| Module Code | BAHPSY 303 | |
| Module Title | Independent Research Project | |
| Parent Programme/Stage | BA(Hons) Psychology | Stage Three/Award |
| Delivery Mode | FT/PT Blended | |
| NFQ | Irish National Framework of Qualifications /Level 8 | |
| EFQ | European Qualifications Framework /Level 6 | |
| ECTS | 20 | |
| Workload (hours per week) | Two semester supervision plus tutorials 3 hours per week 2 x lec/1 x tutorial | |
| Description | An integrative and culminating module, requiring learners to engage in independent research, showcasing the skills and knowledge they have acquired across their programme of study. Learners produce a piece of research demonstrating mastery of key skills in psychological research and the attainment of graduate attributes. Tutorials/ supervision/independent study/use of Moodle for directed self–study tasks. | |
| Assessment | CA: 100% Ongoing supervised project | |
| Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: | ||
| 303A: | Elaborate a scientific hypothesis and carry out an empirical–ethical research study by integrating and extending concepts and skills learnt throughout the psychology programme. | |
| 303B: | Critically appraise national and international literature relevant to the chosen topic area and generate research questions. | |
| 303C: | Plan, justify and apply appropriate research methodologies complying with ethical standards. | |
| 303D: | Analyse research findings and complete the research thesis in a structured way, with appropriate academic writing and referencing style | |
| 303E: | Communicate effectively in an ethical scientific manner, with tutors and peers, through oral presentation of the research findings. | |
| Indicative Content: | ||
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-Selecting an appropriate research topic. – Critically reviewing the literature, undertaking a narrative literature review; how and where to access literature, data bases, policy research, academic libraries; analysing primary data. – Defining hypotheses and key questions that will focus the structure and content of the dissertation; formulating and clarifying the research aims and topic. – Understanding methodology and methods. Quantitative and Qualitative perspectives in research and research strategies. Formulating a research design, choice and coherence in research design. Selecting appropriate research methods. Selecting samples; collecting primary data, data collection instruments (observations, surveys, interviews, questionnaires). Approaches to the collection and analysis of research data – Concepts in research: bias, validity, replicability, generalizability. – Ethical codes in Research (National and International), GDPR, PSI requirements, BPS and APA requirements. Preserving anonymity. Confidentiality, risks/benefits. Documents: proposal, consent, assent. Writing up a research proposal following ethical recommendations. Establishing the ethics of the research design; research populations and issues; research with children and vulnerable groups and evaluating the ethics of the research. -Timeline and project management for writing of dissertation: creating and regularly updating a timeline and project management plan for the dissertation; setting goals and achieving them, setting a regular writing place, finishing a writing session/ chapter. Submitting a research proposal: the components of a research proposal. Submitting an Ethics application. -Structuring your project report/dissertation; writing style; references styles and guidelines, the importance of following a reference style; meeting the assessment criteria. -Oral presentation of the dissertation. -Planning and preparing. |
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