Cardiff University - PS1018: Research Methods in Psychology

This module, Research Methods in Psychology (PS1018) - introduces you to foundational concepts and principles in experimental psychology, equipping them with the knowledge to critically evaluate and interpret psychological research. The module provides a comprehensive understanding of research design, including experimental, quasi-experimental, and qualitative approaches, as well as techniques for controlling variables and ensuring validity. You will learn to design and conduct experiments, create questionnaires, and appreciate ethical considerations in research. Alongside developing expertise in data handling, presentation, and analysis, you will gain practical experience conducting experiments in areas such as social psychology, cognition, personality, and perception, as well as writing laboratory reports.

The module also emphasises statistical inference and analysis, linking research questions to quantitative and qualitative data. You will explore descriptive statistics, data distributions, probability, and hypothesis testing, and will apply parametric and non-parametric methods to analyse group differences and relationships. By the module’s end, you will understand key statistical terms, implement inferential techniques, and confidently present and interpret research findings.