PE7024 - Psychological Research Experience

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.

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.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

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

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.

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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.