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| Module Availability |
| Yearly (run across semesters 1 & 2) |
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| Assessment Pattern |
Either a quantitative research report of 7000 words or a qualitative research report of 10,000 words.
The research report is identified by URN only.
Although the dissertation consists of coursework alone, under the University regulations it constitutes an 'Examination'.
Weighting is 100% towards module mark.
A mark of 40% is required to pass the module. |
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| Module Overview |
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| Prerequisites/Co-requisites |
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| Module Aims |
The final year dissertation aims to provide students with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth, empirical investigation of a psychological problem or topic. The process of preparing and writing a dissertation provides the student with the opportunity to pursue in depth a topic of his or her own choice. It should allow them to apply and develop research skills acquired during the BSc Psychology Honours or BSc Honours Applied Psychology and Sociology Honours programme and to demonstrate a reflective understanding of the research endeavour through their own work.
The dissertation support workshops are designed to 'scaffold' students throughout the year on various issues pertinent to:- 1) formulating, designing and implementing a suitable study for independent project purposes, 2) ethical considerations, 3) analytical considerations (qualitative data analysis, statistical analysis), 4) drawing interpretations and conclusions, and 5) writing up.
Although students are expected to be relatively independent in the pursuit of their dissertation, adjusting back to academic life after a placement year can be a difficult task. Students benefit from being refreshed on research issues and processes, and from being facilitated in a constructive and supportive way to pursue their own project. The project is weighted 45% of the entire final year, which means that it is the most important piece of work submitted by the student. Support workshops are aimed at managing the transition back to University as well as providing a social forum to discuss research issues with their peers as well as various members of staff, expert on particular methodological and/or analytical issues. |
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| Learning Outcomes |
Students are expected to demonstrate the following:-
-An ability to formulate and define a problem or topic in an appropriately circumscribed way.
-An ability to identify, justify and use an appropriate methodology in tackling the research questions identified.
-Some awareness of alternative strategies that could have been used to address the research question.
-An adequate understanding of statistical or other analytical procedures.
-A knowledge of how to apply these statistical/analytical procedures appropriately.
-The ability to critically examine their own empirical findings and draw sensible conclusions from their findings.
-The ability to identify how their work might move forward by suggesting new lines of investigation.
-The ability to give clear expression to their ideas and to structure their argument in a logical fashiion.
-The ability to present their findings in the conventional scholarly form.
With respect to the workshops, students are expected to feel more confident about their ability to conduct their research projects and more positively engaged with the process.
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| Module Content |
Subject specific, but students can optionally attend Dissertation Workshops in support of their dissertation. Topics covered include:-
Conducting a Literature Review
Project formation
Ethical Issues
Inductive versus Deductive work
Milti-Methodology
Qualitative Analysis
Doing IPA and Thematic Analysis
Crafting an integrative narrative
Writing up results sections
Students will also receive bespoke statistical support. |
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| Methods of Teaching/Learning |
| Independent research with a member of psychology academic staff; one-to-one facilitation and guidance, group supervision as appropriate. Optional workshops and seminars and bespoke statistical support delivered one-to-one. |
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| Selected Texts/Journals |
| Specialist recommendations will be supervisor and subject specific. |
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| Last Updated |
| 5th May 2011 |
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