This module provides students with the opportunity to conduct, under supervision, independent psychological research in one of a broad range of areas.

1. 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 outcomes 3 and 4
2. Research report (with a maximum length of 7000 for a quantitative project, 8000 words for qualitative or mixed methods projects; 85% of the grade) detailing rationale, methods, findings and conclusions from the program of research, accompanied by the following:
- Evidence of a completed ethics form, providing evidence of research-planning and attention to ethics related issues.
- A completed supervision log, providing evidence of structured and planned use of supervisory meetings and sensible time management.
- Prior to data collection A statement from your supervisor confirming that you have provided evidence of data-collection.
The report will count for 85% of the grade

Research report will assess learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 5

Supervisors will offer formative verbal and written feedback on one full draft version of the poster presentation and of the final project. Staff delivering the research methods clinics will offer formative feedback and advice on analysis matters.

Students will be allocated a supervisor who will support them in developing and completing their research project. Supervision will take place in regular scheduled meetings, these could either be individual or group sessions. 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. Research methods clinics will also be offered to offer analysis advice and support.

1. Demonstrate a detailed and critical understanding of literature, including an understanding of the limits of that literature and an understanding of ethical and methodological issues in one area of psychological investigation. Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Psychology Research Skills

2. Conduct empirical psychological research independently and with personal responsibility, under supervision, and reflect on the research process.
Enquiry
Psychology Research Skills
Reflection

3. Identify and critically evaluate appropriate empirical methods and data analysis techniques and apply these to a psychological research question. Analysis
Problem Solving

4. 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.
Communication
Psychology Research Skills
Reflection

5. Communicate a comprehensive and critically evaluative understanding of the relevant research background and rationale, methods, findings and conclusions to a specialist audience.
Communication
Psychology Research Skills

There are no specific texts identified as essential reading for this module.
Students will identify, in conjunction with their supervisors, the most appropriate published sources within the psychological topic being investigated.

Recommended include:
Forshaw, M. (2013). Your Undergraduate Psychology Project: A Student Guide). UK: Blackwell.
Texts covering the specific analysis techniques chosen.

• Online citation indices and other bibliographic databases
• Peer-reviewed journal and other relevant scholarly publications in your chosen area of investigation
• Departmental facilities, laboratories and equipment.
• Appropriate software to support participant recruitment and data analysis

The Psychology Project is an opportunity for you to apply understanding of psychological theory and research methods in answering specific research questions of your own choosing. During the course of the module, you will need to develop a detailed understanding of current psychological theory and research findings in one, narrowly focused area. You will also need to develop and refine your research skills. These will include skills in literature searching, in research design and planning, in data collection, in data analysis, in research reporting and in reflecting on the research process. How you go about developing your understanding of the psychology of your research topic, and how you develop your research skills, is very much up to you - you will be responsible for planning and timetabling your own learning. Your learning will be supported throughout the module. You will be allocated a member of staff who will supervise your project and will be available to provide advice within the framework detailed in the module handbook. Your learning will be supported by timetabled sessions that aim to assist you in developing, running and writing up your project as well as the library and electronic infrastructure with which you will already be familiar.