Applied Research Project
This is an empirical research project in psychology.
Students will conduct an 8,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choosing related to applied research and associated methods in an organisational context.
You'll be assigned a supervisor who will be available to support you throughout your project.
Consultancy Skills
This workshop-style module is run in collaboration with the owner-director of an occupational psychology consultancy organisation and a number of their staff. Using role play and other in-class activities, the workshop provides an opportunity for students to:
- develop an understanding of skills and competencies required of a consultant and reflective practitioner
- translate psychological knowledge, concepts and ideas into a language understandable by a non-psychologist
- interpret basic statistical evidence and convert this into proposed consultancy activities
- pitch for a possible piece of consultancy to a panel of people from the client organisation
Introduction to Research Methods
Students will gain the knowledge and skills to effectively plan and design research as well as to critically appraise published research. You will be introduced to how to write a literature review in a systematic way, how to write a research proposal, study designs (including developing research questions), ethics and practical issues when planning and conducting research.
The module also covers designing questionnaires, psychometric issues such as reliability and validity, using interviews and focus groups, evaluating interventions and use of the internet and an introduction to online research methods.
Leadership, Engagement, and Motivation
This module introduces the important issues of leadership, employee motivation and engagement at work, and considers the contribution that psychological theory makes to our understanding of these areas. The module also considers the role of the psychological contract and organisational justice as concepts for understanding employee relations and explores the opposing issues of citizenship and counterproductive behaviours. There is also a focus on appraising employee performance with emphasis on exploring the global move towards engaging with multi-source feedback.
Learning, Training and Development
This module commences with an in-depth examination of employee development from a career's perspective. Theories surrounding occupational choice and career development are examined, considering both organizational employee development and individual professional advancement. Students engage in practical exercises, delving into the theoretical implications and practical applications of various prominent career theories as they craft their own career development plans.
The second part of the module continues to explore employee development, outlining theories of learning and the application of these to training development and design in organisations. Elements of the training cycle are discussed, including training needs analysis, training transfer and evaluation of training. Different methods of training delivery are evaluated, including consideration of e-learning and online training, whilst the development of innovation and creativity are also considered.
Organisational Change and Development
This module provides an introduction to various approaches to understanding organisations and the environments in which they operate. Areas covered include:
- organisational structure, design, culture and climate
- power, influence and negotiation in organisations; consumer psychology
- methods and models of organisational development and change
- organisational effectiveness, productivity, performance
- groups, teams and teamwork
Psychological Assessment at Work
Through a series of lectures and seminars, this module explores the critical stages in the selection process and the contemporary issues of employee recruitment within and beyond the organizational context. Starting with an introduction to job analysis and competency modelling, this module examines the theoretical and technical aspects of various popular assessment tools, such as application forms and biodata, different types of interviews, psychometric tests, situational judgment tests, and assessment centres. Combining a case study approach with input from real-world selection consultants, students gain practical insights and hands-on experience, which enhance their ability to effectively apply selection methods in their future roles. This module enhances your marketability and paves the way for a successful career as an occupational psychologist by developing key competencies in evidence-based practice, problem-solving, and effective compliance with professional conduct.
Qualitative Research Methods
Students will be introduced to a range of qualitative approaches and the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings and practical application of qualitative methods.
Teaching will combine lectures, workshops, and self-directed study. Sessions will include a focus on interviews and focus groups, Realist Evaluation, thematic analysis, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, narrative approaches and Grounded Theory.
Students will be guided to consider developing qualitative research questions, ethical issues in qualitative research and the critical appraisal of qualitative research evidence.
Work Design, Wellbeing and Work
20 credits
This module explores the role of individual, social and organisational factors in work environments and the promotion of well-being at work. Drawing from key literature in occupational health psychology, a major theme is work-related stress - its nature, causes and effects. The experience of stress offers one vehicle for understanding the link between those adverse working conditions and individual and organisational ill-health. The module also considers other major contemporary concerns such as bullying, harassment and violence. The focus of the module then shifts towards an exploration how these problems and others can be best controlled and managed through job design, the design of work environments and contemporary ergonomics. Various models of prevention and organisational interventions are suggested, covering both risk based perspectives, participatory approaches and positive psychological perspectives. Examples of interventions are considered both at the individual and organisational levels. Future challenges, both theoretical and practical are identified.
Intermediate and advanced topics in quantitative research methods
10 credits
This advanced module builds on the fundamentals to further develop a more sophisticated understanding of the research cycle in quantitative research enquiry and related analytical skills.
This advanced module builds on the fundamentals to further develop a more sophisticated understanding of the research cycle in quantitative research enquiry and related analytical skills. It covers the design, execution and interpretation of research using advanced group differences analysis, and popular multivariate data analysis methods, such as simple mediation and moderation analysis, as well as the guiding principles in designing and interpreting measurement models and Structural Equation Models. Designed for students across various applied psychology specialties, the module integrates advanced methodologies with evidence-based practice, and critically reflects on and engages in research practices and ethical standards, aiming to foster future evidence-based practitioners and active consumers of research.
Fundamentals in Quantitative Research Methods
10 credits
Through a series of lectures, lab demonstrations, and workshops, this module introduces the core principles of quantitative research methods while providing practical training to enhance statistical literacy and analytical skills in applied psychology.
Through a series of lectures, lab demonstrations, and workshops, this module introduces the core principles of quantitative research methods while providing practical training to enhance statistical literacy and analytical skills in applied psychology. Topics include essential knowledge and skills involved in a quantitative research cycle, such as formulating research questions, operationalising latent variables, and designing studies, with a critical exploration of key statistical paradigms. It also addresses the principles of general linear models that underpin regression and ANOVA design, along with relevant ethical considerations and a discussion on best practices for data management.