1. Applied Quantitative Research Methods
Learning outcomes
state the level of understanding needed to start this module successfully
detail the organisation of the module
list the different sessions

2. The importance of research methods
Research methods have been described as one of the most important parts, if not the most important part, of your postgraduate applied-psychology programme
Reason: applied psychologists must base their work on research evidence
In order to evaluate and contribute to the body of research evidence you must understand and be able to apply research methods
This module examines research methods that are used in applied areas of psychology
This module is at least as important as any of your other modules

3. What you should already know
This module assumes an undergraduate- level understanding of research methods and statistics
We have no time to revisit undergraduate research methods and statistics in detail
Some essential undergraduate methods will be included in the programme as a basis for more advanced methods
Lectures are essential and used as a starting point to enable you to acquire knowledge of quantitative research methods and analysis

4. Core text
You need to have bought the core text and bring this to each class every week and to the exam in January
Field, A. (2013). Discovering statistics using SPSS for Windows (4th ed.). London: Sage.
Student's resources on line

5. In advance of each lecture, per chapter study
All chapter text
Including Jane Superbrain
Including any other special sections
Also consider
studying Oliver Twisted’s items on line
watching Oditi’s Lantern’s videos on line

6. Per chapter do at least the following activities
All examples presented in the chapter; use SPSS where appropriate
Self-test questions
Labcoat Leni’s task(s)
Smart Alex’s tasks (end of chapter)
Compare your answers with Field’s answers (in book or on book’s website)

7. Virtual learning environment
If you cannot get into Blackboard then contact Clarendon ICT help desk (second floor in Clarendon)
If the module does not show up once you have logged onto Blackboard then contact Elaine Brooke
You must know your login details

8. SPSS
If you use a home computer rather than university computer, please note that SPSS is available free for you to download
This is an essential piece of software for the module Applied research methods (PSY4009-N)
You need to download SPSS and Sample Power from Unity and install this on your computer before the next class
If you have difficulties with downloading or installing, then contact the Clarendon ICT help desk

9. Running of classes One-hour lecture Two-hour practical/seminar
Study lecture notes in advance
Two-hour practical/seminar
Research design: study the lecture notes in advance
Statistical power analysis: study the lecture notes in advance
All other topics: the chapter(s)/sections in the core text in advance
Support session
Must study module content and do exercises in advance
Bring any remaining questions

10. Guide schedule of classes
a. Introduction to the module and pre-requisites b. Basic principles of research design and statistics
Research designs
Correlation and simple regression
Multiple regression (1)
Multiple regression (2) t tests and analysis of variance
Analysis of covariance Factorial analysis of variance
Moderation- and mediation analysis
Logistic regression
Self-study: bias
Statistical power
Factor analysis

11. Guide schedule of classes
Christmas break
Revision
Exam preparation
Exam

12. Assessment
There is one assessment for this module: three-hour open-book exam

13. Summary
We have
Outlined the level of knowledge necessary to start the module successfully
outlined the organisation of the module
described the different sessions