Introductory description

The dissertation is an opportunity to explore, in depth, an area of academic and/or professional interest related to your degree. Building on the knowledge and skills developed during the Research Methods module, and your other modules, you will conduct an independent research project, developing a deeper understanding of your chosen topic. From your research project you will produce a dissertation, with guidance from a supervisor who will be allocated to you. Through the dissertation you will demonstrate the ability to analyse and synthesise relevant literature, produce coherent arguments supported by relevant evidence and logical discussion, and acknowledge sources of ideas and information.

Module aims

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.

Following introductory and preparation sessions delivered within the prerequisite research methods module, needs analysis and discussion with tutors, students select either a topic for empirical research within the field of psychology and education, or an area of scholarship related to psychology and education. Students on this module also have an opportunity to apply to work on existing research and scholarship alongside researchers within the university. Students write a 15,000 word dissertation, in consultation with their supervisor. In order to undertake the study, students select and read appropriate theoretical and methodological literature, in consultation with their supervisor.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of a specific topic within the field of Psychology and education
• Written communication skills
• Demonstrate use of informaiton technology eg via use of the internet
• Use of relevant research skills
• Demonstrate ability in critical analysis
• Demonstrate abiliaty to understand and articulate new concepts
• Demonstrate ability to plan and structure a sustained report of research or a piece of sustained academic scholarship related to psychology and education

Indicative reading list

Auspurg, K., & Hinz, T. (2015).Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences: Factorial survey experiments. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. doi: 10.4135/9781483398075
Bieger G R and Gerlach G J (1996) Educational Research: A Practical Approach (Wadsworth Publishing).
Grey, D. (2004) Doing Research in the Real World. (Sage)
Hao, L., & Naiman, D. Q. (2010).Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences: Assessing inequality. : SAGE Publications, Inc. doi: 10.4135/978141299389
McIntyre, A. (2008). Qualitative Research Methods: Participatory action research. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. doi: 10.4135/9781483385679
Muijs, D. (2004) Doing Quantitative Research. (Sage/Paul Chapman) Opie, C. (2004) Doing Educational Research. (Sage/Paul Chapman). Prior, L. (2003) Using Documents in Social Research. (Sage)
Pauwels, L., & Mannay, D. (2020).The sage handbook of visual research methods. 55 City Road, London: SAGE Publications, Inc. doi: 10.4135/9781526417015
Rodriguez, N., & Ryave, A. (2002).Qualitative Research Methods:Systematic self-observation. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. doi: 10.4135/9781412986076
Sternberg, R. (2020). My biggest research mistake: Adventures and misadventures in psychological research. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. doi: 10.4135/9781071802601
Wolcott, H. F. (2009). Writing up qualitative research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. doi: 10.4135/9781452234878
Also:
Journals (all available in Warwick library, most electronically)

American Psychological Association (2010). Preparing manuscripts for publication in psychology journals: A guide for new authors. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Research element

Students complete an independent research study related to a chosen aspect of psychology and education.

Subject specific skills

• examine, evaluate and deploy the findings of empirical and theoretical studies related to education and psychology • reflect upon the ethics of studying aspects of education and psychology • generate and explore suitable research questions • carry out empirical or desk-based studies ethically • use appropriate methods of data collection to answer research questions • analyse data • present and evaluate research findings

Transferable skills

• Analysis and decision making • Communication skills • Critical thinking • Data handling • Emotional intelligence • Intellectual ability • Judgement and decision making • Negotiation • Planning and organisational skills • Problem solving • Reasoning • Using IT effectively