Duration
30h Th
Number of credits
| Bachelor in psychology and education : speech and language therapy | 3 crédits | |||
| Bachelor in psychology and education : general | 3 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
This course introduces students to the scientific method applied to fundamental and applied research in psychology and speech-language pathology. It covers the main types of quantitative research-descriptive, correlational, and experimental-emphasizing their capabilities, strengths, and limitations. The course also addresses critical evaluation of methodological biases related to observation, questionnaires, measurement scales, and experimental designs. Finally, it includes a systematic methodological analysis of scientific articles, examining the conceptual, methodological, empirical, and analytical phases of research.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
A good knowledge of research methods in psychology and speech-language pathology enables an impartial approach to the claims and conclusions of a study by setting aside personal expectations and beliefs. Learning research methods is essential for developing critical thinking, which is particularly important in the current context of the reproducibility crisis that calls for strengthened methodological knowledge.
The course aims, in particular, for students to:
- understand the fundamental concepts of scientific research;
- know the ethical principles of research in psychology and speech-language pathology;
- distinguish descriptive, correlational, and experimental research, along with their objectives, methods, and tools;
- identify basic experimental designs, from the simplest designs (two independent groups) to more complex ones (such as mixed factorial designs);
- develop an intuitive understanding of the concepts of main effects and interactions;
- understand the principle of single-case research (such as the ABA design and its variants);
- distinguish and operationalize the variables of an experiment;
- grasp the conditions necessary for formulating a testable hypothesis;
- master the concepts of internal and external validity;
- understand the control of extraneous variables that may threaten internal validity, notably through randomization and variable control;
- understand what ensures the reliability and validity of data collection;
- apprehend quality criteria for study reporting, including the description of bias prevention measures and methodological transparency.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
On eCampus, screencasts will provide an initial introduction to fundamental concepts.
In face-to-face sessions, methodological analysis of concrete scientific studies will facilitate understanding of descriptive, correlational, and experimental research.
Exercises will be offered to deepen comprehension and mastery of the concepts covered through screencasts and during in-person sessions.
Following the instructions given during sessions and on eCampus will be essential for optimal course progression.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Blended learning
Further information:
Gradual unlocking of learning modules.
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
Further information:
Recommanded manual: A. Myers & C. Hansen (2023). Psychologie expérimentale (3e édition) De Boeck.
The PowerPoint presentations used for the in-person sessions will be provided before each session. The transcriptions of the screencasts will also be available.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )
Further information:
The written exam, in addition to the open questions, may also include TRUE/FALSE questions and/or MCQ.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
The eCampus platform will serve as support for learning; it will therefore be necessary to follow any updates in terms of content and exercises on this platform.
In preparation for the classroom sessions, the eCampus platform will offer learning activities via screencasts.
The face-to-face sessions will provide concrete examples of research in several sectors of psychology and speech therapy. They will allow you to return to and deepen the material presented in the screencasts.
Attendance at the course is therefore strongly recommended.
Contacts
Ferrara André (04/366.22.32 - a.ferrara@uliege.be)