RSCH08014 2022 Psychology Research Project

General Details

Full Title
Psychology Research Project
Transcript Title
Psychology Research Project
Code
RSCH08014
Attendance
85 %
Subject Area
RSCH - Research
Department
SOCS - Social Sciences
Level
08 - NFQ Level 8
Credit
20 - 20 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Dr. Allison Gillen
Programme Membership
SG_HENGL_H08 202200 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English and Psychology SG_HENGL_H08 202400 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English and Psychology
Description

As part of the discipline expectations of Psychology at undergraduate level, students must carry out and pass an independent extended empirical research project in Psychology.  It is expected that students will build upon previous learning, with the expectation that students will have a fundamental theoretical knowledge of the Psychology research process and ethics, as well as being skilled at critically evaluating their chosen Psychology theories (from different areas of Psychology) and appropriate published historical to contemporary research.  By selecting different Psychology theories the students should be able to demonstrate a breadth and depth of Psychological knowledge and understanding, while applying their critical evaluation skills throughout.  The Psychology Research Project will enable students to move from a theoretical knowledge of research methods, towards a more informed level of skill and application.  Students will demonstrate skills in project planning and time management, problem solving and project management by making decisions about how to formulate appropriate research aims, research hypotheses (quantitative) or research questions (qualitative), design and carry out the planned Psychology Research Project appropriately and ethically, analyse the data using SPSS (quantitative) or NVivo (qualitative), interpret the results/findings and critically evaluate the study as a whole, all within a restricted time period.  Students will be required to communicate their work in the traditional Psychology Research Project format, but also to give a presentation and defence of their Psychology Research Project so as to provide them with an insight into public speaking.

 

Pre-Requisite

Students must complete and submit the formative Psychology Research Project Proposal assessment from the Research Methods for Psychology III module by the date and time specified to enrol on the Psychology Research Project module, and to be allocated a Supervisor for their Psychology Research Project module.  Any student who fails to complete and submit the formative Psychology Research Project Proposal assessment may be delayed in gaining allocation to a Supervisor, and any Supervision time missed will not be provided at another stage – students will not be provided with any additional Supervision.  It is the responsibility of the student to ensure they meet the pre-requisite requirements of the Psychology Research Project module as stipulated above.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Identify an original and appropriate area of research in Psychology and formulate an appropriate set of research hypotheses/research questions.

2.

Demonstrate the skills necessary to conduct an appropriate wide literature search in this area of Psychology, discussing, analysing and critically evaluating relevant Psychology-based historical to contemporary research evidence.

3.

Demonstrate a critical understanding and application of a range of appropriate and varied Psychology theories with sufficient breadth and depth of this Psychological theoretical knowledge.

4.

Identify and justify the design and methods of data collection for the research area in Psychology while generating original quantitative/qualitative data which is ethically sourced.

5.

Correctly report and interpret the data analysis (using SPSS/NVivo) of the research results/findings.

6.

Critically discuss, evaluate and apply the range of appropriate and varied Psychology theories and Psychology research evidence based on the Psychology Research Project design and results/findings.

7.

Produce, present and defend a Psychology Research Project that adheres to best practice conventions and scholarly expectations.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

This Psychology Research Project module will be delivered through one-to-one Supervision sessions.  Students will be allocated a Supervisor (if the pre-requisites as set from the Research Methods for Psychology III module have been met) and are expected to engage and avail of the weekly Supervision sessions (only allocated during teaching weeks of the term).  It is the responsibility of the student to attend the scheduled Supervision sessions.  Students who choose not to attend organised Supervision sessions will not be provided with additional Supervision time.

Whilst the Psychology Research Project is an independent body of work and should be used by students to demonstrate initiative and autonomous working, students are encouraged to engage with Supervisors weekly during their one-to-one supervision meetings, to seek advice and guidance.

Module Assessment Strategies

Assessment 1: Psychology Research Project (80%; 10,000 words);

 

Assessment 2: Psychology Research Project Presentation and Defence (20%).

References must be presented in APA format.

Work submitted will be assessed by two members of the Psychology team. Both will mark the work independently, once complete they will review each other's grading/assessment of the Psychology Research Project. If marks are substantially different and/or agreement on a grade cannot be reached, third party marking will occur.

Repeat Assessments

Students who do not successfully complete this work will resubmit for the next available sitting. This second attempt will be capped at 40%.

