Investigation and Analysis Certificate of Credit - Ergonomics and Human Factors

Program Overview

This online-taught course provides an in-depth understanding of research design, ethical practice, and qualitative and quantitative approaches in human factors. Participants will develop skills in statistical analysis, research study design, and critical evaluation of qualitative research. Upon completion, students will earn a Certificate of Credit with 20 credits at level 7.

Program Outline

You will gain 20 credits at level 7 with a Certificate of Credit to evidence your learning achievement. It is ideally suited to those who want to know more about the research design, ethical practice in research and qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. It will develop your ability to perform appropriate statistical analyses to address research questions about human behaviour. You will learn to design, conduct and report an ethically sound, quantitative research study exploring human behaviour, and develop a critical understanding by evaluating qualitative research designs and findings. You'll cover philosophical background to empirical research and investigation plus generating and exploring hypotheses and empirical research questions and qualitative approaches. For example: assumptions and basics, epistemology, differences between methods and methodology, approaches to qualitative methods, validity and reliability. On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

• Develop an ethically and methodologically sound empirical research study exploring a pertinent psychological theory
• Analyse, interpret, and critically evaluate the findings of the study to form coherent conclusions about the research question(s)
• Critically appraise a contemporary qualitative research paper using selected criteria.

Outline:

Stage 1

• Core modules
• Investigation and Analysis
• Code:
7PS503
• Description:
This module advances the concepts of mixed research methods and covers research design, ethical practice in research, and qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. You will develop the ability to perform appropriate statistical analyses to address research questions about human behaviour. In addition, you will demonstrate an ability to design, conduct and report an ethically sound mixed methods research study exploring human behaviour.
• Module learning outcomes:
• Develop an ethically and methodologically sound empirical research study exploring a pertinent psychological theory
• Analyse, interpret, and critically evaluate the findings of the study to form coherent conclusions about the research question(s)
• Module content:
• Explore quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
• Cover ethical aspects of the research process by completing an ethical application
• Cover research planning and the design of a study by using mixed methods
• Credits:
20

Assessment:

Coursework

Assessment:

• This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.

Teaching:

• The module is delivered 100% online over 10 weeks using a range of interactive learning materials and some live classroom sessions.
• Provision is made for discussion and interaction with tutors and fellow students through live virtual classroom sessions and online discussion forums.
• You will study alongside students who are on the Ergonomics and Human Factors MSc, giving you a wider perspective of cognitive ergonomics and psychology from your global student community.
• We have over 10 years' experience in the delivery of online courses which means you can expect the highest standards of teaching and education.
• You can be assured of a supportive and structured learning experience and our online learning advisors are on hand to provide non-academic support throughout your studies.
• Dr Victoria Filingeri
• Programme leader
• Academic Lead in Ergonomics
• Completed her BSc in Psychology with Ergonomics, MSc in Health Psychology, PhD and postdoctoral research at Loughborough University, looking into crowd behaviour, rail safety (funded by the Rail Safety and Standards Board), teenagers trespassing (funded by Network Rail), and the ageing population.

Other:

• We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.
• There will be 1/2 virtual classrooms over the 10 week trimester and if you are unable to attend you will be able to download the session to view in your own time.

UK fee£1,050 (2024/25) ‡ International fee£1,050 (2024/25) ‡