Module Descriptors
RESEARCH THESIS
PSYC80392
Key Facts
Faculty of Health Sciences
Level 8
90 credits
Contact
Leader: Helena Priest
Email: H.M.Priest@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 100
Independent Study Hours: 800
Total Learning Hours: 900
Assessment
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Texts
Breakwell, G.M., Hammond, S., Fife-Shaw, C., & Smith, J.A. (2006). Research methods in psychology. (3rd Edition). London:Sage.
Clark-Carter, D. (2004) Quantitative psychological research: A student's handbook. Hove: Psychology Press.
Punch, K.F. (2006). Developing effective research proposals. (2nd Ed.) London: Sage.
Smith, J.A. (Ed.). (2007). Qualitative psychology: A practical guide to research methods. (2nd edition). London: Sage.
Clark-Carter, D. (2004) Quantitative psychological research: A student's handbook. Hove: Psychology Press.
Punch, K.F. (2006). Developing effective research proposals. (2nd Ed.) London: Sage.
Smith, J.A. (Ed.). (2007). Qualitative psychology: A practical guide to research methods. (2nd edition). London: Sage.
Module Learning Strategies
100 hours workshops, teaching and supervision
800 hours independent reading, reviewing literature, designing research proposal, gaining approvals, carrying out data collection and analysis, writing up thesis.
800 hours independent reading, reviewing literature, designing research proposal, gaining approvals, carrying out data collection and analysis, writing up thesis.
Module Indicative Content
NHS research, research governance, the independent peer review process, gaining access to research sites/ participants, and the process of gaining ethical approval to carry out the research; developing a research proposal, critical appraisal, literature review, writing a research report, reflecting on research, preparation for the viva, preparing material for publication.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Summative Assessment
Research thesis (100%) LO1 - LO7
Word limit: 20,000 words across 3 papers.
This is a major piece of written, research-based work that provides an opportunity to assess course participants' ability to structure and undertake a large research study and as such assesses research skills, data analysis and interpretation skills, writing skills, and the ability to evaluate critically. The thesis papers should be of publishable standard in refereed journals and should make an original contribution to the knowledge base in clinical psychology. A viva voce (oral) examination of the thesis will be conducted by external and internal examiners
Formative Assessment:
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Course participants are required to submit a full Research Proposal for the thesis. The proposal allows course participants to produce a considered and sound research proposal on which their thesis is based. It enables the course participant to conduct an initial literature search, develop appropriate methodology, and to consider issues such as feasibility, availability of participants, and ethical considerations. The research proposal will be completed using a standard form that will subsequently be submitted for Independent Peer Review to Staffordshire University:
Research thesis (100%) LO1 - LO7
Word limit: 20,000 words across 3 papers.
This is a major piece of written, research-based work that provides an opportunity to assess course participants' ability to structure and undertake a large research study and as such assesses research skills, data analysis and interpretation skills, writing skills, and the ability to evaluate critically. The thesis papers should be of publishable standard in refereed journals and should make an original contribution to the knowledge base in clinical psychology. A viva voce (oral) examination of the thesis will be conducted by external and internal examiners
Formative Assessment:
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Course participants are required to submit a full Research Proposal for the thesis. The proposal allows course participants to produce a considered and sound research proposal on which their thesis is based. It enables the course participant to conduct an initial literature search, develop appropriate methodology, and to consider issues such as feasibility, availability of participants, and ethical considerations. The research proposal will be completed using a standard form that will subsequently be submitted for Independent Peer Review to Staffordshire University:
Module Resources
Access to Blackboard materials
Access to clinical or other appropriate research population in accordance with selected research topic, research design and methodology
Research supervision
Access to clinical or other appropriate research population in accordance with selected research topic, research design and methodology
Research supervision