PSYCHOL 6504OL - Applying Research Methods in Psychology

Online - Online Teaching 6 - 2024

How do we apply methodological and statistical concepts to real-world problems? This course builds onto the foundation provided by Research Methods, Design and Analysis, exploring research methods for quantitative and qualitative data in more depth. You will think critically about the process of conducting research, apply your knowledge of research methods to a variety of contexts, and further develop your understanding of common analyses.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PSYCHOL 6504OL
    Course Applying Research Methods in Psychology
    Coordinating Unit Psychology
    Term Online Teaching 6
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s Online
    Units 3
    Contact 1 to 2 hour online tutorial
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites PSYCHOL 6500OL and PSYCHOL 6501OL
    Restrictions Graduate Diploma in Psychology or Graduate Certificate in Psychology
    Course Description How do we apply methodological and statistical concepts to real-world problems? This course builds onto the foundation provided by Research Methods, Design and Analysis, exploring research methods for quantitative and qualitative data in more depth. You will think critically about the process of conducting research, apply your knowledge of research methods to a variety of contexts, and further develop your understanding of common analyses.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Sarah Halliday

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    The course has six modules. Students study one module per week. 

    Modules 1 and 2 focus on qualitative research methods and data analysis, Modules 3 and 4 focus on quantitative data analysis, and Modules 5 and 6 focus on biases and errors in research, as well as how to address them. The modules are:
    • Module 1: Introduction to qualitative research
    • Module 2: Qualitative analysis
    • Module 3: Factorial ANOVA and chi-square
    • Module 4: Simple and multiple regression
    • Module 5: Biases and errors in research
    • Module 6: Contemporary best practice in research
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1. demonstrate advanced knowledge of qualitative research methods in psychology
    2. analyse qualitative data to answer psychological research questions
    3. analyse quantitative data in JASP to answer psychological research questions
    4. demonstrate advanced knowledge of factorial ANOVA, chi-square, and multiple regression
    5. evaluate published research papers in psychology
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1,2,3,4,5

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1,2,3,4,5

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    2,3

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    N/A

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1,2,5

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    1,2

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    3

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    N/A
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Course Texts

    Required readings in Modules 1 and 2 will be taken from:
    • Howitt, D., & Cramer, D. (2020). Research methods in psychology. Harlow: Pearson.
    Required readings in Modules 3 and 4 will be taken from:
    • Coolican, H. (2019). Research methods and statistics in psychology (7th ed.). Routledge.
    The required readings in Modules 5 and 6 will be a selection of journal articles. Further details are provided in the modules themselves.

    Online copies of both textbooks are available via the University of Adelaide library.

    Software

    For Modules 3 and 4, students need to install a free cross-platform statistical software package called JASP onto their computer. Guidance will be provided in the course on how to do this. This is the same software as used in PSYCHOL 6501OL - Research Methods, Design and Analysis. Students who previously studied that course may wish to see if an updated version of JASP is available.
    Recommended Resources
    N/A
    Online Learning
    This is a fully online offering. MyUni will be used for all course materials, communication, links to curated resources, online activities, online tutorial support, and assignment submission, feedback and grades
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Engagement with course content is facilitated by online lectures, interactive online activities, curated readings and resources, and self directed study supported by weekly online 90 minute tutorial sessions. There are six weekly modules with learning scaffolded across the modules to ensure that students develop deep discipline knowledge as well as the academic literacy, research skills and capacity to apply and communicate their understanding as specified for an AQF8 level offering.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    This course is a six week intensive, accelerated learning offering. Students should expect to approximately 25 hours per week engaging with the online content, in private study, attending online tutorials, and completing the coursework assignments.

