MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY (PSYCHOLOGY) … Psychology...Unit 1: Conceptual foundations of research 20 hrs...

MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY (PSYCHOLOGY)

DETAILED SYLLABUS 2013-2015

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

CHRIST UNIVERSITY

BANGALORE, INDIA

Programme Description

The M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) program is intended principally to be a well-founded

transition into the advanced research at a doctoral level (Ph.D), in which the researcher will

aspire for a higher disciplinary and methodological competence in research. It includes a primary

intensive course work in the general and specific research methodologies, two electives from the

respective area of research, paper presentations in research colloquia, design of a research

proposal and its defense in a colloquium and the final MPhil dissertation along with its

evaluation and defense.

Programme Objectives

1. Train the scholars in the advanced theoretical and philosophical foundation of research in

psychology

2. Equip the scholars in using the strategies of collecting and analyzing data in psychological

research

3. Prepare the scholars for doctoral level research

4. Provide adequate acquaintance in practicing ethics in psychological research

5. Develop skills in presenting and publishing research works in various academic platforms.

6. Sensitize the contemporary debates in the field of social science

Programme Structure

Semest

er Course

Course

Code

No. of

Hrs CIA ESE

Total

Marks Credits

I Advanced Quantitative

Research methods in

Psychology

RPS

131 60 50 50 100 4

II

Advanced Qualitative

Research Methods in

Psychology

RPS

231 45 50 50 100 3

Applied Data Analysis

and Research Writing

Lab

RPS

232 45 50 50 100 3

III Dissertation Up to * * 200 10

12

months

TOTAL 500 20

The dissertation marks include presentation of the proposal (25 marks), presentation of

dissertation (25 marks), final dissertation (100 marks)-double valuation, and viva after evaluation

of the dissertation (50 marks).The total credits for the entire course will be 20.

Admission Criteria

The basic eligibility of candidates intending to pursue M.Phil program is a pass with aMinimum

of 55% in MSc/MA (Psychology) (50% in the case of SC/ST candidates). However, in special

cases, candidates may be allowed to do M.Phil in inter-disciplinary subjects provided the

candidate has acquired sufficient knowledge and competence in the field of study. This will be

assessed on the basis of the candidate’s specializations, work experience and significant

contribution in the specific area.

Assessment of course work

Each course work paper will be assessed upon 100 marks, including continuous internal

assessment and End Semester Examination. The internal assessment for each paper will be done

periodically (CIA 1: 10 Marks, CIA 2: 10 Marks, CIA 3: 25 Marks), by the teachers handling the

classes.

Components for each course work paper

Marks

1 Continuous Internal Assessment (3 Papers) 45

2 Attendance 5

3 End semester Examination 50

TOTAL 100

Marks for attendance: 95-100%: 5, 90-94%: 4, 85-89%: 3, 80-84%-2, 76-79%: 1.

Students can check their attendance in the University Website.

Students who fail to complete CIA requirements on the specified date may be given another

chance to repeat the CIA, before the next CIA, with the discretion of the teacher and with the

consent of the coordinator. The HOD will hand over the consolidated CIA marks to the COE.

The Maximum marks for each end semester examination will be 100, and the examination will

be of three hours duration. The minimum mark to pass in ESE of each paper is 50%. The

minimum marks to pass in each paper is 50% aggregate of CIA and ESE. There is no minimum

mark required for CIA.

In case a candidate fails due to low marks in CIA, he/she can re-register for the subject with the

payment of required fee and complete the CIA requirements, by attending the classes along with

the candidates of next batch, as directed by the HOD.

Semester I

Course Title Course code Credits Total hours Total Marks

Advanced Quantitative Research

Methods in Psychology RPS 131 4 60 100

Course Description

The present course consists of two parts namely general research methodology and specific

research methodology in psychology. The first part designed to provide advanced level

understanding of the philosophical assumptions of social science research. The second part

called specific research methodology offers higher level understanding of sampling, research

designs and analysis strategies in quantitative research. Using seminars, group discussions and

lectures as the pedagogy, the course intended to bring the contemporary debate in the area of

social science and psychology. Students taking this paper require to have completed basic

theoretical foundations of quantitative research at the Masters level.

