PB411     
Methods for Social Psychology Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

This information is for the 2023/24 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Maximilian Heitmayer

Availability

This course is available on the MSc in Organisational and Social Psychology, MSc in Psychology of Economic Life, MSc in Social and Cultural Psychology and MSc in Social and Public Communication. This course is not available as an outside option.

All components of this course are compulsory for students taking

  • MSc in Organisational Social Psychology
  • MSc in Psychology of Economic Life
  • MSc in Social and Cultural Psychology
  • MSc in Social and Public Communication

Course content

This course is for MSc students in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science.  It will:

1) provide an overview of methodological issues for psychological research;

2) cover core skills in research design in Psychology; and

3) provide training in core psychological methods of analysing quantitative and qualitative data.

By the end of the course, as a whole, students will be equipped with methodological skills that will enable them to conduct empirical research for their MSc dissertation and research in a variety of real world contexts.

Teaching

Teaching takes place in the MT, LT and ST.  The course has four components:

  • 13 hours of lectures on methodological issues and research design, as preparation for completing the course, PB410 Dissertation (LT) 
  • MY421M Qualitative Research Methods (MT)
  • MY465 Intermediate Quantitative Analysis (MT) 
  • A series of non-compulsory and non-assessed specialist workshops in LT and ST on specific research methods that students can choose to attend for preparation of their dissertation.

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.
  • Haslam, S.A., & McGarty, C. (2014). Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology. London: Sage.
  • Miell, D. and Wetherwell, M. (1998) Doing Social Psychology. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.

Assessment

Exam (50%, duration: 2 hours) in the January exam period.
Report (50%) in the WT.

  • PB411: Not assessed
  • MY421: 50% 3,000 word report (LT)
  • MY465: 50% two-hour exam (January Exam Period).

Key facts

Department: Psychological and Behavioural Science

Total students 2022/23: 181

Average class size 2022/23: 16

Controlled access 2022/23: No

Lecture capture used 2022/23: Yes (MT & LT)

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

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