PY0546 - Advanced Qualitative and Survey Methods and Lab Experience

You will have the opportunity to learn about qualitative research methods, survey design, analyses, social psychology and development psychology in a lecture-based format, and attend weekly workshops which will provide the opportunity to learn and practice data analysis skills under supervision. Further to this, practical laboratory-based workshops will be held in the specialist psychology labs. These workshops are active learning sessions designed to increase the depth and breadth of your knowledge by giving you practical experience of conducting qualitative research and developing a psychometric instrument, along with discussion and debate with regard to topics, methods and any associated ethical issues. You will learn how to use survey design software for the purposes of data collection, and will have the opportunity to handle primary source material while developing a psychometric test, demonstrate that you can comprehend and use data effectively while filtering out items for your measure, and show that you understand the process that you have used in reporting the test validation process that you have used.

Tutors will support you by making a variety of resources linked to the lectures series, workshops, practical’s and assessments available on the e-learning portal (e.g. PowerPoint slides, lectures handouts, workshop materials, revision tasks, online tests, reading lists) along with links to resources to encourage further exploration of research methods and specific research topics. A discussion board on the e-learning portal will be available for students to pose and respond to questions among peers and to module, assessment and laboratory tutors. This enhances collegiality and also means that support is available to all students. Technology enabled learning will be implemented through the use of Panopto recording software, Microsoft Teams collaboration tool, online submission and marking of assessment, and the use of a range of technologies designed for data collection.

Students will be assigned to a laboratory tutor who will work with them in practical classes, and provide feedback at various designated points throughout the module. Additional one-to-one or group tutorials can provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues related to the module with a member of staff.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
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MK1: You will be expected to demonstrate critical understanding of operationalising and reporting research projects using advanced qualitative research methods andsurvey development and psychometric analysis techniques

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MIP1: You will develop the ability to operationalise research questions, by designing, conducting, reporting and interpreting a qualitative study in the field of developmental and social psychology
• MIP2: You will develop the ability to design an empirical study aimed to pilot a psychometric survey, and conduct, interpret and report the validation of this psychometric instrument
• MIP3: You will develop employability through development of effective team work, problem solving skills and time management, working together with a group of students to generate, explore and develop a research proposal to be presented to academic staff, in written and/or oral form, having sourced and organised information from multiple sources

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MPV1: : You will develop the characteristics of a Northumbria psychology graduate as you use research skills to contribute to knowledge generation and dissemination, demonstrating awareness of ethical principles

Formative Assessment
You will engage in peer and tutor led discussions of research ideas, in order to develop the ability to formulate a rationale and design studies (MK1; MK2; MIP1; MIP3; MIP5). Completion of formative ethics documents will provide you with the opportunity to develop your understanding of research ethics (PVA1)

Summative
You will complete four summative assessments.
Practical Lab 1 has got two summative assessments: Proposal 1 and Report 1. Practical Lab 2 also has two summative assessments: Proposal 2 and Report 2.

Proposal 1 is an oral presentation of the study proposal for Practical Lab 1. It is presented as a group, but you are assessed individually (MIP3). Report 1 is a 3000 word lab report of the final study for Practical Lab 1 (MK1; MIP1; MPV1).This is assessed individually.

Proposal 2 is a written proposal of the study proposal for Practical Lab 2 (MIP3). It is completed as a group and you are awarded a group mark. Report 2 is a 3000 word lab report of the final study for Practical Lab 2 (MK1; MIP2; MPV1). This is assessed individually.


Feedback
Feedback for the assessments will provided through typed comments on electronically submitted assignments which are returned to students and in form of feedback sheets for oral presentation of the proposal. As a minimum, feedback will identify a strength, a weakness and an area for improvement. Common issues and methods for improvement will be presented either in written form or as a Panopto recording following the released of individual feedback.

Students are encouraged to attend individual tutorial sessions with assessment tutors if they wish to discuss their work.

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This module aims to provide you with knowledge and practical experience of qualitative research methods and survey design. You will be able to explore psychological research through application to your own empirical research studies. You will also further your understanding of social and developmental psychology and psychopathology.

Lectures and workshops will support you in developing the practical skills needed to design studies and interpret collected data. Practical laboratory classes will allow you to learn the skills needed to operationalise your ideas and report the findings of your investigations according to accepted conventions in psychology. These practical reports, along with a presentation will form the assessment for this module.

You will be supported through a dedicated lab tutor supervising your practical work, and e-learning resources to allow you to tailor the level of support to suit your development needs. Group work in practical laboratory classes will encourage the development of your interpersonal skills.