Course Objectives and Learning Outcome

After the completion of this course, a scholar will be able to:

1. Understand of the philosophical foundations of research

2. Familiarize with the principles and practices associated with experimental and non

experimental designs in psychological research

3. Explore the principles informing data collection and sampling methods in research so that

researchers can make informed decisions and good practice in research

4. Understand the theoretical assumptions of various statistical method for data analysis in

quantitative research

Part A

General Research Methodology

Unit 1: Conceptual foundations of research 20 hrs

Meaning of research and scope of research methodology, Philosophy of research – ontological,

epistemological and ethical (axiology) considerations, Identification of problem area,

Formulation of research questions, Typology of Research Designs.

Overview of quantitative research, Logic of Inquiry, Construction of theories, Conceptual

framework in quantitative research.

Introduction to Academic Writing, Structure of Academic Writing, Reading for Research,

Academic Styles, Plagiarism, Publication, Online Resources.

Part B

Specific Research Methodology

Unit 2: Sampling Design and Tools 10 hrs

Sampling: Process and Types sampling; probability and non probability sampling, Errors in

sampling

Issues in sampling

Development of Tools: Classical and modern test theory: assumptions, equations and limitations

Process of Test development: Establishing psychometric properties of a Test

Developing questionnaires and interview schedules

Unit 3: Experimental Research Design 10 hrs

Experimental designs: Introduction to causality, Between-subjects design, within –subjects

design, factorial design, Mixed Factorial experiments single-subject research design.

Validity: Internal and external validity, Threats to Validity: Threats to internal validity and

external validity, balancing internal and external validity

Reliability: Factors influencing reliability.

Unit 4: Descriptive and Correlational Research Design 10 hrs

Descriptive and correlation research strategies, Survey design, Quasi experimental designs: Non-

equivalent group, Time-series and developmental design; cross sectional research design and

longitudinal research design, observational designs

Unit 5: Multivariate Designs and Analysis 10 hrs

Introduction to Multivariate methods and analysis, Discriminant Analysis Multiple, logistic and

hierarchical regression

Factor analysis, structural equation modeling (SEM) ,Meta analysis, Mediational

Analysis,Canonical Analysis. Advantages of multivariate strategies

Evaluation

The present course will be assessed upon 100 marks (Continuous Internal Assessment (CIA) –45

marks, Attendance –5 marks and 50 marks for the End Semester Examination). There is no

minimum mark required for CIA.The minimum mark to pass in ESE of the course is 50%. The

minimum marks to pass in the course is 50% aggregate of CIA and ESE.

Part I Continuous Internal Assessment

.

CIA 1: 10 Marks, assessment before the completion of 30% of the classes

Skill and knowledge component: Identification of a relevant research problem, analytical and

review skill


Skill and knowledge component: Conceptualizing research design.

CIA 3: 25 Marks, assessment before the completion of classes

Skill and knowledge component: Identifying and understanding multivariate analysis by

reviewing research in relevant areas in psychology.


Part II: End Semester Examination

The ESE question paper shall be set for 100 marks and 3 hours duration. There shall be

three parts in the ESE question paper: Part A with 20% choice shall carry 30 marks. Part

B with 20% choice shall carry 50 marks and Part C without choice shall carry 20 marks.

References

Essential reading

Bordens, K. S. & Abbott, B. B. (2005). Research design and methods : A process approach.

(6th ed.). New Delhi. Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Ltd.

Breakwell, G.M., Hammond, S., Fife-Shaw, C., & Smith, J.A. (eds.). (2006). Research methods

in

psychology (3rd ed.). New Delhi: Sage.

