How do we determine what is true in science? How do we know which theories are well supported by evidence, and which ones are not? This module focuses on the research process, particularly drawing upon how to identify and avoid questionable practices, in favour of those that are open, transparent, and reproducible.
You will build upon your knowledge of the research process developed in Research Integrity and Open Science 1. Looking at some of the problems faced by researchers, and how research findings are assessed in light of these issues, you will develop tools to help overcome and prevent future issues.
Topics of study include the problem of false-positive findings, questionable research practices, researcher degrees of freedom, fraud, detecting errors and meta-analysis. These topics will allow you to understand how to embed open, transparent and reproducible research methods into your own practices, supporting your ability to plan a research study and provide clear, accurate descriptions of proposed methods and planned analyses.
Once you have completed this module, you will have a deeper understanding of the research process, from concept and design to post-publication. You will have advanced knowledge of the reproducibility crisis and be equipped with practical skills to conduct your own research using a ‘reproducibility toolkit’. You will learn to critically evaluate psychological theory and research in order to identify and avoid questionable research practices and to ensure your own practices are open, transparent and reproducible.