reporting Standards Working Group developed standards for quantitative research, and a separate book details those standards. This book discusses the reporting standards. It permits the space to expand on the ideas in those standards and to articulate the rationale behind each. It articulates decisions one may need to make as an author as one decides how to present their work. It also provides examples to illustrate a strong presentation style, and these can serve as helpful models. It provides the conceptual undergirding for the reporting decisions that authors make during the writing process. The book considers the typical sections of a qualitative research paper7the introductory sections, Method, Results, and Discussion. Guidance is provided for how to best present qualitative research, with rationales and illustrations. The book presents reporting standards for qualitative meta-analyses, which are integrative analyses of findings from across primary qualitative research. The book includes a discussion of objectivist and constructivist rhetorical styles in research reporting."--Preface. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Required Reading
2018-12-03 Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology
ISBN 1138708968 ISBN-13 9781138708969

The seventh edition of Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology provides students with the most readable and comprehensive survey of research methods, statistical concepts and procedures in psychology today. Assuming no prior knowledge, this bestselling text takes you through every stage of your research project giving advice on planning and conducting studies, analysing data and writing up reports. The book provides clear coverage of experimental, interviewing and observational methods, psychological testing, qualitative methods and analysis and statistical procedures which include nominal level tests, multi-factorial ANOVA designs, multiple regression, log linear analysis, and factor analysis. It features detailed and illustrated SPSS instructions for all these and other procedures, eliminating the need for an extra SPSS textbook. New features to this edition include: Additional coverage of factor analysis and online and modern research methods Expanded coverage of report writing guidelines References updated throughout Presentation updated throughout, to include more figures, tables and full colour to help break up the text Companion website signposted throughout the book to improve student usability Improved and extended web links and further reading associated with every chapter. Each chapter contains a glossary, key terms and newly integrated exercises, ensuring that key concepts are understood. A fully updated companion website (www.routledge.com/cw/coolican) provides additional exercises, testbanks for each chapter, revision flash cards, links to further reading and data for use with SPSS.

Recommended Reading
2013-04-05 Successful Qualitative Research SAGE Publications Limited
ISBN 1847875823 ISBN-13 9781847875822

Electronic Inspection Copy available for instructors here Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Beginners is an accessible, practical textbook. It sidesteps detailed theoretical discussion in favour of providing a comprehensive overview of strategic tips and skills for starting and completing successful qualitative research. Uniquely, the authors provide a 'patterns framework' to qualitative data analysis in this book, also known as 'thematic analysis'. The authors walk you through a basic thematic approach, and compare and contrast this with other approaches. This discussion of commonalities, explaining why and when each method should be used, and in the context of looking at patterns, will provide you with complete confidence for your qualitative research journey. Key features of this textbook: - Full of useful tips and strategies for successful qualitative work, for example considering the nervous student not just the beginner student. - Skills-based, utilising a range of pedagogical features to encourage you to apply particular techniques and learn from your experience. - The authors use the same dataset throughout - reproduced in full (with associated research materials) on the companion website - to help you make comparisons across different analytical approaches. - A comprehensive suite of student support materials, including practice exam questions, can be found online at www.sagepub.com/braunandclarke. This textbook will be an essential textbook for undergraduates and postgraduates taking a course in qualitative research or using qualitative approaches in a research project. Visit the Companion Website at www.sagepub.com/braunandclarke

Required Reading
2021-11-13 Thematic Analysis Sage Publications Limited
ISBN 1473953243 ISBN-13 9781473953246

This book is the definitive approach to thematic analysis, offering a highly accessible and practical discussion of doing TA.

Module Resources

Journal Resources
URL Resources

The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) has many useful resources for students including the PSI's Code of Professional Ethics, resources such as writing style and links to publications and journals. (https://www.psychologicalsociety.ie/).


The British Psychological Society (BPS) has various sections providing resources such as the BPS Research Digest, links to journals, publications and ethical guidelines. (www.bps.org.uk).


The American Psychological Association (APA) has various divisions and useful resources for students and practitioners. The website provides resources such as writing style and ethical guidelines, links to publications and journals. (www.apa.org)

Other Resources
Additional Information

There may also be additional Recommended Reading and Further Reading suggested during the Lecture and Laboratory sessions. Some of the links to these resources may be provided in the weekly folders in the module area online. However, at this level of study students are reminded that they are expected to read widely and extensively, sourcing their own contemporary, appropriate, academic, psychology-based literature to be fully informed on the topics.

As a 5 credit module, the total Student Independent Effort Hours for this module are 3 hours per week.