PB414
Advanced Methods for Social Psychology Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Ilka Gleibs
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Organisational and Social Psychology, MSc in Psychology of Economic Life, MSc in Social and Cultural Psychology and MSc in Social and Public Communication. This course is not available as an outside option.
Students will have to choose between PB411 and PB414.
Course content
This course is for MSc students in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science. It will:
- provide an overview of methodological issues for psychological research;
- cover core skills in research design in Psychology; and
- provide training in core psychological methods of analysing quantitative and qualitative data.
By the end of the course as a whole, students will be equipped with methodological skills that will enable them to conduct empirical research for their MSc dissertation and in a variety of real world contexts.
Teaching
Teaching takes place in the MT, LT and ST. The course has four components:
- 13 hours of lectures on methodological issues and research design, as preparation for completing the course, PB410 Dissertation (LT)
- MY421M Qualitative Research Methods (MT)
- MY452M Applied Regression Analysis (MT)
- A series of non-compulsory and non-assessed specialist workshops in LT and ST on specific research methods that students can choose to attend for preparation of their dissertation.
Formative coursework
Students will follow the formative work requirements on the MY course(s) that they take under each stream.
Indicative reading
- Bauer, M. and Gaskell, G. (2000) Qualitative researching with text, image and sound - a practical handbook London, Sage
- Breakwell, G. Foot, H. and Gilmour. (1988) Doing Social Psychology: Laboratory and Field Exercises. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Haslam, S.A., & McGarty, C. (2014). Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology. London: Sage.
- Miell, D. and Wetherwell, M. (1998) Doing Social Psychology. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
- Agresti, A and Finlay, B, Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences. A course pack will be available for download online.
Additional reading will be recommended.
Assessment
Report (50%) in the LT.
Take-home assessment (40%) in the ST.
Continuous assessment (10%) in the MT.
- PB414: Not assessed
- MY421: 50% 3,000 word report (LT)
- MY452M: 40% take-home assessment (ST) and 10% continuous assessment (MT)
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Psychological and Behavioural Science
Total students 2019/20: 7
Average class size 2019/20: 2
Controlled access 2019/20: No
Value: One Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills
