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PS906: Experimental Design and Data Collection (2020/21)

Module Code:

PS906

Module Name:

Experimental Design and Data Collection

Module Credits (CATS):

10 (ESRC-only), 15

 

Module Convener

Michaela Gummerum

Module Teachers

Michaela Gummerum

 

Module Aims

This module will familiarize students with the principles of good experimental design. Its aims are:

  • To familiarize students with the principles of good experimental design, and the various ways in which empirical data is collected
  • To deepen students’ understanding of the best ways to address different kinds of research problems
  • To teach students how to critically assess research articles

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Assess the advantages and uses of alternative experimental and non-experimental designs
  • Design a logically sound experiment to test a hypothesis
  • Identify common errors in poorly designed experiments
  • Outline the key techniques for collecting qualitative data
  • Design a protocol for collecting non-experimental data to address a research question

Assessed by:

  • Research proposals and class tests

  • Research proposals
  • Research proposals and class tests
  • Research proposals and class tests
  • Research proposals

 

Module Work Load

Module Length

10 weeks

Lectures

10 lectures of 1 hour each

Seminars

10 seminars of 1 hour each

Attendance

Attendance at lectures and seminars is compulsory

 

Module Assessment - 10 CAT version (ESRC-only)

Assessed work:

Research proposal - 2000 words

Weighting:

33%

Examinations:

Class test - short-answer in-class test

Weighting:

67%

Module Assessment - 15 CAT version

Assessed work:

Research proposal 1 - 1000 to 2000 words

Research proposal 2 - 1000 to 2000 words

Weighting:

16%

17%

Examinations:

Class test - short-answer in-class test

Weighting:

67%

Module Programme

Topics covered on the course will likely include:

1: Validity

2: Randomized designs

3: Reliability

4: Non-randomised designs

5: Meta-analysis

6: Observational methods

7: Sampling

8: Ethical considerations

9: Survey and questionnaire studies

10: Case studies and longitudinal research

 

Module Reading List

  • Rosenthal, R., & Rosnow, R.L. (2008). Essentials of behavioral research (3rd Ed). McGraw-Hill: New York.
  • Howell, D. C. (2017). Statistical methods for psychology (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Duxbury Press.
  • Todman, J. B., & Dugard, P. (2001). Single-case and small-N experimental designs. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
  • Tourangeau, R., Rips, L. J., & Rasinski, K. (2000). The psychology of survey response. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.