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Introduction to psychological research methods​

Student carrying out psychological assessment testThis programme provides a comprehensive, in-depth training in the acquisition, analysis and use of research information. It provides you with a sophisticated understanding of psychological research, from the formulation of the questions that need to be asked through to the meaningful organisation of your results. It also gives you the ability to communicate your results effectively.

The strength of the School of Psychology was recognised in the latest Research Assessment Exercise with 85% of activity judged to be of international standard, placing it in the top third of departments nationally. Research is organised around the recently recognised Centre for Brain, Behaviour and Cognition, and attracts substantial external funding from U.K. research councils, the E.U., charities and industry. The school benefits from newly refurbished laboratory and teaching space including electrophysiology (ERP), Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), virtual reality and eye-tracking laboratories. You will have access to up-to-date facilities and be taught by successful researchers who give a high priority to training the next generation of researchers.

The programme is designed for those with a first degree in psychology (or equivalent) who wish to pursue a research orientated career in psychology – whether it be through the PhD route, or research in business, such as in marketing, personnel, human factors, or health related disciplines.
 

​WHY STUDY PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH METHODS? 

  • Student carrying out psychological assessment test The MSc Psychological Research Methods has been designed to provide training for those planning to develop academic or commercial careers based on psychological research.
  • If you are contemplating a PhD, the programme gives you the essential prerequisites to equip you for research at this level.
  • You receive thorough training in research methodology and design as well as the philosophical issues that underpin your research decisions.
  • Our training provides successful students with the ability to analyse a problem, to select the appropriate methodology and understand the implications of that choice.
  • You learn to conduct the research in a rigorous, appropriate and ethical manner, using a range of techniques (qualitative and quantitative) in a range of settings (experimental, observational, fieldwork, focus groups).
  • It teaches you how to communicate your research findings effectively to different audiences.

​Aims of the programme

To provide students with:Psychology experiments with adult

  • a broad and effective training in a range of psychological research methods applicable in academic, industrial and governmental research work
  • a philosophical understanding of the basis of scientific research
  • expertise in oral and written communication of research work
  • expertise in the application of advanced statistical methods to data analysis
  • training in the use of qualitative methods of data analysis
  • the foundation for PhD work within the ESRC 1+3 research training regime
  • experience of the design and conduct of a major psychological research project (MSc students only).

Psychology experiments with bab

There are many psychology graduates in the UK, but few are qualified to conduct advanced research. Our programme is designed to equip you with the advanced skills which many academic, government and industrial employers now seek.

This was designed as a stand-alone masters programme suitable for those wishing to pursue a research career outside academia, and as the necessary research training for those wishing to take a PhD. Our programme is recognised by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) and can been studied on a full-time or part-time basis.​

​PROGRAMME LEADER AND TEAM

Dr. Mike Tucker is Programme Leader. He is a lecturer with expertise in inferential psychological statistics and visuo-motor processes. The teaching team includes staff with in depth knowledge of many areas of psychology and experience of publishing both fundamental and applied research in the best scientific journals.

Their expertise in the various aspects of research (from ethics to research design and statistics) offer students an ideal environment to develop their research skills.

SSTAR  Awards 2012

SSTAR logoThe UPSU SSTAR Awards have been organised by students with the support of the Students' Union to reward the many excellent university staff members and dedicated course reps we have here at Plymouth University.
 
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