PE7024 - Psychological Research Experience

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn how knowledge in psychology is developed through research. You will learn how to design and carry out research studies using a range of methodologies. The analysis and interpretation of data that you collect will build on knowledge acquired on other modules. The skills in writing reports in line with current conventions in the psychological literature will be developed through practice and detailed formative and summative feedback. The importance of ethical considerations will be constant theme throughout the module and the completion of documentation required for ethical research will be covered in depth.

How will I learn on this module?

The module is delivered entirely online via our electronic learning platform (elp). You will interact with a range of materials on the module site. The module home page provides you with quick access to detailed information about the module in an interactive, easily accessible format. You will act as researchers and participants in experimental and non-experimental quantitative and qualitative studies. Discussions around the design and implementation of studies will be based on practical, ethical and data analytical issues. Consideration of example reports and peer reviewed publications will facilitate further your writing skills in line with the requirements of the discipline. Directed learning will lead you to consider key research approaches and methodologies in psychology, and independent study will give you the opportunity to further reflect on how you might approach your own research, ethical considerations and practical issues that can then be discussed in online tutor led discussion forums.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be an autonomous, self-motivated learner within a supportive distance learning environment. You will be introduced to the module by the module tutor in an introductory video. The online module sessions and interactive tasks form the cornerstone for supporting you during your study. Academic support is available from the teaching team and each session includes a link to enable you to email a question directly to the tutor from within the session. Responses will be fed back either directly or via the module discussion board. In advance of each assessment a video presentation is uploaded to support you in your preparation for this session. This is followed by an online live question and answer session prior to submission of your assessed work. Focused academic support coupled with timely formative and summative feedback should enable you to meet your full academic potential within this module.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

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.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MK&U1: You will be expected to demonstrate critical understanding of a range of approaches to research in psychology by writing research reports.
• MK&U2You will be expected to collect, analyse and interpret data in a framework of current knowledge in the discipline.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MIPSA1: You will conceptualise, plan and undertake guided research projects
• MIPSA2: You will build employability through demonstration of effective communication to a range of audiences
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MPVA1:You will develop and reinforce research skills demonstrating awareness of ethical principles

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment will be made through the writing of research reports in line with current conventions. (MK&U1, MK&U2)
Formative Feedback
Written individual formative feedback will be provided on scripts.
Summative Assessment
Will be through two research reports covering qualitative and quantitative methods (MK&U1, MK&U2, MIPSA1, MPVA1, MIPSA2).
Summative Feedback
Individual written feedback will be provided on the electronic submission of assessed reports.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This module will allow you to explore theoretical aspects of psychology in a practical research focussed way. You will have the opportunity to engage with both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to answer questions that you will develop yourself under supervision. Specialist tests and software will be available for you to use in mini research projects to aid your understanding of how research is the bedrock of psychological knowledge. Your report writing skills will be practiced and honed to fully prepare you for the thesis that is the capstone of the programme. All of this will be achieved in tandem with discussion and application of ethical principles and practices.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Part Time (Distance Learning)
3 other options available

Department Psychology

Location Northumberland Building, Newcastle City Campus

City Newcastle

Start Upcoming Intakes: January 2025, April 2025, July 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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