PSY30450 Research Project and Skills

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module supports students in the design and completion of an independent research project that addresses a significant psychological scientific question. Students will be supervised in the preparation of an independent research thesis by a member of the School of Psychology. The module will include guidance on developing a feasible research question, identifying an appropriate research methodology, identifying ethical issues relevant to the research design and securing ethical approval, collecting and analysing empirical data, and writing a research report. In addition, students will receive practical training in the use of the SPSS statistical analysis package. Student contact hours will include regular individual and/or group supervision, alongside seminars on research methods and SPSS training.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students will be able to:
* Demonstrate a critical understanding of the research literature in their chosen area;
* Formulate a clear research question and design an appropriate methodology;
* Identify and address the key ethical issues inherent in their research design;
* Access and collect data from a sample of their target population;
* Collate and analyse empirical data;
* Report a research project according to professional norms;
* Critically evaluate research findings and methodology in the context of existing research


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Indicative Module Content:

Students will receive training in research design, ethics applications, data collection, data analysis, SPSS software and research report-writing

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36

Project Supervision

12

Autonomous Student Learning

452

Total

500

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
In this module, students will have the opportunity to develop their research knowledge and skills by conducting an independent research project on a topic of psychological significance. Students will be assigned a supervisor who will provide individualised support throughout their project. Supervision practices are informed by the Student and Staff Psychology Research Project Charter, which lays out student and staff responsibilities within the supervisory relationship. Tailored training in project design and delivery will be provided during regular supervisory meetings. This is complemented by a series of class workshops on a range of topics including research ethics, data analysis with SPSS, qualitative data collection and research report writing. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
PSY20160 - Research Methods & Stats II, PSY30110 - Psychology labs II


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Project: Written report of independent research project (due Trimester 2) Week 10 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes

75

Assignment: Submission of ethics application (in Trimester 1) Week 8 n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

0

Portfolio: Participation in workshops and completion of associated in- and outside-class activities/tests (Trimesters 1 and 2) Throughout the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

25


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat Within Two Trimesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

In Trimester 1, detailed feedback on SPSS performance is provided individually to students through the VLE. In Trimester 1 and 2, students receive regular verbal feedback during supervisory meetings and can expect feedback from their supervisor on one draft of their project report, provided they supply it in a timely manner.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Ciara Greene Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Suzanne Guerin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Ciara Mahon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Laura Taylor Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Joan Tiernan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer