Research Reform and Open Science (301C8)
Research Reform and Open Science
Module 301C8
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
The module explores reforms and practices that are meant to increase the quality of scientific research. The first section addresses the general context and values within which research operates which affect for example the planning of a study and its pre-registration. The second section introduces problems to do with measurement, the use of qualitative methods, and their role in open science. The final section explores different approaches to what it means for psychology to be scientific and why it matters; and also the foundations of statistical inference, comparing the conceptual basis of significance testing with that of Bayesian statistics.
Module learning outcomes
Explain how scientific values and context affect research quality
Indicate what the scientific basis of psychology is by linking ideas from the philosophy of science and of statistics to a research area in psychology
Critically evaluate the role of quantitative methods and measurement in research
| Type | Timing | Weighting | 
|---|---|---|
| Computer Based Exam | Semester 1 Assessment | 50.00% | 
| Coursework | 50.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Test | T1 Week 7 (1 hour) | 100.00% | 
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 11111111111 | 
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Zoltan Dienes
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/718
Prof Kathryn Greenwood
Assess convenor
/profiles/86134
Dr Vlad Costin
Assess convenor
/profiles/323096
Prof Vivian Vignoles
Assess convenor
/profiles/132528
Dr Peter Lush
Assess convenor
/profiles/285818
Dr Megan Hurst
Assess convenor
/profiles/199365
Dr Tom Farsides
Assess convenor
/profiles/8682
Dr Ozden Melis Ulug
Assess convenor
/profiles/524167
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.

