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
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Write an e-mail to srecoder@uic.es
Introduction
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.
Professor: Dra. Silvia Recoder
Pre-course requirements
There are no pre-course requirements
Objectives
- Know the difference between scientific knowledge and general knowledge.
- Know how to search information in scientific websites as well as the structure of a research article.
- Know, apply and calculate the different descriptive statistics in function of the type of variable.
- Have an approximation to probability and normal distribution.
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.
- CG01 - Capacity for critical and creative thinking, and capacity to investigate and adopt a scientific and ethical approach in distinct professional settings.
- 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.
- CT01 - The capacity to organise and plan.
- CT07 - The capacity to learn autonomously
- 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%)
- Theoretical exam (30%)
- Exercicies (20%)
- Practical Exam (40%)
It is mandatory to pass the practical exam with a grade of 5 or more to make the average. The average has to be 5 or higher.
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.
Evaluation period
E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
- E1 16/01/2023 A02 09:00h
- E2 15/06/2023 A16 10:00h