PS4A1
Methods for Social Psychology Research: Fundamental Qualitative and Fundamental Quantitative Methods
This information is for the 2014/15 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 not available as an outside option.
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 the department with no background in research methodology. This shall provide them with an overview of methodological issues for Social Psychological research as well as an introduction to both qualitative and quantitative methods. 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 in MT (10 hours) • MY421 Qualitative Research Methods (MT) • MY451 Introduction to Quantitative Analysis (MT)
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 2013/14: 86
Average class size 2013/14: 6
Controlled access 2013/14: No
Lecture capture used 2013/14: No
Value: One Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills