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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Understanding Psychology as a Science 1
Reference SSM105 Version 3
Created September 2019 SCQF Level SCQF 11
Approved April 2016 SCQF Points 15
Amended October 2019 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To develop understanding of psychology as a scientific discipline, demonstrating how psychology has developed and changed during its history and the forces which have shaped it, and how psychological knowledge can be developed today using qualitative research methods. This includes an understanding of qualitative epistemology and developing skills of planning, undertaking and organising qualitative research in psychology using a range of methods to gather and analyse qualitative data.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Critically analyse the history of psychology as it relates to psychological science and practice.
2 Demonstrate critical understanding of the nature of qualitative inquiry in psychology and its epistemology.
3 Demonstrate critical understanding and develop skills in a range of methods of gathering qualitative data.
4 Critically evaluate a range of methods of analysing qualitative data.

Indicative Module Content
History of psychology; major trends, developments, movements, etc. as they relate to psychological science and practice; history of applied psychology; how social forces have shaped psychology (and vice versa). Synthesising evidence in literature reviews and systematic reviews. Meta-analysis (quantitative) and meta-synthesis (qualitative) methods for evidence synthesis. How qualitative research differs from quantitative. Epistemology of qualitative research. Ethics in qualitative research. Choosing methods of gathering qualitative data. Use of interviews (unstructured and semi-structured), focus groups, questionnaires to gather qualitative data. Thematic analysis. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Grounded Theory. Discourse Analysis. Writing up qualitative research.

Module Delivery
Online distance learning, with a combination of online lectures, discussion boards, online seminars, directed reading and private study

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 24 24
Non-Contact Hours 126 126
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 150
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 50% Outcomes Assessed: 1
Description: Component 1 will take the form of a History of Psychology coursework.
Component 2
Type: Coursework Weighting: 50% Outcomes Assessed: 2, 3, 4
Description: Component 2 will take the form of Qualitative Research Methods coursework.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
There will be two assessments. Component 1 will take the form of a History of Psychology coursework and Component 2 will take the form of a Qualitative Research Methods coursework.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A AA, AB
B BB, BC, AC, AD
C CC, CD, BD, BE, AE
D DD, CE, DE
E EE, AF, BF, CF, DF
F EF, FF
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module None.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Banyard, P. & Flanagan, C. (2011). Ethical Issues in Psychology. Hove, UK: Routledge.
2 Howitt, D. (2019). Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology (4th ed.). Harlow, UK: Pearson.
3 Benjamin, L. (2019). A Brief History of Modern Psychology (Any Edition). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
4 Howitt, D. & Cramer, D. 2014. Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (4th ed.). Harlow, UK: Pearson.
5 Pickren, W. & Rutherford, A. 2010. A History of Modern Psychology in Context. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
6 Braun, V. & Clarke, C. (2013). Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Beginners. London, UK: Sage.
7 Willig, C. (2013). Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology (3rd ed.). Maidenhead, UK: Open University Press.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781