PSYC42615: Research Methods for Behavioural Science

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• To acquire knowledge about the main methodologies used in Behavioural Science.
• To develop an understanding of advanced principles of research design, the scientific methods and how these can be applied to behavioural problems in the real-world.

• This module cultivates knowledge of research methods. Indicative topics include: research integrity and ethics; open science practices; understanding the link between theory, problems and behavioural interventions; considerations when undertaking experimental, survey and longitudinal designs; reliability, validity and psychometrics; reviewing and evaluating evidence; and communicating research to policy makers and lay audiences.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Critical understanding of research design and strategy
• The ability to formulate and evaluate researchable problems.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Ability to select appropriate methods for a specific research question.
• Ability to identify critical issues in research methodology and data management.

Key Skills:

• Good written communication skills
• Good IT skills in word processing, data manipulation and data presentation
• Ability to work independently in scholarship and research within broad guidelines.

• This module will be delivered by the Department of Psychology
• This module will follow a blended learning approach and there will be asynchronous (non-live) activities for students to complete in their own time, outside the in-person block of teaching.
• The face-to-face elements will follow a lecture/workshop format and will take place during the in-person block condensed teaching outside of term time.
• Live webinars will also be conducted outside the in-person teaching block to facilitate the asynchronous online activities and summative assessment. Webinars will be recorded for students who cannot attend due to work commitments. Students may have access to online discussion boards.
• This module is assessed formatively through intermittent multiple-choice questions to gauge understanding of key concepts as students work through the asynchronous learning activities. Formative assessments may also include generating testable research question.
• There will be two (complementary) summative assessment: (a) a pitch-to-peers session, in which students will formulate and present their initial research proposals to peers (30%). Students will get feedback from peers that will help them develop the written research proposal (70%), with some emphasis placed on how much they are able to incorporate peer feedback into this final piece.

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