PSY-10056 - Module Specification School of Psychology Faculty of Natural Sciences
For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025
PSY-10056 - First Steps in Becoming a Psychology Researcher
Coordinator: David Walker Tel: +44 1782 7 34265
School Office: 01782 733736
Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Co-requisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Barred Combinations
None
Description for 2025/26
How do psychologists explore the complexities of human behavior? What methods do we use to measure and analyze the world around us? In this introductory module, you’ll take your first steps into the fascinating world of psychological research, learning how both qualitative and quantitative methods are used to investigate human thought, behavior, and experience.This module will guide you through the essential skills of research design, data collection, and analysis, allowing you to explore philosophical and ethical considerations in research, while gaining hands-on experience. Whether you’re analyzing patterns in behavior through statistical methods or exploring human experience through interviews and qualitative data, you’ll build a foundation in both approaches.In a mix of interactive bite-size sessions and practical labs, you’ll develop the ability to create effective research questions, select appropriate methods, and apply your knowledge to real-world psychological research. By the end of the module, you will have a solid grounding in designing, conducting, and analyzing psychological research using both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
This module will introduce students to both qualitative and quantitative research methods for psychology. This will include the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative and quantitative design, as well as data collection, data analysis, and report writing. Students will have a combination of in-person and asynchronous active learning, complemented by weekly 2-hour practical labs. The labs are applied in nature and the students will get a deeper understanding of how qualitative and quantitative research works (e.g. developing appropriate research questions, application of ethics in different contexts, collecting, preparing, and analysing different types of data).
Intended Learning Outcomes
Explain the philosophical and conceptual foundations underpinning qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.: 1,2,3Critically evaluate ethical considerations in qualitative and quantitative research designs and data collection strategies.: 1,2,3Develop appropriate data collection strategies to answer research questions using qualitative and quantitative methods.: 1,2,3Construct a research project incorporating appropriate data collection and analysis methods while addressing ethical considerations.: 2,3Apply and interpret quantitative analyses using appropriate statistical techniques.: 1,3Reflect on and evaluate the process of psychological research design, data collection, and analysis based on personal participation or written critique.: 4
Study hours
Hours Breakdown:Active Learning Hours:Weekly Labs (In-person): 2 hours per week × 12 weeks = 24 hours.Asynchronous Learning:Weekly online materials: 1.5 hours per week × 12 weeks = 18 hours.Pre-lab activities: 30 minutes per week × 12 weeks = 6 hours.Workshops (Structured Activities):Specific workshops across the module: 12 hours total.Active Learning Subtotal: 96 hours.Independent Learning Hours:Weekly Independent Reading: 1 hour per week × 12 weeks = 12 hours.Assessment Preparation:Ethics Application: 60 hours.Quantitative Research Report: 80 hours.MCQ Tests: 30 hours total.Reflective Essay (optional for RPT): 22 hours.Independent Learning Subtotal: 204 hours.Final Revised Totals:Active Learning Hours: 96Independent Learning Hours: 204Total Hours: 300 (aligned with 30-credit module expectations).
School Rules
None
Description of Module Assessment