module specification

SS6P04 - Psychology and Sociology Dissertation (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Psychology and Sociology Dissertation
Module level Honours (06)
Credit rating for module 30
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Total study hours 300
 
20 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
280 hours Guided independent study
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 0%   Dissertation proposal
Coursework 0%   Draft literature review 3,000 words
Dissertation 100%   Dissertation 10,000 words
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Year North Tuesday Afternoon

Module summary

The students carry out an in-depth piece of a research and analysis in an area of their choice that is analysed from both sociological and psychological perspective. The students will use theoretical and empirical knowledge, research and analytical skills gained in their programme of study to investigate the topic and formulate a dissertation.

Syllabus

• Identifying research topic and question LO1
• Doing a literature search LO2
• Writing a literature review LO3,LO4,LO5
• Sociological theory and dissertation
• Research design– introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Analysing the Data
• Writing-up Dissertation

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

In the first term workshops and tutorials will provide the students with guidance on doing their dissertation and give them opportunities to discuss progress. The students will be required to make a short presentation on the progress of their work and submit the project proposal. In the second term they will work independently, supported by their supervisors. Supervisors will be allocated on the basis of their research and scholarship expertise in a particular topic. Learning will also be guided by reading and resources made available through the VLE.

Learning outcomes

1. Identify an area or theme worthy of psychological/sociological enquiry
2. Use theoretical and empirical knowledge, research and analytical skills gained in their course of study to investigate an area and formulate a dissertation
3. Undertake a literature search and review.
4. Make a critical analysis of an area or theme under investigation with particular attention being paid to the theoretical and methodological components of the analysis
5. Write a well-presented piece of work in the conventional academic format using documented sources

Bibliography

• Bell, J. (2010) (5th edition) Doing your Research Project: a Guide for First Time Researchers in Education and Social Science, Buckinghamshire: Open University Press.
• Blaxter, L., Hughes, C. and Tight, M. (2010) (4th edition) How to Research. OUP: Maidenhead.
• Brett Davies, M. (2007) Doing a Successful Research Project. Palgrave: London.
• Bryman, A.(2008)  Social Research Methods, OUP
• Dunscombe, M. (2010) (4th edition) The Good Research Guide: For small scale social research projects, Open University Press.
• Hart, C. (1998) Doing A Literature Review, London, Sage
• Luker, K. (2010) Salsa Dancing into the Social Sciences: Research in an Age of Info-Glut, Harvard University Press
• O’Leary, Z. (2007) The Essential Guide To Doing Research, London, Sage
• Robson, C. (2007) How to do a research project: a guide for undergraduate students. Oxford: Blackwell.
• Rudestan, K & Newton, R (2007)  Surviving Your Dissertation, Sage
• Smith, K., Todd, M. & Waldman (2009) Doing your undergraduate social science dissertation, London: Routledge  (e-book)