    Indicative Hours per Week:
    • 1.5 hours - Tutorial
    • 1 hour - Tutorial Preparation
    • 9 hours - Assessment related tasks
    • 10 hours - Engaging with online content (e.g, video presentations, podcasts, directed research activities, discussions, interactive tasks)
    • 3.5 hours - Readings
    Learning Activities Summary
    The course has six modules. Students study one module per week. Modules 1 and 2 focus on qualitative research methods and data analysis,  Modules 3 and 4 focus on quantitative data analysis, and Modules 5 and 6 focus on biases and errors in research, as well as how to address them. The modules, and their indicative content are outlined below:

    1. Introduction to Qualitative Research
        Qualitative and mixed methods approaches
        Preliminary considerations in study design 
        Methodological rigour in qualitative research

    2. Qualitative Analysis
       
    Quantitative versus qualitative research
        Beginning your qualitative analysis: coding
        Introduction to qualitative analysis: thematic analysis and content analysis
        Appraising qualitative research

    3. Factorial ANOVA and Chi-Square
        Factorial ANOVA
        Chi Square Test of Association

    4. Simple and Multiple Regression
        Regression overview
        Simple linear regression
        Multiple linear regression

    5. Biases and Errors in Research
        Drawing incorrect conclusions from data
        Biases and errors during the research process
        Reproducibility and the replication crisis

    6. Contemporary Best Practice in Research
        Reconsidering research findings
        Improving research practices
        Open science
    Specific Course Requirements
    Nil
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Due Weighting (%) Learning Outcome
    Assessment 1:
    Qualitative Coding and Preliminary Analysis
    Summative

    End of Week 2, Sunday 11:59pm

    35

    1, 2
    Assessment 2:
    Data Analysis
    Summative End of Week 4, Sunday 11:59pm 35 3, 4
    Assessment 3:
    Evaluation of Published Research
    Summative End of Week 6, Sunday 11:59pm 30 5
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Submission via Turnitin. All assignments are due by 11:59pm on the Sunday at the end of the week in which they are due. A penalty of 5% per day applies for late submissions.

    Extensions are granted on medical, compassionate or other special circumstances recognised under the University’s Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy. The completed extension application form and any documentation (such as a medical or counsellor's certification) should be emailed to the course coordinator and submitted before the due date. The course coordinator will consider the request in the light of the case made and University deadlines, and may grant an extension of up to three days.
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment 1: Qualitative Coding and Preliminary Analysis (35%, due Sunday Week 2)
    In this assessment, you will be conducting qualitative coding and preliminary thematic analysis on provided extracts from interview transcripts. You are required to develop your own coding framework based on the ideas/ concepts and patterns you identify in the data, and answer three short answer questions related to this coding process. This assessment relates and maps onto content from Modules 1 and 2.

    Assessment 2: Data Analysis (35%, due Sunday Week 4)
    This assessment focusses on factorial ANOVA, chi-squared, and multiple regression. These statistical tests were covered in Modules 3 and 4. The assessment has three sections. Section 1 focusses on factorial ANOVA, Section 2 focusses on chi-squared, and Section 3 focusses on multiple regression. In each section, you will be given an overview of a fictional study that used that section’s test in its analysis. You will run the fictional study’s analysis yourself in JASP. You will then be asked a series of questions about the fictional study’s design, its findings, and / or general questions about the statistical test. Content relevant to this assessment is covered in Modules 3 and 4.

    Assessment 3: Evaluation of Published Research (30%, due Sunday Week 6)
    This assessment requires answering several short answer questions that centre on the reproducibility crisis and contemporary best-practice when conducting research. To answer some questions, you will need to read and evaluate several provided research articles. Content relevant to this assessment is covered in Modules 5 and 6.
    Submission
    Online submission via Turnitin.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support

    Counselling for Fully Online Postgraduate Students

    Fully online students can access counselling services here:

    Phone: 1800 512 155 (24/7) 

    SMS service: 0439 449 876 (24/7) 

    Email: info@assureprograms.com.au

    Go to the Study Smart Hub to learn more, or speak to your Student Success Advisor (SSA) on 1300 296 648 (Monday to Thursday, 8.30am–5pm ACST/ACDT, Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm ACST/ACDT)

  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.