Methodology of research

lpsp1210  2023-2024  Louvain-la-Neuve

Methodology of research
5.00 credits
45.0 h + 15.0 h
Q1 and Q2
Teacher(s)
Corneille Olivier; Jacobs Emilie; Kohut Taylor;
Language
French
Main themes
Fundamental concepts:
- Introduction to the scope and specificities of a scientific approach to psychology and educational sciences.
- Qualitative and quantitative research methods in psychology and educational sciences (descriptive, correlational and experimental level)
- Concepts of variables, reliability, validity, selection of participants, experimental plan and research ethics (these themes will be tackled through examples of situations related to psychology and the sciences of education)
- Measurement tools used in research methods
- How to write a structured synthesis of the method used
These concepts will be illustrated
- Through seminars given by research professionals (researchers with research experience). The seminars will cover themes with different research methods (e.g., qualitative and quantitative methods, implicit measures, sampling strategies and different types of participants).
- Through participation in experiments carried out by research professionals from the faculty.
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1 In the light of the learning outcomes framework, the course is aimed at getting students to:
- E1: master the steps, methodologies and tools used in psychology and educational sciences scientific research
- E2: identify the contribution of scientific research in psychology and education sciences, and to critically analyze the research methods used in the existing literature
- E3: act as an academic, using rigorous and ethical methods
The course aims to bring students to:
- A2: analyze and model a situation (individual or group) with reference to methods and tools in the field of psychology and the sciences of education
- B1: master knowledge about methods interventions to improve a given situation (individual or group) (more specifically, methodology related to planning, carrying out and evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention)
- B2: planning an experiment or intervention to assess or improve a given situation (individual or group)
- C1 and C2: present in writing a structured synthesis of research methods (typical of psychology and educational sciences)
- D1: listening to others in learning situations and in professional circles
- D2 and D3: interact and collaborate with professional researchers in learning situations
 
Content
Fundamental concepts:
  • Introduction to the scope and specificities of a scientific approach to psychology and educational sciences.
  • Qualitative and quantitative research methods in psychology and educational sciences (descriptive, correlational and experimental)
  • Concepts of variables, reliability, validity, selection of participants, experimental plan and research ethics (these themes will be tackled through examples of situations related to psychology and education sciences)
  • Measurement tools used in research methods
  • How to analyze, evaluate, and apply the principles of research methods in the context of real research experiments
These concepts will be illustrated
  • Through seminars given by research professionals (researchers with research experience). The seminars will cover themes with different research methods (e.g., qualitative and quantitative methods, implicit measures, sampling strategies and different types of participants).
  • Through participation in experiments carried out by research professionals from the faculty.
Teaching methods
Lectures and practical work
Portions of the course will be given in an english/french hybrid format.
  • The course is given largely in French, though Prof. T. Kohut will be speaking in English while using French course slides.
  • Your course work is expected to be completed in French and the exams will be in French.
Evaluation methods
The course consists of 4 modules, each with an evaluation. The different evaluations measure knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods, skills in critical evaluation of methods, and skills in the application of knowledge to new scenarios of research. The final mark is the weighted average of a series of multiple choice and/or multiple answer questions (30%) on the exam in January, short answer and / or essay questions on the exam in June (40%), writen work involving qualitative methods (15%), and written work involving quantitative methods (15%).
For the realization of all independent written assignments, the use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools (e.g., ChatGPT) is prohibited.
Other information
The courses listed below provide an important basis for understanding and integrating the subject matter of this course. LPSP1012 Methodology of observation
Online resources
The Moodle platform
Bibliography
Willig, C. (2013). Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology (3th Ed.).UK: Open University Press.
Voir Moodlle pour les autres liens / See Moodle for other links
Teaching materials
  • PPT sur Moodle
Faculty or entity
EPSY


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Bachelor in Psychology and Education: General

Bachelor in Psychology and Education : Speech and Language Therapy