PY7P11 - Dissertation (2024/25)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | |||||||||||||||
| Module title | Dissertation | |||||||||||||||
| Module level | Masters (07) | |||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 60 | |||||||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | |||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 600 | |||||||||||||||
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| Running in 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module builds upon the topics introduced in PY7223 Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology and PY7P11 Dissertation and allows you to apply the knowledge and skills required developed in those modules to design, conduct, and present an empirical research project. It will develop your understanding of the scientific method and your ability to collect valid and reliable research data through an ethically sound process in line with the principles of open science. It will develop your ability to conduct statistical and/or qualitative data analysis using appropriate methods and software as appropriate; write a research report in line with professional publication standards and the principles of open science; and present a poster based on the empirical study and its findings. In doing so, the module will equip you with a range of transferable skills necessary for further study or employment.
Prior learning requirements
PY7223 Introductory Research Methods for Psychology
PY7224 Advanced Research Methods for Psychology
Syllabus
There is no taught syllabus for this module as you will study material relevant to your
own independent research project and attend supervision meetings throughout the year.
Workshops will be held approximately every three teaching weeks during the year and
will be aligned to the stage of project progression.
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
You will be assigned a research project supervisor whose role is to advise and monitor progress and to intervene in the case of problems. You are required to commit to a research topic, carry out a literature search on the topic and write a research proposal on which you will receive constructive feedback. This feedback will help to develop your understanding of how to design research that is interesting, relevant, valid, replicable, and ethical. The research proposal enables modifications to be made at this stage to ensure that you do not pursue a project that is fundamentally flawed and that the necessary materials and resources to carry out the research are in place. All project proposals undergo initial ethical scrutiny by the project supervisor then by the Psychology Research Ethics Community panel. Once proposals are approved, you will carry out the data collection and analyse the data independently. You will receive feedback on an initial version of the research report to ensure that their interpretation and discussion is based on meaningful treatment of the data.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
ethically plan and execute, using independent judgement, an empirical research study relevant to any area of psychology.
demonstrate innovation and originality of thought with respect to empirical research.
select, carry out and interpret research findings using either quantitative or qualitative analysis techniques to an advanced level of capability.
critically interpret and place their own research within a relevant context of psychological research.
write a project dissertation in a research paper format in line with professional publication standards and the principles of open science.
present your empirical findings in a narrated research poster.