The dissertation will include carrying out an extensive piece of empirical research, requiring students to individually demonstrate a range of research skills, which includes planning, consideration of necessary ethical issues, analysis and dissemination of findings.

This course will run throughout the year and will include individual supervision with an allocated member of academic staff and 2 X 1 hour taught general support sessions, one in semester 2 and one at the end of May after exams.

Assessment

Dissertation/Research Report (80%) [40% supervisor grade, 40% second marker] - with word count not to exceed 10,000 words

Practical Skills (20%)

Including a reflection of skills learned.

The aim of this course is to provide students with the skills to design and run a research project. The course will support students to identify a research question based on existing literature, to apply appropriate methodologies (quantitative or qualitative) to answer the question, as well as to carry out suitable analysis and to evaluate the impact of the study on the relevant field. The course will enable students to disseminate their findings in a Research Report. 

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Develop a research question with a clear evidence-based rationale  

■ Use appropriate methodology and analytical techniques to answer the research question 

■ Assess the ethical and professional issues associated with conducting psychological research

■ Plan and execute a significant project of research

■ Write a scientific document based on the evidence they have gathered and their subsequent analysis of the data

■ Demonstrate clear understanding and interpretation of their findings and their impact on relevant fields

■ Reflect on their skill development in the design, execution, and analysis of the project.  

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment. You must achieve a D3 or above in the overall dissertation grade for award of credit. For the award of BPS accreditation the overall dissertation grade must be a D1 or above.