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Courses / Modules / RESM6011 Applied Research Methods (ARM): Correlational Methods

Applied Research Methods (ARM): Correlational Methods

When you'll study it
Semester 2
CATS points
10
ECTS points
5
Level
Level 7
Module lead
Sarah Kirby
Academic year
2025-26
Module overview Aims and Objectives Syllabus Learning and Teaching Assessment
Module overview Aims and Objectives Syllabus Learning and Teaching Assessment

Module overview

Topics covered will include:

  • The strengths and weaknesses of correlational designs
  • How to construct a questionnaire
  • Psychometrics in classical test theory (including reliability, validity, and exploratory factor analysis)
  • Correlation analyses (Bivariate correlation, partial correlation, and non-parametric correlation)
  • Multiple linear regression (including hierarchical regression)
  • Logistic regression (including binary and multinomial logistic regression)
  • Extensions to regression using mediation and moderation

Sessions will be structured to enable an understanding of the appropriate use of and assumptions relating to analyses, the recommended sample size to ensure sufficient power for a given effect size, a step-by-step guide to carrying out analyses in SPSS, interpreting SPSS output, and how to report results.

Employability Skills

The transferable skills you will develop during this module include:

  • Research and Inquiry - Research and Inquiry underpin the formulation of well-informed new ideas and a creative approach to problem resolution and entrepreneurial behaviours
  • Academic - Academic attributes are the tools that sustain an independent capacity to critically understand a discipline and apply knowledge
  • Communication Skills - Communication Skills encompass an individual’s ability to demonstrate knowledge, and to express ideas with confidence and clarity to a variety of audiences
  • Reflective Learner - The Reflective Learner is capable of the independent reflection necessary to develop their learning and continuously meet the challenge of pursuing excellence

Alignment with Research Development Framework (RDF) and Transferable skills acquired (RDF employability lens):

Sub domain A1 (Knowledge base)

Knowledge of:

  • The methods and experimental techniques appropriate for research design
  • Literacy and numeracy skills and language abilities appropriate for research

Behaviour:

  • Identifies, applies and develops methods and experimental techniques appropriate for research projects

Sub domain A2 (Cognitive abilities)

Behaviour:

  • Analyses and evaluates findings using appropriate methods
  • Recognises and validates problems; formulates and applies solutions to a range of research problems

One of the pre-requisites for PSYC8042.

The module assumes a level of prior knowledge of statistical methods and SPSS equivalent to that provided during an undergraduate degree in Psychology.