This module provides students with the opportunity to conduct, under supervision, an independent desk-based literature search and review in one of a broad range of areas.

This will include a comprehensive literature search and critical review of a chosen topic within Psychology, to be agreed with your 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 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 will 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.

Presentation at Student Conference – a poster presentation (max. 1000 words, describing and reflecting on the research process (15% of the grade)). Presentation at the Student Conference will assess learning outcome 3.

Dissertation (Maximum 7000 words, 85% of the grade), detailing rationale, methods, findings and conclusions from the relevant literature review. The Dissertation must include in the appendices a completed supervision log, providing evidence of structured and planned use of supervisory meetings and sensible time management. The dissertation will reflect learning outcomes (1, 2 and 4)

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment): Supervisors will offer formative verbal and written feedback on one full draft version of the poster and of the final dissertation. Supervisors and supported taught sessions will offer formative feedback and advice on methodology matters.

Students will be allocated a supervisor who will support them in developing and completing their dissertation. Supervision will take place in regular scheduled meetings, these could either be individual or group sessions. Drop-in support clinics will be offered. Every student will take part in the L6 Student Conference. Students will present a summary of their work at the conference and will also have the opportunity to view work presented by their peers. Learning will be supported by timetabled sessions that aim to assist students in developing, running and writing up the project as well as support sessions focused on the library and electronic infrastructure.

1. Demonstrate a detailed and critical understanding of relevant psychology literature within a chosen topic area, including an understanding of the limits of the research and literature in that area of psychological investigation

2. Identify the relevant research questions, including methodological and ethical issues, as well as research questions for future investigation, within appropriate secondary sources relating to the chosen topic

3. Present a clear account of the rationale, methods, findings, and conclusions of a psychological research study to a non- specialist audience and reflect on the research process.

4. Communicate a comprehensive and critically evaluative understanding of the relevant research background and rationale, methods, findings and conclusions to a specialist audience.

Online citation indices and other bibliographic databases

Peer-reviewed journal and other relevant scholarly publications in your chosen area of investigation

Blackboard VLE

MSTeams

There are no specific texts identified as essential reading 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.

This module will involve a desk based literature search and critical review of a chosen topic within Psychology, to be agreed with your allocated supervisor. This could include a review of a particular body of psychological research literature or the presentation of an extended critical evaluation of a smaller population of identified papers.
Research will be confined to published sources, and no primary data collection will take place.