Psychological Research Methods: Measuring Perception

Psychology is a broad discipline addressing a wide range of questions and employing an equally wide range of methods. This programme aims to facilitate understanding of this diverse subject, whilst allowing students to focus the majority of their efforts in depth on their specific topic of interest – Measuring Perception.

Course objectives

Psychology is a broad discipline addressing a wide range of questions and employing an equally wide range of methods. This programme aims to facilitate understanding of this diverse subject, whilst allowing students to focus the majority of their efforts in depth on their specific topic of interest – Measuring Perception.

In addition to broad training in psychological methods, this  programme ensures that students acquire an understanding of how to measure perceptual experience in a bias-free manner, including the basic framework for understanding such measurements. Students also acquire practical experience in making measurements of perceptual experience

Entrance requirements

Consideration is given to candidates with a first or second class single or joint Honours degree in Psychology (or a closely related subject).

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your  proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6 in each skill), or  TOEFL: Listening 23, Reading 23, Speaking 23, Writing 23.

Funding

information on possible sources of funding

Modes of study

Full-time
Diploma: two semesters ; MSc: 12 months

Part-time
Diploma: four semesters ; MSc: 24 months

Course start date

September

Structure and content

Full-time students are required to complete a programme of modules for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma. The MSc award also requires completion of a dissertation on a topic chosen in consultation with teaching staff, one of whom will act as supervisor.

Part-time students take the same modules spread over two years.

Delivery and assessment

Lectures, seminars and workshops are used to deliver a coherent programme of study. Teaching methods are adapted to suit the aims of each module, and to provide students with the range and depth of learning required by their needs. Students are able to pick a route through the programme that fits their interests and needs as a self-motivated learner.

Teaching emphasises the importance of systematic empirical research, whether in the laboratory or in the field, as appropriate to the problem at hand.

Across the programme students experience a range of different forms of assessment. Specific assessment within the Measuring Perception programme is a research report. Students will conduct and report (6,000 words) on a small research project involving a measurement of perception. The student will be responsible for the whole process: design of study, programming and other practical aspects of doing the research; data collection and analysis. The main assessment of the report will consider the quality of the research, the level of understanding about measurement of perception, and the competence of the procedures used in the research. The report will also be assessed for clarity and conciseness.

Preparation

Contact the School for information on your timetable and reading lists.

Course Director

Professor Roger Watt

RAE rating

70 percent of research in Psychology at Stirling was recognised as being of a quality that is internationally recognised in terms of originality, significance and rigour in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).

Find out more

http://www.psychology.stir.ac.uk/

Career opportunities

The programme aims to provide advanced training as a preparation for a research career involving the measurement of perception. It is intended primarily for students intending to proceed to a PhD in Psychology, who already have a degree in Psychology or an allied discipline.