Module PSYC3452: Psychological and Behavioural Science Dissertation

Department: Psychology

PSYC3452: Psychological and Behavioural Science Dissertation

Prerequisites

• PSYC2232 - Advanced Research Methods and Statistics

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide students with the experience of identifying an issue in psychological and/or behavioural science 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 theory

Content

• The dissertation forms the main practical component of the final year course
• Students are expected to build on the skills acquired during the earlier part of the course to carry out an empirical investigation, with relevance to psychological and/or behavioural science
• Dissertations take the form of an empirical investigation, drawing on primary and/or secondary data (incl. quantitative systematic reviews/meta-analyses)
• 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 academic journals
• Students normally collect data working in pairs or small groups, but must write up the dissertation individually

Learning Outcomes

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

• Identify a relevant 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 research, relevant to psychological and/or behavioural science

• 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, and typically work in small groups with other students to collect their data. This approach enables students to formulate, design, and conduct an independent piece of research with appropriate supervision and guidance. Independent study is required at all stages of the dissertation.
• Drop-in sessions allow students to seek additional statistical support when needed.
• 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 email.
• Supervisory meetings provide advanced research training and the opportunity to engage in discussion which encourages students to think critically. Students and supervisors are expected to meet regularly, either in person or online.
• The formative assessment requires students to complete and submit a dissertation proforma to ensure the progress of the dissertation, as well as providing students an opportunity to enhance the clarity of their scientific communication with regards to their research question, develop a written foundation for their dissertation, and gain early feedback from their supervisor.
• 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.
• Weekly drop-in sessions during term 2 allow students to seek additional statistical support when needed.
• The summative written dissertation report allows students to demonstrate their evaluative, analytical, and research skills in a single comprehensive piece of work
• The summative oral examination involves students attending a ‘mini-viva’. This provides students with a chance to demonstrate their specialist knowledge and scientific communication skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

There are two formative assessments on this module: 1. Dissertation proforma. 2. Draft dissertation (excluding discussion section)

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.