Cohen, R. J., & Swerdlik, M.E. (2005). Psychological testing and assessment: An introduction to

tests

and measurement (6th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Recommended reading

Coolican ,H.(2004). Research methods and statistics in psychology. London: Hodder Arnold

Goodwin, C.J. (2002). Research in psychology: Methods and design (3rd ed.). New Jersey:

John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Gravetter, F. J. & Forziano, L. B. (2003). Research methods for the behavioral sciences.

United states. Thomson Wadsworth.

McGuigan, F.J. (1999). Experimental psychology: Methods of research (5th ed.). New Delhi:

Prentice Hall.

Rosnow, R.L., & Rosenthal, R. (2002). Beginning behavioral research: A conceptual primer

(4th ed.).

New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Schweigert, W.A. (1997). Research methods in psychology: A handbook. Delhi: Sage

Publications

Semester II


Advanced Qualitative Research

Methods in Psychology RPS 231 3 45 100

Course Description

The qualitative research methodology is characterized by the method of induction, interpretation

and conceptualization. It is a research strategy that emphasizes a conceptual process-mode of

research rather than quantification in the collection and analysis of data. In qualitative research

the reliability, validity and legitimization of knowledge is reached through synthetic and

interpretive research processes. It also encourages a contextual understanding of premises,

methods and results and their applicability in a continuing pursuit of research. The present course

offers an advanced level understanding of ontological and epistemological foundation of

qualitative research. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the process and method of

data collection in qualitative research .Through simulations exercise, the course also covers

various methods of data analysis strategies in qualitative research. Scholars taking this paper

require to have completed basic theoretical foundations of qualitative research at the Masters

level.



1. Understand the theoretical foundation of qualitative research methods in psychology

2. Examine the principles of collecting data using various qualitative research methods

3. Understand importance of interdisciplinary research

4. Become familiar with the principles and skills of analyzing qualitative research

5. Comprehend practices that ensure quality enhancement in research

Unit 1: The Philosophical Basis and Traditions of Qualitative Research 10 hrs

Historical back ground of qualitative research

Ontological and epistemological foundation of qualitative research

Post modern turn in qualitative research

Different traditions in qualitative research: Grounded theory, phenomenological tradition,

ethnographic, auto ethnography tradition and Narrative approach

Contemporary issues and debates in the philosophy of qualitative inquiry

Unit 2: The Qualitative Research Process 5 hrs

Conceptualization of problem in qualitative research, the logic of qualitative research process:

induction and abduction, Conceptual Mapping, Sampling in qualitative research, Practice of

theoretical sampling. Issues of depth and theoretical saturation of data, Negative cases in data,

Designing qualitative research

Unit 3: Data Collection Methods in Different Traditions 10 hrs

Data collection methods in different traditions: Participant observation, interviewing, focus

groups, life history and oral history, documents, diaries, photographs, films and videos,

conversation, texts and case studies

Unit 4: Data Analysis 10 hrs

Transcription and data management process, Data analysis in different tradition

Qualitative Content analysis

Thematic analysis: Analytical induction model, thematic network model

Phenomenological analysis: Traditions in interpretative phenomenological analysis

Narrative analysis: thematic, structural and performative narrative analysis

Discourse and conversational analysis.

Unit 5: Quality Issues in Qualitative Research 10 hrs

Problems of reliability and validity in qualitative research methods, auditing qualitative

research. Theory and generalization as outcomes of qualitative research .Issues of representation

and reflexivity

Evaluation



minimum mark required for CIA. The minimum mark to pass in ESE of the course is 50%. The



.


Skill and knowledge component: Developing skills in generating and designing qualitative

research problems.


Skill and knowledge component: Developing skills in auditing qualitative research


. Skill and knowledge component: Skills of analyzing data in different traditions of qualitative

research






References

Essential reading

Bryman, A. (Eds.).(2007). Qualitative Research 2. Vol 1. New Delhi: Sage publications.