Module Dependencies

Prerequisites
PSYC08025 201900 Research Methods for Psychology

Indicative Syllabus

Psychology Research Project Requirements

Students are required to meet the subject-specific skills outlined as threshold standards in the benchmarks.  Students are expected to carry out an empirical Psychology Research Project by generating and exploring research hypotheses/questions using methods of original primary data collection including (but not strictly limited to): (1) surveys; (2) experiments; (3) interviews or (4) focus groups.  The Psychology Research Project needs to demonstrate the collection of data and data analysis successfully having been undertaken.

 

The Psychology Research Project  module expects students to draw upon their learning, skills and development from the following modules: (1) Research Ethics in Psychology, (2) Research Methods for Psychology I, (3) Research Methods for Psychology II, and (4) Research Methods for Psychology III.

 

Learning Outcome 1: Identify an original and appropriate area of research in Psychology and formulate an appropriate set of research hypotheses/research questions.

Students will identify an original and appropriate area of research in Psychology, construct researchable aims and formulate researchable hypotheses/questions.  Students will design, conduct and analyse a Psychology Research Project research study that will demonstrate their research skills acquired over the previous levels of study.  Students will be required to identify, clearly define and justify the formulation of the researchable aims and subsequent research hypotheses/questions.

 

Learning Outcome 2: Demonstrate the skills necessary to conduct an appropriate wide literature search in this area of Psychology, discussing, analysing and critically evaluating relevant Psychology-based historical to contemporary research evidence.

Students will be expected to independently draw upon their previous learning in the presentation, discussion and critical evaluation of a range of varied and appropriate historical to contemporary research results/findings linked to the Psychology topic and the research hypotheses/questions that have been identified.  Students must demonstrate a breadth and depth of Psychological knowledge and understanding appropriate for this level of study.

 

Learning Outcome 3: Demonstrate a critical understanding and application of a range of appropriate and varied Psychology theories with sufficient breadth and depth of this Psychological theoretical knowledge.

Students will be expected to independently draw upon their previous learning in the presentation, discussion and critical evaluation of a range of varied and appropriate Psychological theories linked to the Psychology topic and the research hypotheses/questions that have been identified.  Students must demonstrate a breadth and depth of Psychological knowledge and understanding appropriate for this level of study.

 

Learning Outcome 4: Identify and justify the design and methods of data collection for the research area in Psychology while generating original quantitative/qualitative data which is ethically sourced.

It is of considerable importance that students reflect on the decisions made when deciding on the approach, research design and methods adopted.  Consideration needs to be given to suitable approaches for the collection of primary data to ensure that the data collected will answer the overall research question posed.  The method of data collection needs to be justified, and consideration needs to be given in terms of the reliability and validity of this selected method.  It is imperative that consideration of ethical issues that come with the design, sample population and carrying out of the research are all discussed appropriately. 

It is imperative that students demonstrate ethical awareness and consideration throughout the Psychology Research Project process.  Students will be required to design and conduct a project that is physically safe and ethically acceptable in accordance with the Institute Research Ethics Policy and Procedure and the Psychological Society of Ireland’s Code of Professional Ethics.  Data gathering must not begin until the appropriate ethical approval and consent has been gained, and external agencies should not be approached until there is full ethical approval granted from the Institute/Local Research Ethics Committee as appropriate.

 

Learning Outcome 5: Correctly report and interpret the data analysis (using SPSS/NVivo) of the research results/findings.

Students will be expected to draw upon their interpretive and evaluative skills from their previous Research Methods for Psychology modules and years of study, for the appropriate analysis, reporting and interpretation of the quantitative/qualitative data in their Psychology Research Project, evidencing these competencies with the data analysis evidence from SPSS/NVivo.

 

Learning Outcome 6: Critically discuss, evaluate and apply the range of appropriate and varied Psychology theories and Psychology research evidence based on the Psychology Research Project design and results/findings.

Students will be expected to apply and critically discuss their results/findings in consideration of the range of varied and appropriate Psychological theories and Psychology research evidence presented earlier in the Psychology Research Project.  The research hypotheses/questions that were initially identified must be addressed, and a high level of critical evaluation is expected at this level of study, to include (but is not limited to) strengths, limitations and suggestions for future research.

 

Learning Outcome 7: Produce, present and defend a Psychology Research Project that adheres to best practice conventions and scholarly expectations.

As well as carrying out the Psychology Research Project, it is essential that students can clearly and concisely communicate the various stages of their own research, from the identification of the overall question/topic through to the discussion of research results/findings in a professional, academic, objective and unbiased manner, both in an appropriate written format (the Psychology Research Project) and in the oral presentation and defence.

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Psychology Research Project Project Project 80 % End of Semester 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
2 Psychology Research Project Presentation and Defence Coursework Assessment Oral Exam/Presentation 20 % End of Semester 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
             

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Supervision Not Specified Research Supervision .75 Weekly 0.75
Independent Learning Not Specified Student Independent Effort Hours 12 Weekly 12.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 0.75 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
2017-10-19 Collecting Qualitative Data Cambridge University Press
ISBN 1107054974 ISBN-13 9781107054974

Is there more to qualitative data collection than face-to-face interviews? Answering with a resounding 'yes', this book introduces the reader to a wide array of exciting and novel techniques for collecting qualitative data in the social and health sciences. Collecting Qualitative Data offers a practical and accessible guide to textual, media and virtual methods currently under-utilised within qualitative research. Contributors from a range of disciplines share their experiences of implementing a particular technique, provide step-by-step guidance to using that approach, and highlight both the potential and pitfalls. From gathering blog data to the story completion method to conducting focus groups online, the methods and data types featured in this book are ideally suited to student projects and other time- and resource-limited research. In presenting several innovative ways that data can be collected, new modes of scholarship and new research orientations are opened up to student researchers and established scholars alike.

Required Reading
2019-12 Concise Guide to APA Style American Psychological Association (APA)
ISBN 1433832739 ISBN-13 9781433832734

Designed specifically for undergraduate writing, this easy-to-use pocket guide provides complete guidance for new writers on effective, clear, and inclusive scholarly communication and the essentials of formatting papers and other course assignments.

Required Reading
2018-01-15 Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics SAGE Publications Limited
ISBN 1526419513 ISBN-13 9781526419514

With an exciting new look, new characters to meet, and its unique combination of humour and step-by-step instruction, this award-winning book is the statistics lifesaver for everyone. From initial theory through to regression, factor analysis and multilevel modelling, Andy Field animates statistics and SPSS software with his famously bizarre examples and activities. Whats brand new: A radical new design with original illustrations and even more colour A maths diagnostic tool to help students establish what areas they need to revise and improve on. A revamped digital resource that uses video, case studies, datasets and more to help students negotiate project work, master data management techniques, and apply key writing and employability skills New sections on replication, open science and Bayesian thinking Now fully up to date with latest versions of IBM SPSS Statistics. Please note that ISBN: 9781526445780 comprises the paperback edition of the Fifth Edition and the student version of IBM SPSS Statistics. More information on this version of the software's features can be found here.

Recommended Reading
2019-09-10 Dissertations and Theses from Start to Finish American Psychological Association (APA)
ISBN 1433830647 ISBN-13 9781433830648

This book guides students though the practical, logistical, and emotional struggles that come with writing dissertations and theses.

Recommended Reading
2020-01-14 Reporting Qualitative Research in Psychology American Psychological Association (APA)
ISBN 1433833433 ISBN-13 9781433833434

"Reporting standards are guidelines that describe how to communicate findings clearly in journal articles so that readers can access and understand the story of the research endeavor. Recognizing that reporting standards can aid authors in the process of writing and evaluating manuscripts and editors and reviewers in the process of evaluating those manuscripts, the Publications and Communications (P&C) Board of the American Psychological Association (APA) invited two task forces of researchers to develop standards for reporting quantitative and qualitative research in journal articles. The Quantitative Journal Article Reporting Standards Working Group developed standards for quantitative research, and a separate book details those standards. This book discusses the reporting standards. It permits the space to expand on the ideas in those standards and to articulate the rationale behind each. It articulates decisions one may need to make as an author as one decides how to present their work. It also provides examples to illustrate a strong presentation style, and these can serve as helpful models. It provides the conceptual undergirding for the reporting decisions that authors make during the writing process. The book considers the typical sections of a qualitative research paper7the introductory sections, Method, Results, and Discussion. Guidance is provided for how to best present qualitative research, with rationales and illustrations. The book presents reporting standards for qualitative meta-analyses, which are integrative analyses of findings from across primary qualitative research. The book includes a discussion of objectivist and constructivist rhetorical styles in research reporting."--Preface. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Recommended Reading
2020-01-14 Reporting Quantitative Research in Psychology American Psychological Association (APA)
ISBN 1433832836 ISBN-13 9781433832833

