PY0305 - Research Skills for Psychologists

What will I learn on this module?

On this module you will learn research skills that will assist your learning and development on this programme and your future degree (e.g., how to read a journal article, how to find psychological literature, how to form a research question, how to design a psychology study, and how to interpret and communicate results). The skills you acquire will also be transferable to enhance your employability.

You will be introduced to the learning resources that are available to support you. You will learn how to conduct research and how to best report your findings. You will work individually and in groups to test your own abilities. You will explore the psychological theories behind the psychological phenomena and relationships that you investigate. Integrated within this you will develop communication skills by learning how to present information using posters, PowerPoint slides, and learn how to give confident oral presentations. In teaching session discussions, you will develop group working skills and enhance your understanding of the role of teamwork.

How will I learn on this module?

On this module you will learn by engaging in interactive seminars which focus on problem-based learning, along with directed study and independent study. The interactive seminars will typically involve a tutor-led discussion of academic, practical, and transferable skills where you will be introduced to key concepts and given a task or problem to work on (either individually or working in a group). This interactive style of teaching is designed to ensure deep learning of material, as well as development and practice of the academic skills necessary to pursue a degree in psychology. Tutorials will be available to provide you with an opportunity to discuss topics with a member of the module staff.

The module will employ technology enhanced learning tools such as the eLearning Portal (an online platform where you can access information about your programme and modules), electronic reading lists, lecture capture and online submission and feedback tools to support your learning.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported academically by your module tutors who will make a variety of resources available for you. The materials used in the taught sessions will be available to you via the eLearning Portal. These materials will include the PowerPoint slides, workshop materials, and links to further reading. There will also be a variety of other resources available on the eLearning Portal that will support your studies. These include reading lists, and further activities. Discussion boards will also be available to you, allowing you to post questions and queries for other students and staff members to answer, to enhance peer-support, and collegiality. You will also be able to access recordings of some sessions via the eLearning Portal. Tutorials with staff can provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues related to the module.

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:
• KU1: You will show an understanding of basic measurement techniques used in psychology
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• IPSA1: You will develop your communication skills, in learning how to present psychological information
• IPSA2: You will develop skills in reporting the findings of psychological investigation
• IPSA3: You will demonstrate your ability to engage in team work.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• PVA1: You will develop an appreciation for the empirical nature of psychology

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment
Each of the interactive sessions will enable you to complete tasks pertinent to the summative assessment.

Summative Assessment
This will be a portfolio of work comprising of three practical tasks, each of around 500 words (KU1; IPSA1: IPSA2: IPSA3: PVA1)

Feedback
Oral feedback will be provided on the formative tasks as they are undertaken.
Individual feedback on the summative assessment will be provided online via the electronic submission portal. A summary of general feedback will also be provided on the eLP.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

On this module you will learn psychology-relevant research skills that will assist your learning and development on this programme and your future degree. Through interactive learning sessions you will learn present data, compare research findings against relevant theory and research, and design your own psychology studies, working individually and in groups. By working in groups and independently you will learn how to liaise with others and manage your time. The skills you acquire will be of value to you as a psychology student and they will also be transferable to enhance your employability.

Course info

UCAS Code C801

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 year or 4 years full-time study

Department Psychology

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 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.

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints