A Delphi Study to Strengthen Research-Methods Training in Undergraduate Psychology Programs

Area of Science:

• Psychology Education
• Research Methods Training

Background:

• Psychology programs often prioritize inferential statistics over foundational data and research design.
• This imbalance may hinder graduates' ability to interpret research and utilize data effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify essential research methods skills for UK undergraduate psychology programs.
• To inform modernized accreditation standards for psychology education.

Main Methods:

• A two-round modified Delphi consensus process involving 103 UK psychology community members.
• Qualitative analysis of 707 open-ended responses to supplement Delphi findings.

Main Results:

• Consensus was reached on 34 out of 78 research methods items.
• Nine key recommendations for accreditation bodies were developed, focusing on data skills, research design, descriptive statistics, critical analysis, qualitative methods, and both parameter estimation and significance testing.

Conclusions:

• Accreditation standards should be updated to emphasize foundational and transferable research methods skills.
• Curricula need dedicated space for these essential skills to ensure graduates are competent for contemporary demands.