"This book offers practical guidance for understanding and implementing the American Psychological Association's Journal Article Reporting Standards for Quantitative Research (JARS-Quant) and Meta-Analysis Reporting Standards (MARS). These standards lay out the essential pieces information researchers need to report, including detailed accounts of the methods they followed, data results and analysis, interpretations of their findings, and implications for future research. The book reflects updates to the original JARS and the MARS that meet researchers' developing needs in the behavioral, social, educational, and medical sciences. It analyzes examples from APA journals, offering readers easy-to-read advice for implementing these revised standards in their own writing while also conforming with the APA Style guidelines laid out in the sixth edition of the Publication Manual. New and expanded chapters offer more detailed guidelines for reporting statistical analyses and unique elements of different types of research, including replication studies, clinical trials, and observational studies. This book is essential reading for experienced and early career researchers alike, as well as undergraduate and graduate students in research methods classes. It presents what JARS recommends for information to include in all reports on new quantitative data collections, and addresses the material that appears first in a research manuscript. It also describes the Method section, presents the JARS standards for reporting basic research designs and covers the general reporting requirements for the statistical results of studies with multiple participants in each condition."--Preface. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Required Reading
2018-12-03 Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology
ISBN 1138708968 ISBN-13 9781138708969

The seventh edition of Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology provides students with the most readable and comprehensive survey of research methods, statistical concepts and procedures in psychology today. Assuming no prior knowledge, this bestselling text takes you through every stage of your research project giving advice on planning and conducting studies, analysing data and writing up reports. The book provides clear coverage of experimental, interviewing and observational methods, psychological testing, qualitative methods and analysis and statistical procedures which include nominal level tests, multi-factorial ANOVA designs, multiple regression, log linear analysis, and factor analysis. It features detailed and illustrated SPSS instructions for all these and other procedures, eliminating the need for an extra SPSS textbook. New features to this edition include: Additional coverage of factor analysis and online and modern research methods Expanded coverage of report writing guidelines References updated throughout Presentation updated throughout, to include more figures, tables and full colour to help break up the text Companion website signposted throughout the book to improve student usability Improved and extended web links and further reading associated with every chapter. Each chapter contains a glossary, key terms and newly integrated exercises, ensuring that key concepts are understood. A fully updated companion website (www.routledge.com/cw/coolican) provides additional exercises, testbanks for each chapter, revision flash cards, links to further reading and data for use with SPSS.

Required Reading
2020-04-09 SPSS Survival Manual Open University Press
ISBN 0335249493 ISBN-13 9780335249497

This is a completely updated edition of the internationally successful, user-friendly guide that takes students and researchers through the often daunting process of analysing research data with the widely used SPSS software package. Fully revised and updated for IBM SPSS Statistics Version 21, this text guides you through the entire research process & helps you choose the right data analysis technique for your project. From the formulation of research questions, to the design of the study and analysis of data, to reporting the results, it discusses basic and advanced statistical techniques. It outlines each technique clearly, with step-by-step procedures for performing the analysis, a detailed guide to interpreting data output and an example of how to present the results in a report. -- Publisher description.

Required Reading
2013-04-05 Successful Qualitative Research SAGE Publications Limited
ISBN 1847875823 ISBN-13 9781847875822

Electronic Inspection Copy available for instructors here Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Beginners is an accessible, practical textbook. It sidesteps detailed theoretical discussion in favour of providing a comprehensive overview of strategic tips and skills for starting and completing successful qualitative research. Uniquely, the authors provide a 'patterns framework' to qualitative data analysis in this book, also known as 'thematic analysis'. The authors walk you through a basic thematic approach, and compare and contrast this with other approaches. This discussion of commonalities, explaining why and when each method should be used, and in the context of looking at patterns, will provide you with complete confidence for your qualitative research journey. Key features of this textbook: - Full of useful tips and strategies for successful qualitative work, for example considering the nervous student not just the beginner student. - Skills-based, utilising a range of pedagogical features to encourage you to apply particular techniques and learn from your experience. - The authors use the same dataset throughout - reproduced in full (with associated research materials) on the companion website - to help you make comparisons across different analytical approaches. - A comprehensive suite of student support materials, including practice exam questions, can be found online at www.sagepub.com/braunandclarke. This textbook will be an essential textbook for undergraduates and postgraduates taking a course in qualitative research or using qualitative approaches in a research project. Visit the Companion Website at www.sagepub.com/braunandclarke

Required Reading
2021-11-13 Thematic Analysis Sage Publications Limited
ISBN 1473953243 ISBN-13 9781473953246

This book is the definitive approach to thematic analysis, offering a highly accessible and practical discussion of doing TA.