Bryman, A. (Eds.) (2007). Qualitative Research 2. Vol 2. New Delhi: Sage publications.



Recommended reading

Biber,S.N.H & Leavy (2006).The practice of qualitative research. New Delhi: Sage publications.

Bryman, A (Ed.) (2007). Sage Benchmarks in social science research methods. Vol.I, Vol.II,

Vol,III, and

Vol. IV. New Delhi : Sage Publications.

Clandinin, D. J. (2007). Handbook of Narrative inquiry mapping a methodology. New Delhi:

Kapur,R.L.(ed.).(1999). Qualitative methods in mental health research. Bangalore: NIAS.

Kidder,L.H., & Fine,M.(1997). Qualitative inquiry in psychology: A radical tradition. In D. Fox

and I.

Kvale,S.(Ed.) (1997).Psychology & Post-modernism. New Delhi: Sage Publications.

Mason,J.(1996). Qualitative researching. New Delhi: Sage.

McGhee, P. (2001). Thinking critically about qualitative research in psychology. In P. McGhee,

New Delhi: Sage.

Prilleltensky (Eds.). Critical psychology: An introduction (pp. 34-50). London: Sage.

publications.

Riessman, C. K. (2008). Narrative methods for the human sciences. New Delhi: Sage

Ritchie,J.& Lewis,J.(eds.).(2003).Qualitative research practice: A guide for social science

Sage publications.

Silverman, D & Marvasti,A. (2008). Doing qualitative research .New Delhi: Sage publication

Smith, J. A., Harre, R., & Langenhove, L.V.(eds.).(1995). Rethinking methods in psychology.

Smith,J.A.(ed.) (2003). Qualitative psychology: A practical guide to research methods. New

Delhi: Sage Publication.

Tuffin, K.(2005). Understanding critical social psychology. New Delhi: Sage.

Wengraf, T. (2004). Qualitative research interviewing. New Delhi: Sage publications

Willig, C.(2001). Introducing qualitative research in psychology: Adventures in theory and

method.

Semester III


Applied Data Analysis and Research

Writing Lab RPS 232 3 45 100

Course Description

This paper will introduce to the scholars the various analytical techniques in qualitative and

qualitative research. The pedagogical approach of the course will be practice oriented. The

scholars are instructed to work with original or simulated data to understand the issues of data

analysis, writing, and ethical considerations in psychological research. This course also covers

academic writing, publication and ethical considerations in psychological research. Scholars

taking this paper require to have completed basic theoretical foundations of qualitative research

at the Masters level. Pre requisite of the course would be Masters level knowledge in statistics

and qualitative data analysis strategies and style of research writing



1. Develop skills in quantitative and qualitative data analysis strategies

2. Understand the salient features of academic writing

3. Use the advanced level application of SPSS

4. Sensitize scholars on research ethics in practice

5. Train others in SPSS

6. Understand application of software in qualitative data analysis ( advanced level)

7. Understand APA guidelines for research writing and publication.

Unit 1: Statistical Analysis 15 hrs

SPSS: Data Management, Data editing, comparing Averages, ANOVA (one way, Two way,

Repeated measures),MANOVA, correlation, regression ,Discriminant analysis and logistic

regression, Factor analysis ( EFA and CFA),Reliability analysis, mediational analysis.

Nonparametric tests : Non parametric Statistics :chi-square,one sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov

test,Two –independent samples Tests:Mann-WhitneyU,Several independent Samples : Kruskal –

Wallis H and Median

Two Related Samples: Wilcoxon,SignTest,Several Related samples :Friedman,Kendall’s W

Unit 2: Qualitative Data Analysis 15 hrs

Analyzing qualitative data: Data management and analysis in different traditions of data

analysis: Thematic analysis, IPA, Narrative Analysis

Use of software in qualitative data analysis: Atlas /Nvivo

Unit 3: Academic Writing and Publication in Psychology 10 hrs

Introduction to Academic Writing, Structure of Academic Writing, Academic Writing Styles

(APA and MLA), Plagiarism, Publication.

