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 I II III Course Advanced Quantitative Research methods in Psychology Advanced Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology Applied Data Analysis and Research Writing Lab Dissertation Course Code No. of Hrs CIA ESE Total Marks Credits RPS 131 60 50 50 100 4 RPS 231 45 50 50 100 3 RPS 232 45 50 50 100 3 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 1 2 3 Continuous Internal Assessment (3 Papers) Attendance End semester Examination Marks 45 5 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 Advanced Quantitative Research Methods in Psychology Course code Credits Total hours Total Marks 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: Nonequivalent 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 CIA 2: 10 Marks, assessment before the completion of 60% of the classes 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. Marks for attendance: 95-100%: 5, 90-94%: 4, 85-89%: 3, 80-84%-2, 76-79%: 1. 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 Course Title Course code Credits Total hours Total Marks RPS 231 3 45 100 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology 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. Course Objectives and Learning Outcome After the completion of this course, a scholar will be able to: 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 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: Developing skills in generating and designing qualitative research problems. CIA 2: 10 Marks, assessment before the completion of 60% of the classes Skill and knowledge component: Developing skills in auditing qualitative research CIA 3: 25 Marks, assessment before the completion of classes . Skill and knowledge component: Skills of analyzing data in different traditions of qualitative research Marks for attendance: 95-100%: 5, 90-94%: 4, 85-89%: 3, 80-84%-2, 76-79%: 1. 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 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. Bryman, A. (Eds.) (2007). Qualitative Research 2. Vol 3. New Delhi: Sage publications. Bryman, A. (Eds.) (2007). Qualitative Research 2. Vol 4. 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 Course Title Course code Credits Total hours Total Marks RPS 232 3 45 100 Applied Data Analysis and Research Writing Lab 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 Course Objectives and Learning Outcome After the completion of this course, a scholar will be able to: 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 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: Qualitative data analysis and inductive reasoning CIA 2: 10 Marks, assessment before the completion of 60% of the classes Skill and knowledge component: Writing styles CIA 3: 25 Marks, assessment before the completion of classes 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. 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 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. Course Title Course code Credits Total hours Total Marks 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) Adequate Areas The title describes the major variables of the study an d theproblem method ofand study 2. The justification of the study Adequate The Introduction presents the specific research Statement of the general Problemresearch states the purpose problem and strategy of the research study, relating that purpose to the state of Knowledge in the literature and Research Questions state the relationships practical among needs of the profession. Inadequate Suggestion Inadequate Suggestion Adequate Inadequate Suggestion Adequate Inadequate Suggestion 1. variables of interest that guides the study Research Questions define the boundaries of (Quantitative). the research and narrow the focus of the study Justification (Qualitative).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 welldefined. Of Literature 3. Review Shows how the research is grounded in the current Review of the literature is efficiently state of knowledge. summarized. Priority is given to empirical studies related to the topic. 4. Methods Quantitative Section describes the data collection Research strategy. Design Section describes how the study handles threats to validity. Describes the population from whom Subjects study Describes the subjects sampling or selection plan to select methods Discusses costs to subjects, risks to subjects, Provides forofconfidential means of and means managing risks. handling Addressesdata. informed consent issues. The candidates will be granted up to a maximum period of months, after commencement 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 Materials Procedures Statistics Research Design Operational definitions of the instruments are consistent with the Statement of the Problem. All variables in title are measured in some Discusses reliability and validity of Manner each Describes scoring methods for each Instrument Instrument Describes any experimental materials used in the study. Describes the work plan of the research project Addresses informed consent Describes standardized procedures to issues. control Describes the settings in Variance which data collection will occur. Describes the statistical methods to analyze Statistics are appropriate for the data research problem Adequate Qualitativ Indicates how the methodology selected EEEEEEE E EEe 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 Inadequate Suggestion Participants and Role of Researcher: Data Collection Procedures Data Analysis Procedures Methods for Verification 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. Describes type of information toof be Provides for confidential means gathered. handling data. Describes data collection Addresses methods informedofconsent issues. Discusses strengths and weaknesses of data Describes data interpretation collection the Procedure method of the study Data Analysis Procedures are Study has with means for assessing the consistent research tradition accuracy defined in Research Design. of the data and its interpretation. OVERALL EVALUATION 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 purposes/objectives are clearly articulated and 2. Study future linked research to the in the field. review of literature and/orintheoretical of the study light of itsframework. contribution to 3. Significance advancing in the field is addressed. The theoretical /conceptual perspective(s) informing the 4. knowledge study and its role in the study is clearly described and and methods are clearly described in detail 5. Methodology appropriately applied throughout the proposal. and are sound; appropriate justification is provided for plan for thedecisions ethical conduct of of theother research is 6. The methodological (in light options) elaborated. as appropriate. 7. The plan for disseminating the study findings identifies relevant strategies todocuments advance knowledge transfer/uptake. (e.g. data collection tools or 8. Additional interview scripts, letters of information/consents) are included and support the clarity and completeness of the overall proposal. 0 0. 1. 5 5 2 2. 5 3 3. 5 4 4. 5 5 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, raised in the presentation are effectively 10. Questions APA format). answered
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