Skip to main content Skip to navigation

PS929-60 DTC Social Science Research Dissertation

Department
Psychology
Level
Taught Postgraduate Level
Module leader
Elizabeth Maylor
Credit value
60
Module duration
20 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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:

  1. Empirical (that is an experiment, computer program, survey or observational study);
  2. Physically safe and ethically acceptable;
  3. 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