In this module students will be introduced to the theory and strategies relevant to producing a piece of empirical research in psychology. Teaching sessions will include: strategies for choosing an appropriate research area; processes for the identification of appropriate literature; development of research questions; designing research; planning and timetabling research projects; pilot work; and ethical issues in psychology research. By the end of the module students will have developed the appropriate skills and capabilities to collect and analyse data relevant to psychology and will have designed and completed an empirical, data driven study.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities (27 hours):
Six two-hour workshops during which issues relating to the design and conduct of psychology research will be discussed (12 hours). In addition students will attend tutorial sessions with an allocated supervisor in which they will be required to report on progress and will be guided in terms of literature, research question, design, analysis and write-up (15 hours).

Guided Independent Study Hours:
Learning will be self-directed and focussed upon achieving the learning outcomes. Students will be required to: search databases and identify appropriate literature, define a research question, design an empirical study to address the research question, collect data, analyse data, and produce an academic report of the process.

A room in which discussion groups can be formed. Computers, Internet and Library Resources
Computer software appropriate for the analysis of qualitative or quantitative data

BPS Code of Ethics and Conduct (2009). Available from: http://www.bps.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/code_of_ethics_and_conduct.pdf

Bigham, J. (2011). Succeeding with your masters dissertation: A step-by-step handbook (2nd Edition). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Must be registered on the MSc Psychology award.

1 Demonstrate a systematic understanding of contemporary research in an area of psychology and the independent ability to choose an appropriate research question. (APPLICATION, KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, LEARNING)

2. Demonstrate an in depth critical understanding and evaluation of current research in a chosen area of psychology, including the critical evaluation of methodologies and techniques used in this area. (ANALYSIS, ENQUIRY)

3. Employ qualities and transferable skills in decision making in order to design and conduct methodologically sound research in psychology. (APPLICATION, PROBLEM SOLVING, REFLECTION, PSYCHOLOGY SPECIFIC)

4. Demonstrate a practical understanding of the techniques of research and enquiry and employ these in the analysis of quantitative or qualitative research data. (APPLICATION, KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, PROBLEM SOLVING)

5. Professionally communicate results and conclusions in an academic report.(COMMUNICATION)

This module has two assessments:

A completed ethics form (weighted at 0%, PASS/FAIL) must be submitted that outlines the rationale, proposed method, addresses ethical issues and analyses (LOs 1-2).

A DISSERTATION (10,000-12,000 words) weighted at 100%. (LOs 1-5)

Additional assessment details (including formative feedback / assessment):

Students will receive formative verbal and detailed comments on the ethics form identifying strengths, limitations and guidance for improvement.

Students will also have regular meetings with dissertation supervisors who will provide ongoing feedback and guidance throughout the development of their research, and the development and conduct of their research project. Supervisors will provide written formative feedback on one full dissertation draft.

In this module you will be introduced to the theory and strategies relevant to producing a piece of empirical research in psychology. Teaching sessions will include: strategies for choosing an appropriate research area; processes for the identification of appropriate literature; development of research questions; designing research; planning and timetabling research projects; pilot work; and ethical issues in psychology research. By the end of the module you will have developed the appropriate skills and capabilities to collect and analyse data relevant to psychology and will have designed and completed an empirical, data driven study.