PS4A2     
Methods for Social Psychology Research: Advanced Qualitative and Fundamental Quantitative Methods

This information is for the 2014/15 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Caroline Howarth STC.374

Availability

This course is available on the MSc in Health, Community and Development, MSc in Organisational and Social Psychology, MSc in Social and Cultural Psychology and MSc in Social and Public Communication. This course is not available as an outside option.

A full unit of methods training is compulsory for students taking the above named programmes. Students take either PS4A1/2/3/4 depending on their level of knowledge and experience with methods. 

Course content

This is for MSc students in the department with some background in qualitative methods but no background in quantitative research methodology. This shall provide them with an overview of methodological issues for Social Psychological research, an introduction to quantitative methods and a choice of advanced qualitative courses. The course as a whole will equip them with methodological skills that will enable them to conduct empirical research for their MSc Dissertation and possibly research after the MSc.

Teaching

The course consists of 10 hours of in-house ISP teaching and two half unit course options provided by the LSE Methodology Institute (MY) during MT and LT. • PS4AA - ISP in-house research methods lectures in MT (10 hours) • MY451 Introduction to Quantitative Analysis (MT) And any ONE of the following: MY426 Doing Ethnography (LT) • MY427 Qualitative Research with non-traditional data (LT) • MY428 Qualitative Text Analysis (MT) • MY429 Special Topics in Qualitative Analysis (LT).

Formative coursework

Students will follow the formative work requirements on the MY course(s) that they take under each stream.

Indicative reading

Bauer, M. and Gaskell, G. (2000) Qualitative researching with text, image and sound - a practical handbook London, Sage

Breakwell, G. Foot, H. and Gilmour. (1988) Doing Social Psychology: Laboratory and Field Exercises. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Miell, D. and Wetherwell, M. (1998) Doing Social Psychology. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.

Assessment

Other (100%) in the MT, LT and ST.

Students will be assessed according to the elements of teaching that they take on this course (see ‘teaching’ information provided).

Key facts

Department: Social Psychology

Total students 2013/14: 12

Average class size 2013/14: 2

Controlled access 2013/14: No

Lecture capture used 2013/14: No

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Leadership
  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills