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2011/2 Provisional Module Catalogue - UNDER CONSTRUCTION & SUBJECT TO CHANGE
 Module Code: PSYM025 Module Title: RESEARCH IN ORGANISATIONAL SETTINGS
Module Provider: Psychology Short Name: PS.M46
Level: M Module Co-ordinator: MILLWARD PURVIS LJ Dr (Psychology)
Number of credits: 15 Number of ECTS credits: 7.5
 
Module Availability

Autumn Semester

Assessment Pattern

Units of Assessment
Method(s)
Percentage weighting
Coursework   
Project  
50%
Coursework  
Report
50%

Module Overview
Prerequisites/Co-requisites

Undergraduate Research Methods

Module Aims

This module aims to provide students with advanced knowledge and understanding of research-based practice (analysis, formulation, implementation, evaluation) in accordance with all eight Level 1 British Psychological Society competencies which are prerequisite for Chartered Status.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
be trained in the informed and systematic application of the research-parctitioner modelinvolving the development of skills for the in-depth analysis (using quantitative and qualitative methods, techniques and tools) and conceptualisation of practical issues taking into consideration (a) the wider social, economic and political context (b) legal imperatives (e.g. Equal Opportunities) and (c) micro-political and ethical sensitivities.
have developed skills in the formulation of research questions and design of research to be conducted in organisational settings, taking into consideration issues of sampling, securing the co-operation of employees.
have developed the basic technical and commumnication skills required for the effective design of strategies, methods and techniques for purposes of individual and organisational analysis and intevention.
have developed skills in organisational analysis and intevention and skills in report writing for business and organisational audiences.
have developed skills in planning, running and analysing data derived from focus groups, critical incident interviews, diaries, obwervation, repertory grid exercises and employee surveys.
Module Content

Week 1: A scientist-practitioner framework for analysis and intervention, ethical issues. 
Week 2: Epistemology and practice
Week 3: Methodology - gathering evidence
Week 4: Inductive and deductive approaches
Week 5: Interviews - one-to-one
Week 6: Interviews - group
Week 7: Surveys/questionnaires
Week 8: Repertory grids (with a small group workshop)
Week 9: Repertory grids
Week 10: Reflection and Consolidation

Methods of Teaching/Learning
Interactive workshops interjected with lectures
Selected Texts/Journals
Essential Reading
Brannen, J. (2005). Mixing Methods: The Entry of Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches into the Research Process.  International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8, 173-184.
Cassell, C., & Symon, G. (2004). (2nd ed.) Essential Guide to Qualitative Methods in Organisational Research: A Practical Guide. Sage Publications. London. 
Millward, L.J. (2005) Understanding Occupational and Organizational Psychology.  London : Sage. 
Recommended Reading
Breakwell, G. & Millward, L.J. (1995). Basic Evaluation Methods: Measuring Performance, Practice and Procedure. Leicester: BPS Books.
Brewerton, P. ^& Millward, L.J. (2001) Organizational Research Methods. Sage
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006).  Using thermatic analysis in psychology.  Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77-101.
Breakwell, G. M., Hammond, S., Fife-Schaw, C., & Smith, J. A (2006).  Research methods in psychology (3rd ed).  Thousand Oaks, CA US: Sage Publications, Inc.
Feilzer, M. Y. (2010).  Doing Mixed Methods Research Pragmatically: Implications for the Rediscovery of Pragmatism as a Research Paradigm.  Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 4, 6-16.
Morgan, D. L. (2007).  Paradigms Lost and Pragmatism Regained: Methodological Implications of Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Methods.  Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 1, 48-76.
Newman, I., & Benz, C> R. (1998).  Qualitative-Quantitative Research Methodology: Exploring the Interactive Continuum.  Carbondale: Southern Illlinois University Press.
Plewis, I. & Mason, P. (2005).  What Works and Why: Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches in Large-scale Evaluations.  International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8 185-194.
Sosulski, M. R., & Lawrence, C. (2008). Mixing methods for full-strength results - Two welfare studies. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 2, 121-148.
Teddie, C & Tashakkori, A (2003).  Major Issues and Controversies in the Use of Mixed Methods in the Social and Behavioral Sciences.  In Tashakkori, A. & Teddlie, C. Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social and behavioural Research (pp.3-50).  Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Ltd.
Background Reading
Harrison, M.I. (1994).  Diagnosing Organisations: Methods, Models and Processes.  London: Sage Publications.
Bryman, A. (2007).  Barriers to Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Research.  Journal ofMixed Methods Research, 1, 8-22.
Morse, J.M. (2003). Principals of Mixed Methods and Multimethod Research Design.  
Tashakkori, A. & Teddlie, C. Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social and behavioural Research (pp. 189-208).  Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Ltd.
Last Updated

5th May 2011