Research Methods in Psychology

Code:

LPSI100

Acronym:

MIP

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Methods

Instance: 2022/2023 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Psychology
Course/CS Responsible:	First degree in Psychology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
LPSIC	234	Official Curricular Structure	1	-	6	54	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

1. distinction between common-sense and scientific approach as knowlegede forms


2. analysis of the role of the researcher's positionning towards the subject of study, both as a scientist and as a social actor;


3. mastering of introductory descriptive and inferential research methodologies and concepts and their role in a research project.

Learning outcomes and competences

See Objectives

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. Common-sense and the Scientific Method
- Common-sense effects in psychological research
- Research questions and hypotheses
- Common quantitative methodologies: descriptive, correlational and experimental studies

2. Correlational methodologies:
- The nature of the observed variables
- Degree of knowledge of the object of study
- Ethical issues
- Correlational approach with nominal, and interval variables

3. Experimental designs
- Independent and dependent variables
- Between-participants, within-participants, and mixed designs
- Main effects and interactions/moderations

4. Sampling techniques
- Probbilistic and non-probabilistic samples

5. Quality of research:
- Theoretical validity
- Internal validity
- External validity

6. Introduction to qualitative methodologies
- The role of the researcher
- Qualitative data collection: Interviews; focus groups; Observation; Qualitative Surveys; Printed/ digital/ doccumented materials; Vídeos/ documentaries

7. Deontology in research in Psychology
- Human and non-human participants
- Scientific community
- Society
- Ethical, unethical, and questionable research practices.

Mandatory literature

Alferes, V. R. ; Investigação Científica em Psicologia: Teoria e Prática, Almedina, 1997
D. T. Gilbert, S. T. Craig, J. R. & Metze, L. P; Methods of Psychological Research, McGraw-Hill, 1979
D. T. Gilbert, S. T: Fiske & G. Lindzey ; The Handbook of Social Psychology , Mc-Graw-Hill, 1998
J. Marques; Métodos de Investigação em Psicologia, FPCEUP, 2019
Mook, D. G. ; Psychological Research: Strategy and Tactics, Harper & Row, 1992
Poeschl G. A. ; Análise de Dados na Investigação em Psicologia: Teoria e Prática, Almedina, 2006

Teaching methods and learning activities

Expositive method in the theoretical courses, in parallel with an active method in the practical courses, in which students put into practice the notions presented in the theoretical courses while experiencing their constraints and usefulness through the planning and execution of small research projects.

The evaluation is distributed with final evaluation. The final grade ensues from two components: evaluation at the theoretical courses (written exam) and evaluation at the practical courses (team research project). Students are required to a) attend 75% of the practical courses, b) participate in an empirical study proposed by the lecturer, and c) do data collection work, either in the laboratory or in the field.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	20,00
Exame	80,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Elaboração de projeto	20,00
Elaboração de relatório/dissertação/tese	20,00
Estudo autónomo	20,00
Frequência das aulas	56,00
Trabalho de campo	10,00
Trabalho de investigação	8,00
Trabalho laboratorial	28,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

The frequency of practical courses is mandatory both for students enrolled for the first time in the course. In case of repeting the course, students can be dismissed from assisting the same classes.

Calculation formula of final grade

The weighted sum of the theoretical and practical evaluation components should at least equal 09.50/20 values, as long as students obtained no less than 7.50/20 values at the exam

Computing formula the final grade:

Exam X .80 + Evaluation of the Practical Courses X .20