MSc Psychological Research Methods/ MPsych Advanced Psychology Module Catalogue / 2018

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1 MSc Psychological Research Methods/ MPsych Advanced Psychology Module Catalogue / 2018 PSY555: Communication of Research for Psychology (Semester 2) 10 credits core PRM, option MPsych This module teaches students to communicate their research, both in writing and orally by introducing the skills required to write journal articles, present conference papers and posters, review journal articles and write grant applications. This module teaches students to communicate their research, both in writing and orally by introducing the skills required to write journal articles, present conference papers and posters, review journal articles and write grant applications. Topics covered will include: Oral communication (preparing and delivering a conference style presentation), preparing and presenting a conference style poster, written communication (writing grant applications, writing for journal publication), the journal review process, writing to publishers criteria. (mock grant proposal and conference style presentation) PSY557: Quantitative Analysis of Complex Clinical and Behavioural Data (Semester 2) 10 credits - core PRM, option MPsych This module extends knowledge of statistical techniques to cover discreet data, and nested data structures commonly found in complex interventions, and to introduce more advanced covariance modelling techniques. This module extends knowledge of statistical techniques to cover discreet data, and nested data structures as commonly found in complex interventions, and to introduce more advanced covariance modelling techniques. The module will cover: Logistic regression and odds ratios; Multilevel regression and analysis of nested data; Covariance modelling, including path analysis, CFA and SEM. It will also consider how these methods are useful in the design and analysis of complex evaluation designs such as randomised control techniques. 1 of 8

2 PSY558: Evaluating Complex Interventions (Semester 2) 10 credits - core PRM, option MPsych This module provides the background rationale for and training in the design of trials for evaluating complex interventions for behaviour change and psychological health. This module provides the background rationale for and training in the design of trials for evaluating complex interventions for behaviour change and psychological health. Indicative content of the module is: Population, recruitment and selection effects; generalizability; allocation and blinding; cluster designs, stratification and power; choice of appropriate comparators; intervention mapping; placebo and provider effects and common factors; choice of outcomes; intermediate outcomes, mediation, biomarkers, causal models. Meta analysis, sources of bias, reproducibility and the file draw problem. PSY560: Qualitative Research Methods for Psychology (Semester 1) 10 credits - core PRM, option MPsych This module will examine different qualitative approaches relevant to the human sciences. These approaches will cover the range of approaches from discourse-asa-resource-for to discourse-as-the-topic-of investigation. Along the way we will critique the standard view of discourse as a route to things in the head. This module examines two widely recognised but contrasting approaches to qualitative research in psychological investigations. First, an approach which treats people s accounts of their beliefs, attitudes, values and actions as more or less authentic will be covered. This approach will be Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Second, and in contrast to the first, an approach which treats people s talk as action oriented, sequentially organised and both constructive and constructed will be covered. This approach will be Discursive Psychology. In addition to examining the background assumptions of these approaches, this module will also cover the main methodological principles of how these approaches are implemented in practice. The indicative content of this module is: Epistemology and its relation to qualitative methodologies. Contrasting qualitative approaches: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Discursive Psychology. Techniques of data generation, building and coding a corpus of data; transcription systems; techniques for analysing talk-in-interaction; the use of software in qualitative analysis. Assessment: Coursework - 100% 2 of 8

3 PSY561: Skills and Techniques in Psychological Research 1 (Semester 1) 10 credits - core PRM, option MPsych This module will focus on the development of practical skills in the implementation of a range of methods and techniques currently employed in advanced research paradigms within the areas of psychology and neuroscience. Students will choose 2 options from a range of options on offer. These options will cover advanced skills and techniques in the measurement of psychological functions and processes and are more often than not at the forefront of current psychological and neuroscience research. Examples of options included in this module are: programming MATLAB, event-related potentials, near-infrared spectroscopy, eye tracking, survey design, functional magnetic imaging, using experiment-generating software (e.g. e-prime), transcranial magnetic stimulation, sequential analysis of social interaction. PSY562: Skills and Techniques in Psychological Research 2 (Semester 2) 10 credits - core PRM, option MPsych This module will focus on the development of practical skills in the implementation of a range of methods and techniques currently employed in advanced research paradigms within the areas of psychology and neuroscience. Students will choose 2 options from a range of options on offer. These options will cover advanced skills and techniques in the measurement of psychological functions and processes and are more often than not at the forefront of current psychological and neuroscience research. Examples of options included in this module are: programming MATLAB, event-related potentials, near-infrared spectroscopy, eye tracking, survey design, functional magnetic imaging, using experiment-generating software (e.g. e-prime), transcranial magnetic stimulation, sequential analysis of social interaction. 3 of 8

4 PSY563: Understanding Risky Behaviour (Semester 1) 10 credits - This module focuses on risk-taking in individuals, the perception of risk and a range of psychological strategies and techniques for bringing about behavioural change and risk-reduction. This module will develop an advanced understanding of current research on risk perception, risk communication and psychological approaches to changing risky behaviours. Indicative content of the module includes: the perception of risk to the self and others; self-positivity biases; the use of imagery and other cognitive techniques in the management of risky behaviours; the effective communication of risk probabilities in social and medical settings; the intention-behaviour gap. (Presentation and Essay) PSY564: Understanding Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Semester 2) 10 credits - This module introduces students to fundamental principles and techniques of the cognitive behavioural approach to addressing psychological difficulties. This module will introduce students to the theoretical foundations and clinical practice of cognitive behavioural therapy. Indicative topics include: foundations of cognitive behavioural therapy; developing a therapeutic relationship with clients; formulating therapy plans; core cognitive and behavioural techniques; using cognitive behavioural therapy to treat non-complex anxiety and depression; current critiques of cognitive behavioural therapy. The mixed approach to teaching will include presentation of clinical case studies, interactive demonstrations of cognitive and behavioural techniques, group discussion and peer evaluation. 4 of 8

