Module PPC-4005:
Research Methods & Statistics
Research Methods & Statistics 2026-27
PPC-4005
2026-27
School of Psychology
10 credits
Module Organiser:
Nia Young
Overview
Topics covered in this module include: 鈥uantitative: Designing Research (Research Design) 鈥uantitative: Data Analysis (Analysing Data) 鈥uantitative: Descriptive Analysis (Mean, Mode, Median) 鈥uantitative: Inferential Analysis for Relationships (Correlation) 鈥uantitative: Inferential Analysis for Difference (T-Test, ANOVA) 鈥ualitative: Designing research (Research Design) 鈥ualitative: Data Analysis (Grounded Theory, Thematic Analysis, Discourse Analysis, Narrative Inquiry) 鈥elf in the Research (Researcher as Participant) 鈥esearch Projects (Research Decisions) 鈥lanning Research (Research Plans) 鈥pplying for Ethical Approval (Ethics Applications) Please note that these topics are subject to change dependent on staff availability, unexpected circumstances, and the assessed needs of the students.
Topics covered in this module include: 鈥uantitative: Designing Research (Research Design) 鈥uantitative: Data Analysis (Analysing Data) 鈥uantitative: Descriptive Analysis (Mean, Mode, Median) 鈥uantitative: Inferential Analysis for Relationships (Correlation) 鈥uantitative: Inferential Analysis for Difference (T-TEST, ANOVA) 鈥ualitative: Designing research (Research Design) 鈥ualitative: Data Analysis (Grounded Theory, Thematic Analysis, Discourse Analysis, Narrative Inquiry) 鈥elf in the Research (Researcher as Participant) 鈥esearch Projects (Research Decisions) 鈥lanning Research (Research Plans) 鈥pplying for Ethical Approval (Ethics Applications) Please note that these topics are subject to change dependent on staff availability, unexpected circumstances, and the assessed needs of the students.
Assessment Strategy
Assessment criteria for this module are as follows:
Excellent (A*, A+, A, A-) 鈥xcellent use of research with appropriate application of methods and statistics 鈥omprehensive knowledge of Research Methods and Statistics 鈥etailed understanding with no factual errors 鈥ritical analysis showing evaluation and synthesis of ideas 鈥ovel and innovative originality in approach, interpretation, and voice 鈥xtensive and comprehensive independent research 鈥ogically defended arguments with evidence for all claims 鈥ighly focused and well structured 鈥xcellent presentation with accurate and appropriate expression 鈥orrect format in appropriate referencing style
Good (B+, B, B-) 鈥ood use of research with appropriate application of methods and statistics 鈥trong knowledge of research methods and statistics 鈥lear understanding and mostly free of factual errors 鈥ome analysis showing critical evaluation and links between ideas 鈥ovel originality in approach, interpretation, and voice 鈥onsiderable independent research from appropriate sources 鈥oherent arguments with evidence for most claims 鈥ocused and well structured 鈥lear presentation with accurate and appropriate expression 鈥ostly correct format in appropriate referencing style
Threshold (C+, C, C-) 鈥imited use of research with appropriate application of methods and statistics 鈥ome knowledge of research methods and statistics 鈥nderstanding of the main concepts with no major factual errors 鈥asic analysis showing obvious points of evaluation and links between ideas 鈥ome originality in approach, interpretation, and/or voice for part of the work 鈥ome independent research from appropriate sources 鈥rguments presented with evidence for the most important claims 鈥eadable structure showing focus at times 鈥cceptable presentation with appropriate expression 鈥ttempt at correct format in appropriate referencing style with no major errors
If you do not meet the threshold then your work will be graded as a Fail. Fail grades vary from Poor (D+, D, D-, E+, E, E-) to Very Poor (F).
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse quantitative and qualitative research data
- Critically appraise research risks within the bounds of appropriate ethical guidelines.
- Critically understand and apply different approaches to research study
- Generate an original research proposal with a critical understanding of how data can be gathered and analysed
Assessment method
Other
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Three classroom exercises completed across the semester. Exercises are open-book sets of questions (often multiple-choice or short answer) accessed through Blackboard. Exercises can be completed in the weekly workshop with the lecturer available to answer questions if needed. Alternatively, the student can choose to complete the exercise in their own time outside the class during that week. Each exercise is made available on the Monday of that week and must be submitted before the following Monday when the answers will be released. Each exercise should take approximately 50 minutes to complete, but the exercise itself has no time limit to ensure that it is fully inclusive for students with different learning needs.
Weighting
20%
Due date
03-05-2027
Assessment method
Written Plan/Proposal
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Research proposal consisting of three parts: 1.Research Review of 1000wds critically exploring published research and theory into a key issue in counselling or psychotherapy and justifying the need for the proposed research (must be completed independently) 2.Ethics Form proposing an ethical and pragmatic research project for the final dissertation (can be completed in collaboration with others in your research project group and all members of the group receive the same marks for this component) 3.Ethics Gateway Test (90% pass/fail) 4. SONA Research Participation (eight credits)
Weighting
80%
Due date
15-03-2027