Module PSYC40515: Critical Analysis

Department: Psychology

PSYC40515: Critical Analysis

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide analytical skills required to evaluate and conduct research in methodologies used in psychology
• To provide practical training in a range of transferable skills relevant for professional and personal development

Content

• This module covers techniques and tools required for the critical appraisal of research
• It will cover topics such as:
• Use and misuse of methodologies
• Common errors within relevant literature in data handling and interpretation
• Critical skills required to assess the validity of conclusions from given data

Learning Outcomes

• Critical understanding of data presentation, research design and strategy, including the selection and interpretation of alternative methods and techniques in order to answer questions
• The ability to evaluate researchable problems

• Capabilities for managing research

• Written and oral communication skills
• Transferable employment skills relevant for professional and personal development, including: ability to communicate complex information, time management and organisation of work

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• This module is taught through weekly two hour seminars for one term
• This module is assessed formatively through a poster presentation
• Summative assessment of this module is through an oral presentation and a written assignment

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Poster presentation on topic derived from seminars

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University