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School of Psychology

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

TypeTimingWeighting
Computer Based ExamSemester 1 Assessment50.00%
Coursework50.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
TestT1 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.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Autumn SemesterLecture2 hours11111111111

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

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