PS4A3
Methods for Social Psychology Research: Advanced Quantitative and Fundamental Qualitative Methods
This information is for the 2013/14 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Caroline Howarth STC.374
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Health, Community and Development, MSc in Organisational and Social Psychology, MSc in Social and Cultural Psychology and MSc in Social and Public Communication. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
A full unit of methods training is compulsory for students taking the above named programmes. Students take either PS4A1/2/3/4 depending on their level of knowledge and experience with methods.
Course content
This is for MSc students in ISP with some background in quantitative methods but no background in qualitative research methodology. This shall provide them with an overview of methodological issues for Social Psychological research, an introduction to qualitative methods and a choice of advanced quantitative courses. The course as a whole will equip them with methodological skills that will enable them to conduct empirical research for their MSc Dissertation and possibly research after the MSc.
Teaching
The course consists of 10 hours of in-house ISP teaching and two half unit course options provided by the LSE Methodology Institute (MY) during MT and LT. • PS4AA - ISP in-house research methods lectures (10) and ISP in-house fortnightly methods workshops in LT and ST (20 hours) • MY421 Qualitative Research Methods (MT) And any ONE of the following • MY452 Applied regression Analysis (MT/LT) • MY455 Multivariate Analysis and Measurement (LT) • MY456 Survey Methodology (LT) • MY457 Causal Inference for Observational and Experimental Studies (LT) • MY458 Multi-level and Longitudinal Modelling (LT) • MY459 Regression Models for Discrete Outcomes (LT).
Formative coursework
Students will follow the formative work requirements on the MY course(s) that they take under each stream.
Indicative reading
Bauer, M. and Gaskell, G. (2000) Qualitative researching with text, image and sound - a practical handbook London, Sage
Breakwell, G. Foot, H. and Gilmour. (1988) Doing Social Psychology: Laboratory and Field Exercises. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Miell, D. and Wetherwell, M. (1998) Doing Social Psychology. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
Assessment
Other (100%) in the MT, LT and ST.
Students will be assessed according to the elements of teaching that they take on this course (see ‘teaching’ information provided).
Key facts
Department: Social Psychology
Total students 2012/13: 27
Average class size 2012/13: 4
Value: One Unit
Personal development skills
- Leadership
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills