Students' Experience of Research Methods Teaching Level 2

• Project Team: Jennifer Mattschey
• Subject Discipline: Psychology and Counselling
• Theme: AssessmentOnline and blended tuition
• Project Aim: Enables more students to achieve their study goalsImproves and enhance the learning experience of students
• Status: Live
• Date: January 2024

The project investigates Psychology students’ perception of both quantitative and qualitative research methods teaching at level 2, with the aim to identify new and more effective approaches to teaching these topics. DE200 is the current level 2 core module of the Psychology curriculum and very research methods focused. It introduces students to a wide range of quantitative research methods, as well as Thematic Analysis as an example of a qualitative research method. Historically, students have indicated that the volume of new information we present them with feels overwhelming and makes it difficult to understand the material on research methods in Psychology. Gaining insights into what, specifically, students find useful and what they consider to hinder their learning means we can make appropriate changes and thereby improve and enhance the learning experience of students going forward.

As part of their studies on DE200, we ask students to submit one qualitative report and one quantitative report. The quantitative report in particular is linked to an increase in student withdrawals and anecdotally, students often name feeling unconfident in their ability to run a statistical analysis and understand the data as a reason for withdrawal. Gaining insights into how to better facilitate students’ level 2 research methods learning allows us to make changes for future presentations. This will enable more students to achieve their study goals more effectively and minimise anxiety around research methods learning. In doing so, we would expect to see an increase in student retention and progression.

Psychology graduates overwhelmingly pursue career paths that require a solid understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods, and data analysis (e.g. Education, Health Care, Research; Coulthard, 2017; Palmer et al., 2021). This means ensuring a good student experience on the most research methods-focused stage of their studies will enhance employability and career progression chances for our students.

References:

Coulthard, L. M. (2017). BPS Careers Destinations (Phase 3) Survey: 2016 report. The British Psychological Society. Retrieved from: https://cms.bps.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023-11/BPS%20Careers%20Destinations%20%28Phase%203%29%20Survey%202016%20-%20Dr%20Lisa%20Morrison%20Coulthard.pdf (15/02/24)

Palmer, B., Schlepper, L., Hemmings, N., & Crellin, N. (2021). The right track: Participation and progression in psychology career paths. Research report, Nuffield Trust. Retrieved from: https://www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/research/the-right-track-participation-and-progression-in-psychology-career-paths (15/02/24)