PY3101 - Psychological Research Methods and Interpretation

This subject covers research designs that are non-experimental or quasi-experimental in nature. These include methods that are often more appropriate for research in field settings where experiments are neither practical nor sensible. The different types of validity and the benefits and limitations of weighing one type of validity against another will be considered. In addition, some of the most popular and powerful multivariate statistical techniques will also be introduced in lectures and practicals. The statistical material will cover multiple and logistic regression, factor analysis, discriminant analysis and multi dimensional scaling analysis. The emphasis will be on the conceptual understanding and use of these techniques rather than mathematical arguments and proofs. Practicals will focus on everyday applications of the knowledge you gain from your study of research design.

Learning Outcomes

• To view research in applied settings in a practical and logical manner;
• To apply the methods of scientific research to answer questions and solve problems in field settings;
• To recognise the strengths and limitations of these methodologies;
• To interpret and critically evaluate the results of applied research;
• To focus on the conceptual understanding of the statistical techniques presented and their application to different research settings;
• Produce a research proposal paying particular attention to the design and analysis components of the proposed study.

Subject Assessment

• end of semester exam (40%)
• quizzes or tests (20%)
• practical work (40%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.