Reporting and writing qualitative research

Unit 4: Research Ethics 5 hrs

Code of ethics for qualitative and quantitative research psychology

Cultural issues and ethical practice

Evaluation



minimum mark required for CIA. The minimum mark to pass in ESE of the course is 50%. The



.CIA 1: 10 Marks, assessment before the completion of 30% of the classes

Skill and knowledge component: Qualitative data analysis and inductive reasoning


Skill and knowledge component: Writing styles


Skill and knowledge component: Application of SPSS in data analysis

. Marks for attendance: 95-100%: 5, 90-94%: 4, 85-89%: 3, 80-84%-2, 76-79%: 1.





References

Essential reading

American Psychological Association (2010). Publication manual (6th ed.). Washington DC.

Heiman, G.W. (2001). Understanding research methods and statistics: An integrated

introduction for research assistants. Delhi: Sage Publications

Recommended reading

Kinnear, P. R. (2010). IBM SPSS statistics 18 made simple. New York. Psychology Press.

Leong, F.T., & Austin. (1996). The psychology research handbook: A guide for graduate

students and psychology (2nd ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.


Dissertation - 10 Upto 12

moths 200

Course Description

The present course intended to conduct a research dissertation based on the area of interest of the

scholars in Psychology. A faculty supervisor would be allotted as a guide to them from the

department. Through regular discussion with the Guide the scholar should be able to identify a

relevant and feasible research problem and conduct a research using appropriate methods

.continuous supervision with the research guide, field experience and inputs from the theory

courses prepares the scholar to meet the prerequisites of a doctoral level research. Continuous

presentation, defense and auditing will enhance the quality of the research work. The course will

also ensure the scholars research ethics and etiquettes

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

After completing the course the students will be able to:

1. Achieve the prerequisites of doctoral level research work

2. Developing argumentation from the data using appropriate analytical strategies.

3. Expand analytical and interpretative skills for arriving at a claim in a logical fashion.

4. Practice the international standards of ethical practice in psychological research.

5. Apply APA style of writing in research

6. Identify the application of the findings in the discipline and society at large.

Evaluation

The Dissertation marks include presentation of the project Proposal (25 Marks),Presentation of

Dissertation (25 Marks), Final Dissertation (100 marks) – double Valuation, and Viva after

evaluation of the dissertation (50 Marks). The title page of the dissertation, cover format,

University logo, etc. should strictly conform to the format of presentation as prescribed by the

University and the dissertation (all copies) should carry a declaration by the candidate and

certificate duly signed and issued by the guide. The dissertation should be hardbound in grey

colour. The contents of the dissertation may be divided into different chapters including:

Introduction, Review of Literature, Methodology, Results and Discussion, Summary and

Conclusion, Appendix (if any), Literature cited, Publications (if any) etc.The MPhil dissertation

may generally be written in English (for subjects other than Languages)

The candidates will be granted up to a maximum period of months, after commencement

Areas Adequate Inadequate Suggestion 1. The title describes the major variables of the

study an d the method of study

2. The problem and justification of the study Adequate Inadequate Suggestion

The Introduction presents the specific research problem and the general research strategy

Statement of the Problem states the purpose of the research study, relating that purpose to the

state of Knowledge in the literature and

practical needs of the profession.

Research Questions state the relationships among variables of interest that guides the study

(Quantitative).

Research Questions define the boundaries of the research and narrow the focus of the study

(Qualitative).

Justification for Study demonstrates the importance of the study related to prior literature, professional practices, and/or theoretical development.

Limitations are stated. Definition of Terms: important terms are

well- defined.

3. Review Of Literature Adequate Inadequate Suggestion

Shows how the research is grounded in the current state of knowledge.

Review of the literature is efficiently summarized.

