PS4A3     
Methods for Social Psychology Research: Advanced Quantitative and Fundamental Qualitative 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 quantitative methods but no background in qualitative research methodology. This shall provide them with an overview of methodological issues for Social Psychological research, an introduction to qualitative methods and a choice of advanced quantitative 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 (10) • MY421 Qualitative Research Methods (MT) And any ONE of the following • MY452 Applied regression Analysis (MT/LT) • MY455 Multivariate Analysis and Measurement (LT) • MY456 Survey Methodology (LT) • MY457 Causal Inference for Observational and Experimental Studies (LT) • MY458 Multi-level and Longitudinal Modelling (LT) • MY459 Regression Models for Discrete Outcomes (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: 20

Average class size 2013/14: 3

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