5 PSY566: Issues in Behaviour Change (Semester 2) 10 credits - This module covers contemporary issues in behaviour change, focusing on topical problem behaviours and the theoretical and ethical issues of behaviour change that they raise. Based on this, students will examine and seek to change their own behaviour. This module covers contemporary issues in behaviour change, focusing on a topical problem behaviours and the theoretical and ethical issues of behaviour change that they raise. Based on this, students will examine and seek to change their own behaviour. Indicative content of this module includes: Driver behaviour; sustainable and pro-environmental behaviours; addiction and craving in clinical and everyday contexts; interventions to change children s behaviour. PSY567: Designing for Behaviour Change (Semester 1) 10 credits - What makes a psychologically based intervention effective? This module covers a range of contemporary interventions for clinical psychological and behavioural problems, focusing on a critical analysis of the psychological mechanisms underlying interventions and explores how laboratory research can be translated into new interventions. What makes a psychologically based intervention effective? This module covers a range of contemporary interventions for clinical psychological and behavioural problems, focusing on a critical analysis of the psychological mechanisms underlying interventions and explores how laboratory research can be translated into new interventions. Indicative content of this module includes: Interventions for healthier lifestyles; interventions for managing reactions to trauma; issues in public health and environmental sustainability interventions; Intervention mapping; organisational change. 5 of 8

6 PSY568: Issues in Clinical Psychology (Semester 1) 10 credits - This module introduces students to contemporary issues in clinical psychology and the evaluation of therapies aiming to address psychological difficulties. This module adopts a scientist-practitioner model in evaluating contemporary approaches in clinical psychology across core areas of professional work. Indicative topics include: principles of clinical practice; randomised controlled trials; experimental psychopathology; combining psychological and pharmacological interventions; treatment development and clinical practice; barriers to treatment; cultural issues and diversity. The mixed approach to teaching will include presentations, group discussion and peer evaluation. PSY569: The Brain and its Disorders (Semester 1) 10 credits - This module teaches students advanced functional neuroanatomy by studying the biological, psychological and social aspects of various common neurological disorders. This module will cover congenital/ developmental as well as acquired neurology. This module teaches students advanced functional neuroanatomy by studying the biological, psychological and social aspects of various common neurological disorders. This module will cover congenital/ developmental as well as acquired neurology. Indicative content of the module includes: Major brain areas; myelination; dopamine pathways and the reward system; regional brain damage; low and high level sensory pathway dysfunction; motor disorders; developmental plasticity; genetic and environmental determinants of brain function. 6 of 8

7 PSY570: Issues in Cognitive and Brain Sciences (Semester 2) 10 credits - This module focuses on how cognitive science and cognitive neuroscience approaches and techniques can be combined to provide convergent evidence about contemporary issues in understanding how the mind works. This module provides students with an in-depth, advanced survey of the state of the art in cognitive and brain science. Topics may include the brain basis of perception, attention, spatial cognition, thinking, decision-making, prediction, language, learning, memory, behavioural action, conscious and nonconscious processes, mental imagery, creativity, innovation, emotion, social cognition, deception and lie detection. The human brain will be emphasized, but material may include animal and artificial intelligence. This module will help students understand how cognition can be affected in different kinds of brain disorders (e.g., attention deficit disorder, amnesia, autism, schizophrenia). A variety of perspectives may be covered, such as embodied (grounded) cognition, evolutionary psychology, and ecological theories. Students will learn how to design and interpret experiments using a variety of mind reading tools, including sophisticated behavioural assessments, brain imaging, electroencephalography (EEG), brain stimulation, eye movements, and computational modelling. Interactive lectures and journal article discussions will encourage students to develop critical thinking skills, scientific and algorithmic reasoning skills, and the ability to read and talk professionally about cognitive and brain science. Coursework will encourage students to integrate across areas of cognition (e.g., vision, action, and memory) and tools (e.g., brain imaging and EEG). This module is suitable for students seeking advanced insight into mechanisms of human behaviour, including students in cognitive science, cognitive neuroscience, and related clinical areas, such as neuropsychology, neurology, psychiatry, as well as education, economics, law, politics, business, criminology, sociology, philosophy of mind, artificial intelligence, and robotics. 7 of 8

8 PSY577: Foundations in Clinical Psychology: Children and Families (Semester 2) 10 credits - This module introduces core concepts in clinical child psychology that underpin clinical practice. It will cover topics including early attachment relationships as predictors of psychological vulnerability and resilience; an introduction to systems theory and family relationships; a formulation approach to understanding psychological difficulties in children, and consideration of vulnerable children such as those with learning difficulties and neurodevelopmental disorders. This innovative model will consolidate the students understanding of the principles of formulation in clinical psychology and the application of reflective practice. The content will focus on clinical practice with children, young people and their families. The approach will be both developmental and systemic and will include indicative topics on the significance of early attachment relationships and family dynamics. The blended approach to learning will include self-directed reading, experiential exercises, and practice in formulation using recorded case work. Learning material will be selected to cover a wide range of clinical cases including children with neuroatypical development and those with disability. 8 of 8