Advanced Research Project in Psychology - PSYC9990

Overview

All students undertake a supervised empirical research project relevant to their chosen MSc programme, and submit it as a typed dissertation of approximately 8,000 words.
For Cognitive Psychology/Neuropsychology, Developmental Psychology, and Social Psychology MSc-T dissertations, the project should be grounded in the area of psychology.
For Organisational and Business Psychology dissertations, the project should include an examination of an identifiable organisational or business issue or problem within the context of relevant psychological theory, such as social, organisational or business psychology.
For Political Psychology dissertations, the project should be grounded in the area of psychology or political science and informed by the other discipline.
The aim of the dissertation is to test the student's ability to plan, execute, analyse, and report a piece of independent research in the relevant setting. The dissertation requires detailed theoretical knowledge of the relevant discipline (or disciplines), 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. Supervision is provided by the principal teaching staff and by other appropriate staff with research interests in a student's chosen area. Students are advised to read the School's Ethics pages for information on submitting applications for ethical approval to the School and to relevant outside bodies.

Details

Contact hours

Total contact hours: No formal timetabled events.
Private study hours: 600
Total study hours: 600

Availability

Compulsory to:
Cognitive Psychology/Neuropsychology, MSc-T
Developmental Psychology, MSc-T
Organisational and Business Psychology
Political Psychology, MSc-T
Social Psychology MSc-T

Method of assessment

Presentation 5-10 minutes 10%
Dissertation 8,000 words 90%*
*This element is pass compulsory and must be passed to achieve the learning outcomes of the module.

Reassessment method: Like for Like.

Indicative reading

No books are recommended for purchase. Students will conduct their own literature search and discuss suitable readings with their supervisors. The following materials are useful references and can be considered in preparation for the module:
• American Psychological Association (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th 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

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1. Demonstrate subject specific knowledge and understanding of key issues related to the specific context of the degree program
8.2. Demonstrate the ability to report a piece of research in BPS/APA format, including theory, hypotheses, methods, analysis and interpretation of results, and discussion.
8.3. Have a detailed appreciation of the difficulties and constraints they have encountered during their project.
8.4. Demonstrate that they have conducted an empirical research project appropriate to their degree, documented in a complete project report.
8.5. Demonstrate the ability to present their scientific work in person, clearly and effectively, with the use of visual aids such as slides or posters.