Research Methods in Psychology

Unit code:APP3035Study level:Undergraduate

Credit points

12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

Footscray Park

Prerequisites

APP2014 - Psychology 2B
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)

Overview

This unit of study will critically review research design, with a focus on the importance of selecting measurement tools that are psychometrically valid and reliable when conducting quantitative research. There is an emphasis throughout the unit on the selection of appropriate statistical analyses with respect to the model of non-significance hypothesis testing and effect sizes. Students will review the theoretical foundations of univariate analyses (including varied ANOVA techniques), correlation and regression, and continue to develop their SPSS skills for analysis with small and large data sets. Students will also be introduced to multivariate analyses.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

Synthesise knowledge of various types of quantitative research design, including psychometric evaluation of measures;
Rationalise the appropriate statistical procedures for analysis of different types of research data;
Exercise judgement in interpreting various statistical analyses as produced by SPSS;
Critically analyse and synthesise literature relevant to a proposed research area both independently and collaboratively; and
Report research methodology and outcomes in appropriate formats.