Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Introduction to Psychology Research

Introduction to Psychology Research
6
12739
1
First semester
FB
FUNDAMENTALS OF PSYCHOLOGY
METHODS, DESIGN AND TECHNIQUES OF RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY - BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE METHODOLOGY
Main language of instruction: Spanish

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English

Teaching staff


Dra. RECODER FERNÁNDEZ, Silvia Alicia - srecoder@uic.es

Write an e-mail to srecoder@uic.es

Introduction

In the event that the health authorities announce a new period of confinement due to the evolution of the health crisis caused by COVID-19, the teaching staff will promptly communicate how this may effect the teaching methodologies and activities as well as the assessment.


This subject aims to introduce students to the field of research in Psychology. The objective is that students learn how to do research in psychology and start to familiarize with the terminology and methodology used. Also, students will learn how to search information and bibliography and to critically assess the content.

The subject content will be explained through case methods and practical exercises.

Objectives

  • Know the data bases more used in psychology
  • Know the scientific method and the different designs that exist
  • Know how to identify the different parts of a scientific article
  • Understand the basic descriptive statistics frequently used in psychology 
  • Know how to calculate the basic descriptive statistics and interpret them 

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret relevant data (normally within their area of study) in order to issue judgements that include a reflection on relevant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
  • CE05 - Design and apply a psychological intervention strategy depending on the context or service requested.
  • CG03 - The ability to read scientific literature in a critical, well-founded manner, take into account its provenance, situate it within an epistemological framework and identify and contrast its contributions in relation to the disciplinary knowledge available.
  • CG04 - The ability to respect and enforce the code of ethics and act ethically in all activities related to the practice of the profession.
  • CG06 - Flexibility, respect and discretion in the use of data corresponding to people, groups and organisations.
  • CG13 - The ability to use information and communication technologies for distinct purposes.
  • CT01 - The capacity to organise and plan.
  • CT08 - The ability to put theoretical knowledge into practice

Learning outcomes of the subject

At the end of the course the student body must be able to:

  • Know the data bases more used in the psychology field and know how to search information using the criteria needed.
  • Know the scientific method, its components and the designs 
  • Know the different techniques to collect information and know how to apply them adequately depending on the objective
  • Have a critical attitude and to know how to distinguish scientific articles from non-scientific studies. Identify the different parts that compose the article and know how to identify the type of the study.
  • Calculate basic descriptive statistics.
  • Understand the basic concepts of statistics and to know how to apply them adequately depending on the type of variable.

Syllabus

Block I: Tools for University

  • How to present a task
  • Relevant Data Bases 
  • How to reference using APA
  • Test exams and weighted mean
  • Moodle and mail

Block II: Search of information

  • The scientific method
  • Types of variable and classification
  • Measurement scales
  • Research designs
  • Control techniques
  • Structure of a scientific study in health sciences

Block III: Collection and management of information

  • Basic concepts in statistics
  • Frequency distribution
  • Centralization measures
  • Dispersion measures
  • Position measures
  • Graphic representation
  • Correlation and regression
  • Probability 

Teaching and learning activities

In person



TRAINING ACTIVITY METHODOLOGY
Lectures will be the setting in which students will learn and use the terminology and linguistic structures related to the sphere of study, for the purpose of practising and developing oral and written communication skills and becoming familiar with the literature and instruction materials provided to better integrate the curricular content. Session in which the lecturer presents and explains the course content. This learning methodology allows for the use of audiovisual methodologies that support the content description. Students may interact and actively participate in this session. One-on-one relationship between the tutor and student, in which the former answers the latter’s questions and facilitates and provides guidance with regards to the educational process. This model of tutoring or guidance promotes self-reflection and helps the students to improve and develop as people and professionals. This is where the students consolidate what they have learned through study, the looking up of information, the processing of data and the process of integration.
A non-classroom activity that helps students consolidate their knowledge, something that is always necessary before starting a new task. This is where the students consolidate what they have learned through study, the looking up of information, the processing of data and the process of integration.
A non-classroom activity in which students undertake exercises autonomously, without the presence of the lecturer/professor. This is the stage in which most questions arise, but, as the option to immediately ask the question does not exist, students are forced to make an additional effort. This is where the students consolidate what they have learned through study, the looking up of information, the processing of data and the process of integration.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



The evaluation will be based on three components:

  • Class participation (10%)
  • Resolution of cases (10%)
  • Practical Exam (40%)
  • Theoretical Exam (40%) 

It is mandatory to pass the exams with a grade of 5 or more to make the average.

Bibliography and resources

  • Fontes de Gracia et al. (2010). Fundamentos de investigación en psicología. Madrid: UNED.
  • Pardo Merino, A., Ruiz, M. A., & San Martín, R. (2008). Análisis de datos en ciencias sociales y de la salud I. Editorial Síntesis: Madrid, Spain. 
  • Pardo Merino, A., & San Martín, R. (2010). Análisis de datos en ciencias sociales y de la salud II. Editorial Síntesis: Madrid, Spain.
  • Pardo Merino, A., & Ruiz, M. A. (2021). Análisis de datos en ciencias sociales y de la salud III. Editorial Síntesis: Madrid, Spain.

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 15/01/2021 A03 08:00h
  • E2 21/06/2021 A16 08:00h
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