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 use of the scientific approach in both fundamental and applied research in psychology and speech-language therapy. It presents the main types of quantitative research (descriptive, correlational, and experimental), highlighting their potential strengths as well as their limitations. Particular emphasis is placed on the critical analysis of methodological biases associated with observation, questionnaires, measurement scales, and experimental designs.
The course also includes the methodological analysis of scientific articles, successively addressing the conceptual, methodological, empirical, analytical, and dissemination stages of the research process.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
A solid understanding of research methods in psychology and speech-language therapy enables individuals to evaluate the claims and conclusions of a study objectively, setting aside personal expectations and beliefs. Learning these methods is essential for developing critical thinking - a particularly important skill in the current context of the reproducibility crisis in research and in light of the growing emphasis on evidence-based practice in clinical settings. Both contexts call for strengthened methodological expertise.
The course aims to develop the following competencies:
1) Conceptual and Ethical Foundations
- understand the fundamental concepts of scientific research;
- know the ethical principles governing research in psychology and speech-language therapy;
- distinguish descriptive, correlational, and experimental research, along with their objectives, methods, and tools;
- grasp the conditions required to formulate a testable hypothesis;
- distinguish and operationalize the variables of an experiment;
- master the notions of internal and external validity;
- understand strategies for controlling external variables that may threaten internal validity, notably through randomization and variable control;
- understand the criteria that ensure the reliability and validity of data collection;
- identify basic experimental designs, from the simplest to more complex mixed factorial designs;
- develop an intuitive understanding of main effects and interactions;
- understand the principles of single-case research (e.g., the ABA design and its variants);
- understand the criteria for high-quality scientific reporting, including the description of bias-prevention measures and methodological transparency.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
This course is structured around two complementary formats:
- In-person: Methodological analysis of published scientific studies provides insight into the workings of quantitative research (descriptive, correlational, and experimental).
- On eCampus (distance learning): Screencasts offer theoretical supplements to the core concepts covered in class. Practical exercises are also provided to deepen and reinforce your understanding of the topics.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Blended learning
Further information:
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.
- M.-F. Fortin & J. Gagnon (2022). Fondements et étapes du processus de recherche. Méthodes quantitatives et qualitatives (4e édition). Chenelière Éducation.
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.
The written exam, partly consisted of open-ended questions, will be assessed based on the quality of the students' written formulation as well as the appropriate use of terminology specific to research methodology.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
All course materials required for learning will be provided on the eCampus platform. As these resources may evolve from one year to the next, it is necessary to consult regularly the updates related to the content and exercises.
The in-person sessions will guide your learning progression and clarify the expectations associated with the exam.
Attendance at the in-person sessions is therefore strongly recommended (Wooclap exercises).
Contacts
Ferrara André (04/366.22.32 - a.ferrara@uliege.be)