PY0774 - Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

What will I learn on this module?

The module is designed to give you a theoretical and practical knowledge of common and more advanced quantitative and qualitative methods of collecting and analysing data in psychology. A range of methods will be studied, and relevant hardware and software will be used in exercises. The communication of findings according to the most recent conventions and with due regard to the audience will be addressed. The approach is to provide a theoretical background for each technique, so that you are not simply capable of carrying out and reporting analyses, but also capable of reflecting critically on their appropriateness in psychological research and practice.

How will I learn on this module?

The module is delivered in two, weekly 90-minute sessions in which some time is spent giving information about a technique and the rest providing the opportunity for you to practice the technique. Independent study will give you further opportunity to enhance skills in analysis and explore key theoretical underpinnings and practical contexts relating to the different techniques taught. Much of the learning on this module will be experiential through the hands-on analysis and interpretation of data. You will have the opportunity to reflect on ethical guidelines, open science practices, and how they impact on data collection, analysis and use in psychology.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Resources will be available via the e-learning portal, including lecture slides, guidance notes and related supplementary materials e.g. data sets. Recommended readings additional to those on the reading list and useful links to web-based resources will also be provided. Discussion boards and tutorials will support you throughout the module, and current information will be presented to help you to explore how data collection analysis and interpretation are key to a range of potential graduate employment pathways, self-employment, and further study options.

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:
• Analyse and critically evaluate the meaning of qualitative and quantitative data
• Critically reflect on the use and appropriateness of qualitative and quantitative research techniques in psychology research and practice

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Communicate effectively and disseminate information appropriately to a range of stakeholders.
• Develop and enhance professional competence and employability skills through engagement with a variety of practical activities.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Critically reflect on ethics in relation to research methodologies and data interpretation in psychology

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment:
• Formative feedback will be provided by module teaching staff during learning activities on interview question development, interview practice, and activities connected with specific qualitative analytic approaches. • Formative feedback will be provided by module teaching staff during learning activities on data handling, data visualisation, analyses, and reporting guidelines for specific quantitative approaches.
• Verbal module tutor feedback will be provided during discussions of qualitative and quantitative techniques and their application in data analysis.

Summative assessment:
The module assessment will comprise of two parts:

• Part 1 – 50%:
3000 word quantitative research report.

• Part 2 – 50%:
4000 word qualitative research report.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

The module is designed to give you a research-focussed appreciation of a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methods for collecting and analysing data in psychology. Wherever possible real-world data from published studies will be employed and relevant technology and software will be used in exercises aimed at furthering your abilities in analysis and interpretation. The communication of findings according to the most recent conventions and with due regard to the audience will be addressed. The overarching approach is to provide a theoretical background for each technique, and the real-world applications so that you are not simply capable of carrying out and reporting analyses, but also capable of reflecting critically on their appropriateness in psychological research and practice. Formative feedback will support your learning and prepare you for the summative assignments.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Part Time
1 other options available

Department Psychology

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

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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