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Social Practical II

Module description

Are you interested in finding out how research on social cognition is actually conducted? This module provides you with the opportunity to conduct your own psychology research project in groups and with the close support of academic staff. These projects are designed to illustrate some of the ways in which psychologists test their theories, providing an apprenticeship in psychological research. You will have the opportunity to design your own research project to test novel and interesting hypotheses pertaining to social cognition. You will then test your ideas by collecting and analysing data. This module allows you to develop a range of skills that will equip you for independent research (whether later in your degree, or in employment) as well as a greater depth of knowledge about the topic of the research.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The purpose of this module is to provide students with detailed knowledge of, and specific training in, contemporary social psychology research. The module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of the research process by giving them the opportunity to be involved in cutting edge research conducted with a leader in the field. Specifically, students will gain experience in research design, data collection, data analysis and written and verbal communication of findings. These skills are central to success in most contemporary workplaces.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Critically understand the principles of research design, including knowing how to appropriately develop, conduct and analyse experimental research in social psychology
• 2. Translate these principles into practice by collecting and analysing data
• 3. Report on social psychological research through your development of an in-depth knowledge of one contemporary area of social psychological research

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Acquire detailed factual and conceptual knowledge of the subject, to demonstrate critical understanding of this knowledge, and to demonstrate an awareness of a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks
• 5. Review and critically evaluate published work and identify the strengths and weaknesses of this work, and at a well-developed level structure this literature to present logical and coherent arguments
• 6. Solve complex problems systematically, think critically and creatively and appreciate the complexities of the relevant issues
• 7. Understand and apply essential principles in designing research, and to critically evaluate and analyse empirical evidence, and assess the reliability of empirical evidence using a range of defined techniques
• 8. At a well-developed level, to demonstrate an awareness of the wider ethical issues relating to the subject and its application

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 9. Interact effectively within a learning group, giving and receiving information and ideas and modifying responses where appropriate
• 10. Manage learning using resources for the discipline
• 11. Evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses, challenge received opinion and develop your own criteria and judgement, and seek and make use of feedback
• 12. Manage and select information and data from a range of sources and develop appropriate information finding strategies
• 13. Take responsibility for your own learning with minimum direction
• 14. Communicate effectively in the manner appropriate to the discipline and in a variety of formats
• 15. Identify key areas of problems and choose appropriate methods for their resolution in a considered manner
• 16. Act with increasing autonomy, with reduced need for supervision and direction, within defined guidelines
• 17. Manage time effectively to meet deadlines

Syllabus plan

• Week 1: Overview of course and research area (conduct initial experiment)
• Week 2: More on research area and initial experiment
• Week 3: Small group session- Designing your study
• Week 4: Small group session- Programming your study
• Week 6:Data collection
• Week 6: Data collection
• Week 7: Data analysis
• Week 8: Data analysis
• Week 9:  Small group session- Data interpretation
• Week 10:  Small group presentations
• Week 11: How to write-up your report

In total, there will be 11  sessions during which you will design, analyse, write-up and present an empirical study associated with the module.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Two assessments are required for this module. Where you have been referred/deferred in the pre-registration plan you will be required to resubmit the plan. Where you have been referred/deferred in the practical report you will be required to resubmit the report. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%; deferred marks are not capped.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Indicative basic reading list:

• Haslam, S. A., & McGarty, C. (2014). Research methods and statistics in psychology. London, UK: Sage.
• Reading on the research topics for this year’s module will be provided at the beginning of the term.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page: https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=10296

Key words search

Psychology, social cognition, research experience