Department of Psychology, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 18 |
| Level:
| Honours (FHEQ level 6) |
| Period: |
Academic Year |
| Assessment:
| DS 90%, OR 10% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description:
| Aims: To plan, execute and report a piece of original empirical research in psychology. Learning Outcomes: * Be able to conduct an individual piece of psychological research * Be able to reflect on the strengths and limitations of the work and skills involved * Be able to analyse data and to recognise the strengths and limitations of the methods used. * Be able to write a 12,000 word dissertation * Be able to present effectively an oral report of ongoing research. Skills: * Understands the scientific underpinnings of psychology as a discipline, its historical origins, development and limitations. (T/F A) * Recognises the inherent variability and diversity of psychological functioning and its significance. (T/F A) * Can demonstrate systematic knowledge and critical understanding of a range of influences on psychological functioning, how they are conceptualised across the core areas, and how they interrelate. The core knowledge domains within psychology include (i) research methods, (ii) biological psychology, (iii) cognitive psychology, (iv) individual differences, (v) developmental psychology and (vi) social psychology. In addition to these core areas it is expected that students will gain knowledge of conceptual and historical perspectives in psychology. (T/F ) * Has detailed knowledge of several specialised areas and/or applications, some of which are at the cutting edge of research in the discipline. (T/F A) * Can demonstrate a systematic knowledge of a range of research paradigms, research methods and measurement techniques, including statistical analysis, and be aware of their limitations. (T/F A) * Can reason scientifically, understand the role of evidence and make critical judgements about arguments in psychology. (T/F A) * Can adopt multiple perspectives and systematically analyse the relationships between them. (T/F A) * Can detect meaningful patterns in behaviour and experience and evaluate their significance. (T/F A) * Can pose, operationalise and critically evaluate research questions. (T/F A) * Can demonstrate substantial competence in research skills through practical activities. (T/F A) * Can demonstrate competence in a range of qualitative research methods (T/F A) * Can reason statistically and use a range of statistical methods with confidence. (T/F A) * Can competently initiate, design, conduct and report an empirically-based research project under appropriate supervision, and can recognise its theoretical, practical and methodological implications and limitations. (T/F A) * Is aware of the ethical context of psychology as a discipline and can demonstrate this in relation to personal study, particularly with regard to the research project. (T/F A) * To reflect upon new technology and innovation within psychology and to make decisions regarding legitimacy, reliability and effectiveness. (T/F) * To effectively and efficiently apply principles of psychological analysis within a variety of environments. (T/F) * To develop sensitivity to the values and interests of others. (T/F) * Can communicate ideas and research findings both effectively and fluently by written, oral and visual means. (T/F A) * Can comprehend and use numerical, statistical and other forms of data, particularly in the context of presenting and analysing complex data sets. (T/F A) * Is computer literate and is confident in using word processing, database and statistical software. (T/F A) * Can solve problems by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions and evaluating outcomes. (T/F A) * Can undertake self-directed study and project management in order to meet desired objectives. (T/F A) * Is able to take charge of their own learning, and can reflect and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses for the purposes of future learning. (T/F A) Content: The dissertation is conducted over two semesters. At the end of semester 1, the assessment is an oral presentation of work to date. At the end of semester 2, the assessed work iis the complete 12,000 word report. Students are required to design the project, carry out data collection and analysis, and write a critical discussion. |
| Programme availability: |
PS30094 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:Department of Psychology
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