PS929-60 DTC Social Science Research Dissertation
Introductory description
The aim of the project is to provide students with the opportunity to develop, investigate and carry out novel research within the field of Psychology.
Module aims
Students will design and conduct a piece of empirical work that addresses one or more current research questions under the supervision of a primary supervisor. The dissertation may take the form of a detailed PhD proposal plus a pilot study, analysis and write-up.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Project meeting in Spring term with ongoing guidance and supervision January to July. During this time students will obtain ethical approval, carry out the project, meet with supervisor as required and write up the project.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- The ability to formulate research questions showing rigour and scholarship in designing and carrying out a research project
- The ability to engage in critical reading and analysis of research accounts in both disciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts
- Competence at conducting an empirical investigation
- Competence at writing up the project in a professional scientific format
Research element
Projects must be:
- Empirical (that is an experiment, computer program, survey or observational study);
- Physically safe and ethically acceptable;
- Practical in terms of demands on data sources, time, equipment, number of participants required and laboratory space.
The choice of topic is to be agreed between the student and their supervisor.
Subject specific skills
Effective investigation and completion of novel research
Transferable skills
Formulating research question
Designing and running empirical work
Analysis and interpretation of results
Writing up the project in a standard format suitable for publication
Study time
Type | Required |
---|---|
Project supervision | 30 sessions of 1 hour (5%) |
Private study | 570 hours (95%) |
Total | 600 hours |
Private study description
Independent research activity (all types, including write-up), 570 hours
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A1
Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
---|---|---|---|
DTC Social Science Research Project | 100% | No |
Feedback on assessment
Formative feedback on an initial draft is provided by supervisors in a face-to-face meeting. Summative feedback is provided after the exam board.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of TIMA-L981 Postgraduate Social Science Research