Dissertation (Maximum 7000 words), detailing rationale, methods, findings and conclusions from the relevant literature review. Dissertation must include (as an appendix) a completed supervision log, providing evidence of structured and planned use of supervisory meetings and sensible time management.

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):
Supervisors will offer verbal and written feedback on one full draft version of the final dissertation

This will include a comprehensive literature search and critical review of a chosen topic within Psychology, to be agreed with an allocated supervisor. The nature and structure of the investigation of the relevant literature is flexible, but must be agreed with the supervisor, and could include a systematic review of a particular body of psychological research literature or the presentation of an extended critical evaluation of a smaller population of identified papers. Dissertations should include the identification and critical evaluation of key research findings within the topic chosen, an evaluation of the relevant methodological and ethical issues within those key findings, a demonstrated critical understanding of the limitations of the research within the topic chosen and the identification of relevant and appropriate future research directions within the chosen topic area.

Research will be confined to published sources, and no primary data collection will take place.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching: (11 hours)
2 hours Introductory lectures to the module
1 hours Initially discussing possible topics of interest with potential supervisors
6 hours One to one supervisory sessions (approximately 30 minutes every two weeks for 24 weeks)
2 hours Understanding relevant statistics refresher lectures

Guided Independent Study: (289)
40 hours Planning, preparation and identification of relevant topics and/or research questions
24 hours Exploring and using appropriate materials on Blackboard
100 hours Identifying and reading the relevant literature
60 hours Processing and analysis of key findings within the literature
65 hours Assessment planning, writing and presenting

Online citation indices and other bibliographic databases
Peer reviewed journals and other scholarly publications within the chosen areas of investigation

There are no specific general texts recommended for this module. Students are referred to the extensive guidance material available on Blackboard.

Students will identify, in conjunction with their supervisors, the most appropriate published sources within the psychological topic being investigated

Students must be registered on the BSc (Hons) Psychological Studies award