PE7057 - Organisational Research Methods

What will I learn on this module?

The module is designed to give you a theoretical and practical knowledge of common and more advanced quantitative and qualitative methods of collecting and analysing data in occupational and organisational psychology. A range of methods will be studied and relevant analytic software will be used in exercises. The communication of findings according to the most recent conventions and with due regard to the audience will be addressed. The approach is to provide a theoretical background for each technique, so that you are not simply capable of carrying out and reporting analyses, but also capable of reflecting critically on their appropriateness in psychological research and practice.

How will I learn on this module?

The module is delivered entirely online via our electronic learning platform (elp). You will interact with a range of materials on the module site. The module home page provides you with quick access to detailed information about the module in an interactive, easily accessible format. This is designed to broach new, and challenging information, and to provide breadth and depth of conceptual knowledge on contemporary organisational activity. The teaching materials support your learning. Each session delivers flexible, interactive learning materials, accessible in a variety of formats such as audio and video presentations. Tasks to extend and test your learning are interspersed within the learning materials. A range of different tasks, with formative feedback, are aimed at supporting your learning. In addition to this you will be encouraged to utilise peer to peer support opportunities through the use of elp supported platforms for interaction. Each session is supported by directed reading from the core texts accessed through the electronic reading list.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be an autonomous, self-motivated learner within a supportive distance learning environment. You will be introduced to the module by the module tutor in an introductory video. The online module sessions and interactive tasks form the cornerstone for supporting you during your study. Academic support is available from the teaching team and each session includes a link to enable you to email a question directly to the tutor from within the session. Responses will be fed back either directly or via the module discussion board. In advance of each assessment a video presentation is uploaded to support you in your preparation for this session. This is followed by an online live question and answer session prior to submission of your assessed work. Focused academic support coupled with timely formative and summative feedback should enable you to meet your full academic potential within this module. Feedback from the summative assessment will be made available 20 working days after submission through the eLP portal

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MKU1: You will be expected to understand complex quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection, analysis and interpretation.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MIPSA1: You will develop your skills in analysing data from different theoretical frameworks.
• MIPSA2: You will complete assessments which are applicable to real-world examples of data analysis and interpretation.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MPVA1: You will be able to understand the importance and key considerations when conducting ethical research within psychology.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment:
Sample questions will be provided for the quantitative and qualitative components

Summative Assessment:
Quantitative methods is assessed via a 2000 word assignment, and Qualitative methods is assessed by a 2000 word assignment based on a real world problem. You will use relevant theories and approaches to analyse data from an appropriate study to investigate the issue
(MKU1, MIPSA1 & 2 and MPVA1)

Written individual feedback will be provided on the assignment.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of advanced quantitative and qualitative methods applied to the workplace. Both approaches are research-rich, underpinning the analysis of data in high quality contemporary studies. Within the quantitative part of the module you will learn about a range of statistical methods applicable to a range of research designs, and how to perform them using appropriate software. In the qualitative methods part you will consider how psychologists apply these methods to conduct research into the lived experience of individuals and groups based upon analysis of the words and language they use.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Part Time (Distance Learning)
2 other options available

Department Psychology

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start October 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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