This module is not currently running in 2022 to 2023.
All students undertake a supervised empirical research project in an area of organisational psychology to gain practical experience of research. The module allows students to develop research skills by working closely with expert researchers or practitioners. The research will be conducted as a research apprenticeship, so the student will work on a wider programme or research developed by the supervisor, or on a project specific to an organisation (still with close supervision from an academic supervisor). Some of the apprenticeship will involve working in collaborative teams (e.g. for data collection) but all students will write up the research independently in the form of a dissertation. Most projects will be with academics from the University (School of Psychology, Kent Business School, or related disciplines) but there will be some opportunities for students to work on projects outside the University with external research partners.
Total contact hours: 20
Private study hours: 580
Total study hours: 600
Organisational Psychology MSC-T.
Seminar Presentation 5-10 minutes 15%
Abstract Reports approx. 750 words 5%
Dissertation 8,000 words 80%
Reassessment methods: Like-for-like.
Reading list (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)
No books are recommended for purchase. Students will conduct their own literature search and discuss suitable readings with their supervisor. The following materials are useful references and can be considered in preparation for the module:
• American Psychological Association (2009). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th Ed.). Washington: American Psychological Association
• British Psychological Society (2009). Code of Ethics and Conduct. Available: http://www.bps.org.uk/system/files/documents/code_of_ethics_and_conduct.pdf
• Brewerton, P., & Millward, L. (2001). Organizational Research Methods: A Guide for Students and Researchers. London, UK: Sage Publications Ltd.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1. Understand a range of conceptual, historical, theoretical, and philosophical issues underlying the role of psychology in organisations
8.2. Demonstrate specialist knowledge and systematic understanding of the key issues in organisational psychology.
8.3. Understand the major research and analytic techniques and methodologies used by psychologists investigating psychological issues in organisations.
8.4. Understand contextual forces impacting organisations and how they co-exist or interact with psychological factors (e.g. political, environmental, technical, legal, social).
8.5. Develop specialist knowledge, and evaluate critically current research in organisational psychology
8.6. Design a meaningful research study and write up research which links psychological science to organisational issues using APA format
8.7. Conduct organisational psychology research to address business and management issues
8.8. Apply ethical values to research and practice related to organisational psychology
8.9. Understand how to apply psychological research to management and business contexts
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1. Critically reflect on key themes with oral discussion and written analysis
9.2. Creatively evaluate and generalise appropriately
9.3. Select and synthesise complex materials, through organising, developing, and evaluating relevance
9.4. Systematically approach problem solving, individually and as part of a group, also using appropriate information technology
9.5. Plan work and study independently, through personal development and time management
9.6. Communicate persuasively, through written assessment and oral discussions
9.7. Cooperate within a team, and recognise the contribution of self and others
9.8. Conduct appropriate data analysis and to understand the statistical analysis conducted by others, and its limits
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