Exploring psychology on-line project
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| End-of-course assessment | Residential school |
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This course is available for study in the countries shown.
Summary
This course, which builds on Exploring psychology (DSE212), covers a range of approaches and methods in psychology – developing your research skills (including use of SPSS) and your understanding of the practical and ethical issues involved. The principal part of the course involves group work, designing, conducting and analysing a psychological study in small groups. This study will be conducted in the broad areas of memory or communication. The course is a Virtual Residential School conducted entirely online, using online forums for tutor support, group discussions and activities. Regular internet access (logging on at least 2-3 times a week) is required throughout the duration of the course.
An alternative residential school course that develops the same practical skills as this course is offered under the course code DXR222. For further information on which course is the most suitable for you, see DXR222 or DZX222: Making the right choice.
Course content
This course provides an opportunity to develop your practical skills in psychological research, building on the associated course Exploring psychology (DSE212). Some of the DSE212 materials are used alongside the materials for this course in preparation for the activities you will undertake during the Virtual Residential School. A study guide directs you through this preparatory work and provides information about the assignments that you will complete.
The course is divided into three principal components.
The first component is based on preliminary work and activities that will revise those aspects of psychological research methodology and statistical analysis already explored in DSE212. This preliminary work is undertaken individually and is mainly reading, but there are multiple choice questions and several other activities for you to engage in. You will be encouraged to complete this component before the formal course start date.
The second component is the Virtual Residential School itself and involves you in participating regularly (at least three times per week) in the online discussion forums This second component starts with activities based on two broad psychological topics, communication and memory. These activities are preparation for the group-based project work that you start in week five of the course. During the first four weeks, through online discussion with other students and a team of tutors, you will learn more about collecting and analysing both quantitative and qualitative data, and gain experience of using different experimental and observational techniques. You will be introduced to the use of electronic databases and receive guided tuition in how to conduct a more advanced computer-based statistical analysis than the one undertaken in DSE212 (but using the same computer package, SPSS). You will also engage in an activity that involves discussion based on some ethical proposals.
For the third component you will be asked to provide an individual report of the group research project in which you have been involved.
See our Residential Schools website for more information.
Entry
This Level 2 course builds on the content and skills developed in DSE212, so you must take DSE212 and complete TMAs 03 and 05 before you start DZX222. (N.B. If you studied DSE212 prior to the October 2007 presentation you must have completed TMAs 03 and 04.) The two courses are closely linked and together they provide excellent preparation for further studies in psychology. It is expected that you will complete DZX222 (or DXR222) before attempting the Level 3 psychology courses. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service. If you do not already have online experience we strongly recommend that you take part in the DSE212 online discussion forums to gain experience in this area.
Qualifications
DZX222 is a compulsory course in our
DZX222 is an optional course in our
- BA/BSc (Honours) Social Sciences (B06)
- BSc (Honours) Life Sciences (B28)
- Diploma in Psychology (Conversion for Postgraduates) (D15)
- Diploma in Life Sciences (E05)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Social Sciences (E50)
It can also count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it is equally appropriate to a BA or BSc. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
Excluded combinations
If this course is in a similar area to one you have already completed, you can find out if it is an excluded combination.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
Regular participation in online forums is required throughout the 12 weeks of the course and you will be making extensive use of a personal computer, the internet and specialist software – so you’ll need internet access throughout. You may like to consider taking the conventional one week residential version of this course, DXR222. For more information to help you decide between DZX222 and DXR222 see DXR222 or DZX222: Making the right choice. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our booklet Meeting Your Needs which you can download or request from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You can also find information about accessible course materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Course materials
What's included
Study and Assessment Guide, conferencing software, SPSS, video clips on DVD and Offprint booklets. A range of online optional activities are also provided as part of the course.
You will need
You will need DVD viewing equipment.
You should expect to spend at least two and sometimes up to four hours every week online during this course. You will also need some DSE212 materials – course books 1 and 2, Exploring Psychological Research Methods, SPSS booklet, the CD-ROMs and DVD. (N.B. If you studied DSE212 prior to the October 2007 presentation you will need the following DSE212 materials: course books 1 and 2, CD-ROMs and methods booklets. You will also need the DSE212 video cassette for your preparatory work.)
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
On this course you will be taught by a team of tutors and all contact with your tutor team will be online only. There is no face-to-face or phone contact with students or tutors. Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
Your online participation in the preparation activities is essential and will be assessed. The course does not permit absences of more than a couple of days and regular internet access throughout the duration of the course (logging on at least 2-3 times a week) is essential in order to pass. The major component of assessment will consist of a report of the project that you conducted, submitted on paper.
Professional recognition
This course may help you to gain recognition from a professional body. Ask our Student Registration & Enquiry Service for Recognition leaflet 3.1 British Psychological Society.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in October 2009. We expect it to be available at the same time once a year.
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
About this page
An undergraduate course in Psychology and Social Sciences.
Study explained
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Student Reviews
This should have been a good course, but unfortunately wasn't. The opportunity to do an online course is a good ...
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I took this course because I wanted to finish the project as soon as possible after I've finished DSE212. Unfortunately ...
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