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PS30155: Psychology dissertation

[Page last updated: 15 October 2020]

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2020/1
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Psychology
Further information on credits Credits: 18      [equivalent to 36 CATS credits]
Further information on notional study hours Notional Study Hours: 360
Further information on unit levels Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Further information on teaching periods Period:
Academic Year
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: DS 90%, OR 10%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • ORAL PRESENTATION (OR 10%)
  • DISSERTATION (DS 90%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites 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 psychology dissertation.
Be able to present effectively an oral report of on-going research.

Skills:
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 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 competently initiate, design, conduct and report an empirically-based psychology dissertation 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 dissertation. (T/F A)
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)
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 psychology 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 is the dissertation.
Students are required to design the study, carry out data collection and analysis, and write a critical discussion.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PS30155 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Psychology

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2020/21 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2021/22 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2020/21.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.