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
• apply this knowledge in a specific study that each student will design according to his/her main interest

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. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits (ECTS) with a different major and 60 credits in psychology. Alternatively, 180 credits (ECTS) in psychology without the requirement of having a completed degree. English B/English 6 from Swedish gymnasium or the equivalent.

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 a distance learning course with a limited number of compulsory meetings on campus in Östersund, Sweden. Participation via distance communication means is compulsory throughout the course. Students are required to be active in the course’s room in the online learning platform. The platform is the primary communication tool used for students and teachers, and students will find all information needed to complete the course in the course room.

Examination form

1000: PS109A, Research Method II, Emotion Psychology, 7.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

The course objectives will be examined through active participation in seminars and discussions, on site and online, as well as through written reports.

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.

Grading system

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

Other information

Research Method II, Research Methods in Emotion Psychology, 7.5 credits are given as a direct continuation of the course Research Method I, Statistics and Research Design, 7.5 credits. Hence it is important that Research Method I, is completed before Research Method II, begins.