PSYC2018 Research Methods 2

2016

4.5

1 x 2-hour workshop weekly
5 x 2-hour practicals per semester

1 Admission into BPSG-Bachelor of Psychological Studies (Graduate Entry)
2 3 of PSYC1101, PSYC1102, PSYC1106, PSYC1200, PSYC1201, PSYC1206
Must Satisfy: ((1) or (2))

PSYC2009 has been successfully completed

Research Methods 1 or Basics of Behavioural Research

Core topic Bachelor of Psychology (Honours); Bachelor of Psychological Studies (Graduate Entry); Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology); Bachelor of Psychological Science; Bachelor of Arts.

The 2 - hour workshop will include a significant proportion of time spent on in-class exercises and discussions.

Short answer exam, multiple choice exam, assignments.

This topic includes an introduction to the skills required to carry out research in psychology/behavioural sciences.

The specific issues to be addressed include:

(i)Basic research skills (the scientific method, critical evaluation of research, experimental and non-experimental designs)

(ii)Basic data analysis (uni- and bivariate descriptive statistics, inferential statistical analyses of bivariate relationships [t-tests, one-way ANOVA, correlation, simple linear regression, and corresponding non-parametric tests including the chi-square test], the logic of inferential statistics, confidence intervals and effect sizes, and statistical analysis using SPSS. In addition, we introduce the extension to two independent variables by considering factorial ANOVA and multiple regression

(iii)The effective communication of research findings (primarily written). The emphasis is on an approach of critical thinking about research which looks at the whole process as well as the purpose of research rather than the mere development of a set of structured rules to follow.

The topic aims to:

• develop research design skills required in carrying out research in the psychological sciences
• introduce the basic univariate and bivariate data analysis skills required in carrying out research in the psychological sciences
• develop skills in the effective written communication of empirical psychological research
• introduce a more in-depth coverage of statistical alternatives to tests of statistical significance; primarily the APA recommended complementary techniques of confidence intervals and effect sizes
• develop a critical thinking approach to research
• teach ethical obligations of researchers

On successful completion of this topic, students should be able to:

• demonstrate understanding of the fundamental research design concepts that underpin research in the psychological sciences
• outline the ethical standards that apply to research
• demonstrate understanding of the statistical techniques learnt
• demonstrate an ability to communicate, in written form, the outcomes of empirical research
• demonstrate an understanding of confidence intervals and effect sizes, and their relation to tests of statistical significance
• show a capacity to apply critical thinking skills in tackling research problems