You will identify and justify an appropriate research topic of relevance to Business Psychology and produce a research proposal which reflects a critical awareness of a range of research philosophies, strategies, methods and evaluating their relevance to your proposed topic.

The indicative content are as follows:

1. Identify a suitable research topic/aim/question that is appropriate for a master's Dissertation in Business Psychology

2. The purpose and contribution of the critical literature review within an independently executed research project.

3. Developing a theoretical and methodological framework for subsequent research approaches and empirical analysis.

4. Developing a critical understanding of a range of research philosophies and their various ontological and epistemological assumptions that underpin different research questions and designs.

5. The nature and merits of quantitative and/or qualitative research methodologies.

6. Various research strategies and data collection methods and how these can be applied within the context of different research philosophies and inquiries.

7. Using existing documents, organisational and historical data.

8. The design of data collection instruments such as questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, ethnography, etc., and the importance of producing valid and reliable results.

9. The role of ethics in research and the associated responsibilities of the researcher towards different stakeholders.

10. The merits and implications of a range of both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods.

11. Quantitative data analysis, including the use of descriptive and complex statistics generated through appropriate quantitative data analysis software.

12. Qualitative data analysis and making sense of raw non-standard data including the role of qualitative data analysis software.

13. Reflecting on the merits and limitations of the chosen methodology and the implications for the quality and credibility of the research findings.

14. Reflecting on the engagement with the research process and how this contributes to development of the researcher and practitioner.

Identify and justify an appropriate research topic of relevance to Business Psychology

Enquiry


Critically analyse, review, and evaluate the existing literature and research evidence relating to the chosen topic and subject area

Analysis


Undertake a critical assessment of a range of research philosophies, strategies and methods, evaluating and justifying their appropriateness and adequacy for investigating particular/specific research questions

Analysis

Application


Reflect on the ethical implications involved in the design and execution of an independent research project

Analysis

Reflection


5. Identify, analyse and communicate a salient topic for further analysis incorporating the above competencies and skills to make a contribution to academic and sector knowledge.

Application

Problem Solving

Communication

Assessment 1: An individual pre-recorded Presentation of the Research topic lasting 10 minutes (weighted at 20%) – addresses LO 1
Assessment 2: A Research Proposal 3000 words (weighted at 80%)- addresses all LOs 1 to 5

This module provides a comprehensive exploration of research methodologies specific to the field of Business Psychology. Students will gain a deep understanding of various research designs, data collection techniques, and analytical methods used to investigate psychological phenomena in business settings. Practical skills in data gathering, analysis, synthesis, and interpretation will be developed, ensuring students can conduct robust and ethical research. By the end of the module, students will be proficient in designing, implementing, and critically evaluating research projects, preparing them to contribute valuable insights to the field of Business Psychology.

The learning strategy is based on weekly three-hour seminars that will include the delivery of lecture materials and the completion of a range of exercises and tasks both within and outside of the sessions.


Group discussions and problem-solving based on student participation and reflection.

Bell, E., Harley, B. & Bryman, A. (2022). Business Research Methods, 6th edition, OUP Oxford


Brewerton, P.M. and Millward, L.J., 2001. Organizational research methods: A guide for students and researchers. Sage


Cassell, C. and Symon, G., 2012. Qualitative organizational research: core methods and current challenges


Landers, R.N. and Behrend, T.S., 2024. Research Methods for Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Science and Practice. Taylor & Francis

The University Library and Learning Resources

Westlaw e-library

The module VLE (LMS T & L material)

Selected contemporary problem/practice-based case examples