PY0418 - Qualitative Psychological Laboratory Experience and Skills

On this module you will learn through a series of practical, laboratory based sessions in which you will take part in small-scale empirical research studies, acting as both “participants” and as “researchers”, and skills-based workshops in which you will develop a range of professional and transferable skills. The practical sessions will provide you with opportunities to practice the skills in a structured setting, though you will also be able to use and benefit from the skills in other parts of the degree. You will learn to conduct research in a number of core areas of psychology using qualitative methodologies, and with due regard to the professional issues associated with the discipline.

You will learn in our specialist psychology teaching labs, using current research software (e.g. bibliographical resources) and equipment. You will learn to use different software packages (e.g. PowerPoint) to present your findings and enhance your communication skills.

You will be required to complete four formative assesments and two summative assesments. For the formative assessments you will produce four sub-sections of a report (Introduction, Method, Results and Discussion). The first summative assessment is a group poster presentation and the second summative assessment is an individual qualitative research report.

The module is supported by a team of tutors who will support you during the classes. In addition, tutorials can provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues related to the module with a member of staff. A variety of other resources linked to the workshops and assessments will available on the eLearning Portal (e.g. powerpoint slides, report templates, examples of qualitative reports and online reading lists) along with links to websites to encourage further exploration of the background areas within the field of psychology. A discussion board on the eLearning Portal will be available for students to pose and respond to questions among peers and to module tutors. This enhances collegiality and also means that support is available to all students. Technology enabled learning will be implemented through the use of electronic management of assessment.

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:
• MK1: You will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of a range of qualitative research methods within psychology

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MIP1: You will develop the ability to generate, explore and operationalise qualitative research questions, by designing, conducting and reporting an empirical study in the field
• MIP2: You will also build on employability and transferrable skills through the development of teamwork, problem solving skills, time management and sourcing information
• MIP3: You will further build employability and transferable skills, by demonstrating your ability to verbally communicate ideas

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 and demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues

Formative assessment:
For the formative assessments you will produce four sub-sections of a report (Introduction, Method, Results and Discussion). MK1, MIP1, MIP2, MPV1

Summative assessment:
The first summative assessment is a group poster presentation, focussing on your ability to work with others and communicate your ideas verbally (20% of module mark) (MIP2; MIP3; MPV1)

2. The second summative assessment is an individual written qualitative research report (2000 words; 80% of the module mark), focussing on your ability to conduct and report a study (MK1; MIP1; MIP2; MPV1)

Feedback
Feedback on the formative assessments will be peer review of the work using a detailed marking guide provided by the tutor.

Rich and detailed individual feedback is provided for the summative written report, via EMA. Immediate oral feedback is provided on the group poster presentation.
Generic feedback for the Module is provided via the eLearning Portal. Cohort mean, standard deviation and distributions of marks for components are provided so students can compare their performance with that of their cohort.

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The module is designed to introduce you to the basic principles of qualitative research methologies. You will be encouraged to explore research through operationalising your own empirical research studies. The workshops are designed to be engaging and interactive and will encourage development of communication skills and teamwork. Your learning will be supported by a variety of e-learning resources and allocation of your own dedicated class tutor to facilitate your learning journey.

Formative assessments are used to build your confidence and prepare you for the final summative report. The poster presentation focusses on your career aspirations to provide you with an understanding of the career routes in psychology.