PSYC2018 Research Methods 2 - Flinders University

You are viewing an older version of this curriculum item. Select the current year or your commencing year of study from the drop down above. For Pre-2022 Course Rules, use the link located on the right-hand side of the screen.

Overview

This topic includes an introduction to the skills required to carry out research in psychology/behavioural sciences.The specific issues to be addressed include:Basic research skills (the scientific method, critical evaluation of research, experimental and non-experimental designs)Basic data analysis (uni- and bivariate descriptive statistics, inferential statistical analyses of bivariate relationships [t-tests, one-way … For more content click the Read More button below.

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

The specific issues to be addressed include:

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

Topic availabilities

To view topic availabilities, select an availability from the drop down, towards the top right of the screen.

Tuition pattern

To view tuition patterns, select an availability from the drop down, towards the top right of the screen.

Aims

This 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

Learning outcomes

On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of the fundamental research design concepts that underpin research in the psychological sciences

Apply the ethical standards that relate to research

Demonstrate an understanding of the statistical techniques learnt

Demonstrate an ability to use a statistical computing program to run analyses and to interpret the output

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 and decision making skills in tackling research problems

Assessments

To view assessment information, select an availability from the drop down, towards the top right of the screen.

Current students should refer to FLO for detailed assessment information, including due dates. Assessment information is accurate at the time of publishing.

For policy details, visit Assessments

Requisites information

Pre-requisites:

Anti-requisites:

Handbook

Research Methods 2

PSYC2018