This module provides students with the opportunity to conduct, under supervision, independent and ethical psychological research in one of a broad range of areas within sport and exercise settings. Students will be given the opportunity to apply their understanding of sport and/or exercise psychology theory and research methods to answer a specific research question. During the course of the module students will need to develop a detailed understanding of current psychological theory in sport and/or exercise and research findings in one, narrowly focused area. Students will also need to develop and refine their research skills. These will include skills in literature searching, research design and planning, data collection, data analysis, reporting data, and in reflecting on the research process. How students then go about developing their understanding of their research topic, research methods, and time management is their responsibility. Each student will be supported on the research project in three keyways. First, students will be assigned and supported by a dissertation supervisor, second, students will be assigned key deadlines over the course of the module to complete research proposals, thesis drafts, and the final submission. Finally, students will have complete access to the electronic database of online journal articles/key texts and access the to the study skills service provided by the library team.

1. A completed ethics form, evidence of research-planning and attention to ethics-related issues. (LO2).
2. Research project (with a maximum length of 7500 words) detailing rationale, methods, findings and conclusions from the program of research. (LO1, 3 & 4).
3. An online or face-to-face viva defence of the research project. (LO5).

Students follow a 26-week distance learning module guided study programme and access support material via Blackboard and Microsoft teams. Students will be required to interact with tasks that contain a series of learning outcomes. Students will be required to engage with tasks using a range of formats (e.g., video lectures, reading materials, VoiceThread, Microsoft teams). Students will be required to access additional support material independently and liaise with their chosen supervisor. Students will have the opportunity to critically discuss their research project with their tutors / main supervisor and their peers via a live online seminar. The assessments set within the module will allow students to demonstrate understanding and critical analysis skills via content and task related activities drawn from the module topic areas.

1. Detailed and critical understanding of literature, including an understanding of the limits of that literature, in one area of psychological investigation within sport and exercise. Enquiry, Knowledge & Understanding, Psychology Research Skills

2. Comprehensive understanding of ethical and methodological issues within the chosen area of psychological research within sport and exercise. Enquiry, Knowledge & Understanding, Psychology Research Skills

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

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

5. Present a clear verbal and written account of the rationale, methods, findings and conclusions of a psychological research study which you have designed and conducted yourself. Communication, Psychology Research Skills, Reflection

Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment
Microsoft Teams
Internet access
Electronic and Library facilities

There are no specific key texts identified as essential reading for this module.

Students are referred to the extensive guidance material that will be made available on Blackboard.

Students will identify, in conjunction with their supervisors, the most appropriate published sources within the psychological topic being investigated.

Be registered on the Sport and Exercise Psychology course. Students must achieve a NON-COMPENSATED PASS on the Advanced Research Methods in Sport and Exercise Psychology to proceed on the research project module.

This module provides students with the opportunity to conduct, under supervision, independent and ethical psychological research in one of a broad range of areas within sport and exercise settings. Students will be given the opportunity to apply their understanding of sport and/or exercise psychology theory and research methods to answer a specific research question. During the course of the module students will need to develop a detailed understanding of current psychological theory in sport and/or exercise and research findings in one, narrowly focused area. Students will also need to develop and refine their research skills. These will include skills in literature searching, research design and planning, data collection, data analysis, reporting data, and in reflecting on the research process. How students then go about developing their understanding of their research topic, research methods, and time management is their responsibility. Each student will be supported on the research project in three keyways.