Recommended Reading
2020-12-29 Writing Dissertations and Theses in Psychology
ISBN 0367855941 ISBN-13 9780367855949

"This accessible guide equips students to succeed in their master's thesis or doctoral dissertation in psychology. The authors provide concrete assistance to the myriad tasks and requirements that students will encounter as they plan, conduct, and present their dissertation or thesis research. Drawing upon their many years of experience in working with graduate students, the authors address the multiple stages of the dissertation and thesis process. They take you through drafting the proposal, the advisor-advisee relationship, interacting with committee members, the writing process, handling obstacles, and the final presentation. Chapters provide guidance on using a research team, collecting data, conducting a literature review, and even acquiring financial support. Finally, students will find additional resources such as practical information on copyright issues, research methods, case analyses, and teleconferencing as well as examples of dissertations. This is an essential book for graduate psychology students working on their master's thesis or doctoral dissertation and their advisors"--

Recommended Reading
2020-11-14 Your Psychology Dissertation
ISBN 152649728X ISBN-13 9781526497284

Your Psychology Dissertation has been specifically created to guide your students through their dissertation helping them to feel confident at every stage of their independent psychology research projects. This book will take them through the entire process of designing, conducting and then writing up their research, providing invaluable tips and support along the way, as well as answering all those frequently asked questions. Whether they need to know more about quantitative or qualitative research methodology, need help in choosing a topic, and/or are struggling to review and understand the literature, this book covers it all. Your Psychology Dissertation is suitable for all psychology students looking for dissertation success. Visit https://study.sagepub.com/harrisonandrentzelas to get lots of useful templates and guidance to help with every step of the way.

Recommended Reading
2007-09-30 Your Psychology Project SAGE Publications Limited
ISBN 1412922321 ISBN-13 9781412922326

"This guide will serve well as a handbook for undergraduate psychology students working on senior projects or theses. Clear, concise, and well organized, the book instructs the student from the beginning of the project to the final draft and offers advice both specific and general." J. Bailey, CHOICE Anxious about your final year Psychology Project? Having trouble getting started? Your Psychology Project: The Essential Guide for Success clearly maps out all the requirements of a project in psychology. Acting as a definitive survival manual it guides students through every aspect of a psychology project from conception of an idea, to writing up the final draft. It will help students think through the whole research process by bridging the relationship between the research question, the design, and the use of statistical and qualitative analyses. By using clear practical examples this book provides an invaluable insight into applying theory to practice and will equip students with the knowledge, skills and abilty to carry out and write up their thesis project. Written in a clear and engaging manner Your Psychology Project: The Essential Guide for Success should be essential reading for all students undertaking a psychology research project.

Recommended Reading
2012 Your Psychology Project Handbook Prentice Hall
ISBN 0273759809 ISBN-13 9780273759805

Your Psychology Project Handbook is the complete guide to preparing, carrying out and writing up a psychology research project or dissertation. Designed to support you through every stage of the project process, this second edition has been updated to include new chapters on doing online research and employability. The text offers you advice and practical guidance on each aspect of the project including ethics, choosing a research question, working with a supervisor and more. Whether it's qualitative or quantitative, the handbook provides you with all the support you need to carry out your project with confidence.

Recommended Reading
2013-05-13 Your Undergraduate Psychology Project John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 0470669985 ISBN-13 9780470669983

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources
Journal Resources
URL Resources

The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) has many useful resources for students including the PSI's Code of Professional Ethics, resources such as writing style and links to publications and journals.  (https://www.psychologicalsociety.ie/).

The British Psychological Society (BPS) has various sections providing resources such as the BPS Research Digest, links to journals, publications and ethical guidelines.  (www.bps.org.uk).

The American Psychological Association (APA) has various divisions and useful resources for students and practitioners.  The website provides resources such as writing style and ethical guidelines, links to publications and journals.  (www.apa.org).

Other Resources
Additional Information

Students will need to read extensively beyond any suggested resources to demonstrate independent learning and development, and to sufficiently augment their knowledge and understanding.  At this level of study, students are reminded that they are expected to take initiative, read widely and extensively, sourcing their own literature to be fully informed on the topics.

As a 20 credit module, the total Student Independent Effort Hours for this module are 12 hours per week.