This module is not currently running in 2022 to 2023.
The module will stress the integration of psychology and political science as a way to analyse and explain political processes. All students undertake a supervised empirical research project grounded in the area of psychology or political science and informed by the other discipline. The aim of the dissertation is to teach students the ability to plan, execute, analyse, and report a piece of independent research in the relevant setting. The dissertation will consolidate theoretical knowledge of psychology and political science, to foster an ability to integrate findings from the two fields, an appreciation of the ways in which that knowledge has been applied in previous research and practice, and the methodological and statistical skills to set up a scientific investigation.
Timetable: A research proposal is written and approved in the Autumn Term. All research with human subjects will require approval of the School of Psychology Ethics Panel. If appropriate, an ethical application is submitted to the panel (and, if required, outside ethics committees). The deadline for submission of dissertations is in July or August.
Total contact hours: 50
Private study hours: 550
Total study hours: 600
Compulsory for MSc Political Psychology.
Dissertation 8,000 words 90%
Oral presentation 10%
Reassessment methods: Like for Like.
Reading List (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)
Students are required to conduct their own literature searches, typically with some advice from supervisors. Students will also be encouraged to use the following materials to aid preparation of the research report:
Bryman, A. (various editions). Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2010.
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate the ability to report a piece of research according to professional conventions, including theory, hypotheses, methods, analysis and interpretation of results, and discussion.
8.2 Have a detailed appreciation of the difficulties and constraints they have encountered during their project.
8.3 Demonstrate that they have conducted an empirical research project in an area of Psychology or Political Science and informed by the other discipline, appropriate to their degree, documented in a complete project report.
8.4 Demonstrate the ability to present their scientific work in person, clearly and effectively, with the use of visual aids such as slides or posters.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Develop enhanced skills in critical evaluation of arguments
9.2 Developed enhanced skills in statistical analysis
9.3 Develop enhanced skills in the management of projects
9.4 Develop enhanced skills in written and oral communication – in particular the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and accessible style.
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