Priority is given to empirical studies

related to the topic.

4. Methods Quantitative Adequate Inadequate Suggestion Research Design

Section describes the data collection strategy.

Section describes how the study handles threats to validity.

Subjects Describes the population from whom study plan to select subjects

Describes the sampling or selection methods

Discusses costs to subjects, risks to subjects, and means of managing risks.

Provides for confidential means of handling data.

Addresses informed consent issues.

of the course to submit their MPhil dissertation. In exceptional cases the candidates may be

allowed extension of time to submit their dissertation on payment of prescribed fee subject to

successful completion of applicable coursework. However such extension shall be for a

maximum period of one year only. The MPhil dissertation will not be accepted for assessment,

unless the candidate has paid the prescribed fees. The candidate shall submit five hard-bound

copies and a soft copy (CD with word and pdf files) of his/her dissertation work for assessment.

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Measuring

Instruments

Operational definitions of the

instruments are consistent with the

Statement of the Problem.

All variables in title are measured in some Manner

Discusses reliability and validity of each Instrument

Describes scoring methods for each Instrument

Materials Describes any experimental materials used in the study.

Procedures Describes the work plan of the research project Addresses informed consent

issues.

Describes standardized procedures to control Variance

Describes the settings in which data collection will occur.

Statistics Describes the statistical methods to analyze data

Statistics are appropriate for the research problem

QualitativEEEEEEEE EEe

Adequate Inadequate Suggestion Research Design

Indicates how the methodology selected influences data collection,

analysis, and reporting findings.

Assumptions and Rationale for Design: discusses why the research problem is

suitable for qualitative design

Explains underlying assumptions in the qualitative methodology selected for

the study

Participants and Role of Researcher:

Describes the setting and issues of access.

Discusses how the researcher gains entry into the subjects’ social environment

Discusses costs to subjects, risks to

subjects, and means of managing

risks.

Discusses how the identity of the

researcher may influence data

collection and interpretation. Provides for confidential means of handling data. Addresses informed consent issues.

Data Collection Procedures

Describes type of information to be gathered.

Describes methods of data collection

Discusses strengths and weaknesses of data collection Procedure

Data Analysis

Procedures

Describes the data interpretation method of the study

Data Analysis Procedures are

consistent with research tradition

defined in Research Design.

Methods for Verification

Study has means for assessing the accuracy of the data and its interpretation.

OVERALL EVALUATION

0

0.5

1.5

2

2. 5

3

3.5

4

4.5

5

1. Literature reviewed is appropriate to the focus of the study. Critical analysis and synthesis of the literature is evident and

leads to a concise summary of gaps and priorities for

future research in the field.

2. Study purposes/objectives are clearly articulated and linked to the review of literature and/or theoretical framework.

3. Significance of the study in light of its contribution to advancing knowledge in the field is addressed.

4. The theoretical /conceptual perspective(s) informing the study and its role in the study is clearly described and

appropriately applied throughout the proposal.

5. Methodology and methods are clearly described in detail and are sound; appropriate justification is provided for

methodological decisions (in light of other options)

as appropriate.

6. The plan for the ethical conduct of the research is elaborated.

7. The plan for disseminating the study findings identifies relevant strategies to advance knowledge transfer/uptake.

8. Additional documents (e.g. data collection tools or interview scripts, letters of information/consents) are included and

support the clarity and completeness of the overall

proposal.

9. Writing style, organization and format is consistent with expectations for doctoral level papers (i.e., well organized with logical flow of ideas, analysis supported by appropriate references, clarity of expression, use of active voice, writing free of grammatical or technical errors, completeness of reference list, APA format).

10. Questions raised in the presentation are effectively answered

MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY (PSYCHOLOGY) … Psychology...Unit 1: Conceptual foundations of research 20 hrs...

Documents

Transcript of MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY (PSYCHOLOGY) … Psychology...Unit 1: Conceptual foundations of research 20 hrs...