Module PSYC3102: PSYCHOLOGY DISSERTATION

Department: Psychology

PSYC3102: PSYCHOLOGY DISSERTATION

Prerequisites

• Research Methods in Psychology (PSYC2091)

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide students with the experience of identifying an issue in psychology that is amenable to empirical investigation, formulating the research question, employing appropriate methods of investigation and analysis, and interpreting the results in light of relevant empirical work and psychological theory

Content

• The dissertation forms the main practical component of the final year course
• Students are expected to build on the skills acquired at level 2 to design and conduct an independent investigation in psychology under the supervision of an experienced researcher in an apprenticeship model
• It is anticipated that most dissertations will take the form of an empirical investigation, though it is possible for students to pursue relevant non-experimental dissertations (e.g. connectionist modelling projects or novel theoretical work) with the special permission of the Board of Studies
• Clear presentation of results and appropriate analyses are very important, and critical evaluation relating findings to existing literature must be included
• The dissertation is written up as a scientific report approximating the form and standard found in psychology journals

Learning Outcomes

• Detailed knowledge of specialist areas in psychology including current theory, evidence, and research methods

• Identify a psychological issue amenable to empirical investigation, and formulate a clear research question
• Competence in the selection and application of appropriate analytic procedures, and understanding of their limitations
• Ability to reflect critically on the strengths and weaknesses of the chosen design and the validity of the conclusions reached
• Ability to apply academic and professional codes of conduct in the design and conduct of original psychological research

• Good written communication skills
• Good IT skills in word processing, data manipulation and data presentation
• Ability to work independently in scholarship and research within broad guidelines

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Students complete their dissertation work under the supervision of an experienced researcher
• This approach enables students to formulate, design, and conduct an independent piece of research with appropriate supervision and guidance
• The design of the project is discussed in detail with the supervisor in one or more sessions and, during the running of the project, the supervisor is regularly informed by students of progress, by discussion or by e-mail
• Supervisory meetings provide advanced research training and the opportunity to engage in discussion which encourages students to think critically
• It is appropriate that this module is assessed as a scientific report conforming to journal style as this format requires students to demonstrate their evaluative, analytical and research skills in a single comprehensive piece of work
• Supervisors provide formative feedback on a draft of the dissertation (excluding the discussion section) submitted prior to the final deadline to help refine the report and extend students analytical abilities and theoretical understanding

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

A short report (max 2000 words) which includes a brief review of the literature and the key research questions, describes the specific hypotheses being tested, outlines the methodology and provides a timetable for the study.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University