module specification

This module will support you with the process of planning, carrying out, and writing up an independent research project in psychology. You will be allocated a research supervisor who will guide you through each stage. The module equips you with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for completing a research project and which are essential for employment in different settings. This includes (1) independent study, self-management, time keeping, and digital literacy skills; (2) in-depth understanding of a selected topic; (3) critical thinking skills; (4) creative problem-solving skills; (5) ability and willingness to work with a supervisor and peers as a team; (6) understanding of the scientific method; (7) ability to collect valid and reliable data through an ethically sound process; (8) understanding of statistics and/or qualitative data analysis using appropriate software and platforms and ability to apply them to real data; (9) ability to write a complete report of research findings in line with professional publication standards; (10) ability to present research findings in different ways to different audiences.

PY7163 Research Design and Data Analysis for Psychology

This module consists of supervision of research projects. There is no formal taught syllabus. Support workshops throughout the year will focus on: (1) requirements of the Dissertation; (2) ethical approval of the research project; (3) conducting a systematic review; (4) analysing and presenting data; (5) poster preparation; (6) final report organisation; and (7) drop-in sessions for areas identified as needing support.

Each student has a project supervisor whose role is to advise and monitor progress and to intervene in the case of problems. Students commit to a research topic, carry out a literature search on the topic and write a proposal on which they receive feedback. This feedback develops students’ understanding of how to design research, which is interesting, relevant, valid, replicable, and ethical. The research proposal also enables modifications to be made at this stage to ensure that students do not pursue projects that are fundamentally flawed, and that the department has the necessary material and staff resources to carry out the research. Furthermore, all project proposals undergo initial ethical scrutiny by the project supervisor, then by the Psychology Research Ethics Community panel. Once proposals are approved, students can start the project. They receive feedback on the first version of the research report to ensure that their interpretation and discussion is based on meaningful treatment of the data.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Plan and execute a piece of original research guided by relevant literature and codes of ethical practice in research.
2. Demonstrate innovation and originality of thought with respect to basic and applied research.
3. Select, carry out and interpret research findings using relevant data analysis methods.
4. Critically interpret and place your own research within the wider context of research within the chosen subject area.
5. Write a detailed and concise dissertation in line with professional publication standards.
6. Present and defend your research ideas through presentation of a research poster or presentation.
7. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the role of research in the mental health professions.

There are two assessments for this module.

Assessment 1
A narrated poster presentation based on Assessment 2 (20%)

Assessment 2
A research dissertation (or systematic review) and a learning log (6000-10,000 words excluding references) (80%)

Important note on data collection: You may collect data only after you have received clearance from the Psychology Research Ethics Review Panel.

To pass this module you must obtain a minimum aggregate grade of 50%.

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