B3083 - Methods in Personnel Psychology

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will: - know the main research methods and data analysis applied to WOP field; - know the methods to assess personnel performance at different levels, in order to develop performance-focused interventions - be able to identify appropriate measures, to use statistical tools for data analysis, and to present results. - be able to develop a project in personnel psychology for the organizational management.

Course contents

The course unit provides an in-depth exploration of the core principles of research methodology and data analysis to provide students with the expertise to develop and implement a research project in the field of Work, Organizational, and Personnel Psychology.

Module # 1

Research study features

Steps of a research study 

Module # 2

Data analytic techniques for describing variables, comparing groups, and examining relationships among variables in applied research:

Descriptive statistics

ANOVA

Multiple linear regression analysis

Mediation and moderation models

Readings/Bibliography

The following readings apply to both module #1 and module #2

(1) Howitt, D., & Cramer, D. (2024). Research methods in psychology (7th Edition). Pearson.

Required readings: Chapters 1-5, 9-12

Suggested readings: Chapters 6-8

(2) Pallant, J. (2020). SPSS survival manual. A step by step guide to data analysis using IBM SPSS (7th Edition). McGraw Hill Open University Press.

Required readings: Chapters 10, 11, 13

Suggested readings: Chapters 1-9, 18-20

(3) Field, A. (2018). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics (5th Edition). Sage.

Required readings: Chapter 11

(4) Materials provided by the teachers, including the slides presented during the lectures, and made available on the virtual platform.

Further suggested readings

Howitt, D., & Cramer, D. (2020). Understanding statistics in psychology with SPSS (8th edition). Pearson.

Teaching methods

The course unit will adopt a learning-by-doing approach, with the teachers introducing each topic and then guiding the students in practical exercises, some of which are with statistical software.

The lectures will provide a more comprehensive examination of the topics presented in the texts and will include practical exercises that are essential for learning and cannot be replaced by studying the texts alone. It is therefore recommended that students attend the lectures actively.

In view of the activities in the computer laboratory, the attendance of this course unit requires the prior participation of all students in Module 1, 2 [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas] on Health and Safety online.

Assessment methods

The assessment covers both modules, with the learning outcomes of the two modules being evaluated concurrently, and is based on an individual performance (i.e., oral exam) and on a group performance (i.e., group assignment/presentation). The grading scale is from 0 to 30 (plus possible honor), 18 being the minimum passing grade. The oral exam contributes up to 24 points, and the assignment contributes up to 6 points to the 30-point final grade.

The oral exam consists of an oral discussion (approximately 2 questions) that focuses on verifying the acquisition of the course unit topics and their application in novel contexts.

All course unit topics may be examined, and each is given the same weight. During the exam, the use of books, notes, and electronic devices is prohibited, except for students with a Specific Learning Disorder certification and for students with disabilities who are permitted to utilize aids and support.

The assignment is to compose a short paper outlining the methodology for a research study. Further details will be provided in the lectures and uploaded to Virtuale.

The student is required to complete the online registration within the terms in order to be admitted to the exam. Students who are unable to enroll within the due date must inform the secretarial office promptly. The teachers will consider the request and decide about the admission.

It is recommended that students with disabilities and those with Specific Learning Disorder certification contact the teachers promptly to discuss any necessary adjustments to the exam arrangements.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, paper-pencil instruments, guided discussions, teaching materials and databases provided by the teachers, and statistical software.

Policy on the Use of Technology in the Classroom

• Students may not use any handheld devices in the classroom (cell phones, cameras, etc.) without the explicit permission of the professor.
• Computers should be used for note-taking only.
• Students who need to use voice recorders for class lectures must receive the explicit permission of the professor in order to do so.

Office hours

See the website of Giulia Casu

See the website of Giulia Balboni