Psychology MA, Research Method II, Research Methods within Emotion Psychology, 7.5 credits

Aim

This course aims to provide knowledge about the different methods used in research on emotions. Both regarding the methods used to elicit emotional reactions, and methods used to measure and evaluate these responses, by means of self-reports, behavioral observations, and psychophysiological measures.

Course objectives

After completing the course, students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
• Identify and understand the most used methods to elicit emotions.
• Identify and understand the most used methods to measure and evaluate emotional reactions.

Skills and abilities
• Departing from the aim of a study, choose adequate research methods and instruments.
• Discuss benefits and limitations of the different instruments and methods.
• To apply design and statistical method to a specific research question.

Judgement and approach
• Compare different instruments and be able to argument for the benefits and limitations of each of them.
• Critically evaluate the relationship between the aim, method, and the interpretation of the results.

Content

- A general view of the different research methods used to elicit emotional reactions (e.g., pictures, movies, written scripts, music), will be presented and discussed.
- A general view of the different instruments and methods used to evaluate and measure emotional reactions. Self-reports, behavioral observation, and psychophysiological measures will be described and discussed.
- Different types of studies will be analyzed and discussed regarding their methodological approaches.

Entry requirements

A bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits (ECTS) with a major in psychology. English B/English 6 from Swedish gymnasium or the equivalent (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS etc.).

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

The course is primarily taught by distance (i.e., through online lectures, seminars and interactions as well as through individual and group assignments to be submitted online). However, it also includes mandatory in-person participation in a meeting, which takes place at the end of the course, on campus in Östersund (Sweden), relating to the final assignment of the course.

All parts of the course are a basis for the examination, and for scheduled examinations attendance are compulsory. Students are required to actively use the university's learning platform. The platform is the primary communication tool used for students and teachers, and students will find important information needed to complete the course in the course room.

Examination form

1101: Assignment Reports, 2 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)

1201: Seminars, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)

1301: Written assignment and oral presentation, 4 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

The course will be examined in three ways:
1. Completion of assignments reports (e.g., quizzes, answering questions, or other individual or group assignments).
2. Active participation in online seminars and discussions (e.g., asking questions, contributing to discussions, oral presentations of individual and group tasks).
3. Written (and oral) final assignment (e.g., research project proposal, evaluation of design and statistical analyses, or a so-called "review"). A re-examination opportunity for the final examination is given in connection with the next campus meeting. Valid absence from examination for oral presentation can be replaced by an oral presentation at a supplementary seminar.

All examinations take place in English.

The final grade of the course is obtained when all examinations on the course are passed.
Link to subject-specific criteria for marks www.miun.se/grading

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Examination restrictions

Students registered on this version of the syllabus have the right to be examined three (3) times within one (1) year according to this syllabus. After that, the latest version of the syllabus applies.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

Other information

Given that this course is being taught by distance, participation requires internet access, as well as access to a computer, headset and webcam.

The course is being taught in English.

The course can not be included in a degree together with the course PS058A.