This module builds on Investigating psychology 2 and takes a critical and creative approach to methodology in psychology with a substantive empirical project. Experimentation, survey methodology and text-based qualitative analyses (discourse analysis and phenomenological analysis) are explored through the topics of memory, language, creativity, personality, child development, emotions, and relationships. These topics are also used to present research in the core domains of biological, cognitive, developmental, individual differences and social psychology. In addition, quantitative and qualitative methods are taught. Students can express a preference for the method to be used in their independent project: text-based analysis, experimentation, or survey.
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | DE300 |
| Credits | 60 |
| OU Level | 3 |
| SCQF level | 10 |
| FHEQ level | 6 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 5 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| 1 Interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA) | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| No residential school | |
Investigating psychology 3 gives you the opportunity to carry out an independent research project with specialist supervision. To facilitate this, you are strongly encouraged to engage with an online activity that outlines the broad options available for the independent project. This takes place before the module begins and is designed to help you decide on your preferences. At the start of the module, you can record these preferences, which will be used to allocate you an appropriate tutor.
During the first half of the module, the interactive online study guide leads you, week by week, through an exploration of the key methods used in psychological research, investigating how the diversity of methods originated and the way that psychology relates to both social and natural sciences.
You'll examine how experimentation, survey and text-based methods are used and consider the kind of psychological knowledge that each method generates.
Experiments and surveys produce data that can be analysed using statistics, and this module builds on the statistical techniques introduced in Investigating psychology 1 and 2. The methods also lend themselves to the use of software and you will be introduced to professional-grade packages that allow you to produce experimental procedures and questionnaires as well as to collect data in a straightforward and accurate manner.
The second part of the module is your opportunity to carry out your own psychological investigation. Under the close supervision of your tutor, you'll design and build a study, considering procedural and ethical issues. You'll collect your data, carry out the appropriate analysis and report your findings as a research report. You'll also participate in other students' projects which will deepen your appreciation of how psychological data are generated.
Throughout this process, you'll be well supported, but we stress that this is your project, and you'll be expected to take responsibility for it. In our experience, many students find the independent project is the most satisfying part of the whole degree.
This module is not available for standalone study; it can only be studied as part of a qualification. Normally, you should have successfully completed Investigating psychology 2 (DE200) before you study this module.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
You'll be provided with two textbooks, statistical analysis software (SPSS) and access to the module website, which includes:
Access to specialist software (Gorilla, Qualtrics, NVivo and SONA) to aid experimental, survey and qualitative projects, and to facilitate participant recruitment will also be made available through the module website.
You'll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They'll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we'll make recordings available. While they're not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone. The Accessibility Statement below outlines what studying this module involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
Much of this module's study materials are online. Online materials are composed of pages of text with images, audio and video clips most of them a few minutes long (all with transcripts/subtitles) there is interactive media and self-assessed quizzes. Online materials also include links to external resources, online forums and tutorial rooms.
If you're using printed materials as part of reasonable adjustments to support your studies, note that printed versions of online materials are unavailable for this module.
This module provides online tutorials. Although not compulsory, attendance at tutorials will help you consolidate your learning.
Practical work is a required component of assessment. Students must complete a project that usually requires collecting data from human participants. Data can be collected electronically or via face to face interaction.
This module introduces you to the use of an online studio for presenting posters. Audio versions of posters may be submitted to enable students with visual impairments or limited manual dexterity to successfully study the module.
The study materials contain some diagrams photographs. Figure descriptions are provided for most figures.
You may be required to search for, and make use of, third party material online for your DE300 project.
This module has Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs), which must be submitted online via the OU electronic TMA system, Interactive Computer-Marked Assignments (iCMAs) completed online, and an End-of-Module Assessment submitted online.
You will receive feedback from your tutor on your submitted Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs). This will help you to reflect on your TMA performance. You should refer to it to help you prepare for your next assignment.
All University modules are structured according to a set timetable and you will need time-management skills to keep your studies on track. You will be supported in developing these skills.
This module uses specialist software that may not be covered by standard accessibility tools. The module materials and assessment may ask you to use the following specialist software: SPSS, Open Sesame, Qualtrics and NVivo and may not be fully accessible as a result. Support forums and guidance is provided.
Investigating psychology 3 starts twice a year – in February and October. This page describes the module that will start in October 2025 and February 2026. We expect it to start for the last time in February 2028.
This course is expected to start for the last time in February 2028.
This is one of the core modules in our British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited degrees in psychology.