2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PSYC5908M MPsyc Advanced Psychology Research Project

40 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Russell Hutter
Email: R.R.C.Hutter@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

At least an upper second class honours degree in Psychology or a discipline containing a substantial amount of psychology and research methods training.

This module is mutually exclusive with

PSYC5902M

Systematic Review

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Working closely with a supervisor, students will design, plan, implement, analyse, and critically interpret outcomes from a research project within the field of psychology. Work will be presented in a dedicated conference, and a final project report produced in the style of an appropriate journal article.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to -
Plan and conduct a substantial research project (including a detailed and evaluative literature review); demonstrate specialised knowledge in a specific research area; employ appropriate research methods for the specific research topic; utilise at least one form of qualitative or quantitative data analysis with competence; report a substantial research project competently in a manner consistent with a published journal article.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to -
- Perform a literature search of relevant psychological and allied sources
- Write a concise, coherent and critically evaluative review of the literature in their area of research
- Design and carry out an empirical study to collect data (quantitative or qualitative).
- Be aware of the design and practical limitations of studies in Psychology and strategies to address these. The design of the study and the written report should show critical evaluation of potential research strategies and that the selected design has been justified through this reflection.
- Appropriately analyse (via statistical or other methods) and critically interpret the data collected
- Prepare and deliver a short oral presentation on the study, using appropriate visual aids, to an audience of peers and staff. Engage in critical discussion of the study findings with peers and staff.
- Write a report of the study performed using a style and format similar to journal articles of the same type of data / research area, justifying the study proposed, techniques employed and conclusions drawn through critical reflection of the previous literature, existing research strategies and the integration of the collected data with existing findings and techniques of the relevant sub-discipline.
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of the limitations of the study performed.

Skills outcomes
Performing a literature search of relevant sources
Writing a concise, coherent, evaluative, and critical review of the literature in a particular area
Designing and carrying out an empirical study
Analysing data (using SPSS or alternative) and critically interpreting outcomes
Presenting a visual and oral overview within an academic poster conference context, and engage in critical discussion with staff and peers.
Writing a report in the style of an appropriate journal article

Syllabus

Semester 1 -
Discussion of research topic, ideas, and design with supervisor; start of literature review process; submission for ethical approvals; preparation of experimental materials; start of data collection (where appropriate)
Semester 2 -
Literature and data collection, data analysis, oral presentation, and written report.
While it is expected that students will undertake a project that reflects the nature of their selected pathway, the crucial issue is that the topic reflects both the interest of the student and that the School of Psychology can support such a project in terms of equipment and staff expertise.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	15	1.00	15.00
Private study hours			385.00
Total Contact hours			15.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			400.00

Private study

Private study and independent learning will be guided by the project supervisor. However, students are expected to demonstrate initiative in presenting ideas, potential challenges, and creative solutions to their supervisor for discussion, to seek actively and, where possible, to find appropriate learning resources to support their research project, and to request support from their supervisor on specific aspects of the research when uncertain how to proceed. Private study and independent learning will include reading primary sources on the topic of study and methods of analysis, developing and practicing necessary research skills (such as of statistical analysis), and implementing guidance for progressing the research as advised by the supervisor. Private study time also incorporates the substantive work involved in preparation, administration, implementation, analysis, and report writing required by the research project.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

During Semester 1: Ethical review
During Semesters 1 and 2: Ongoing supervision on one-to-one or small group basis
During Semester 2: Performance in conference
Students will be provided with feedback at each of these points designed to ensure that both understanding and progress is at an acceptable level.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Project	10,000 word maximum	100.00
Oral Presentation	Includes 10 min oral presentation	0.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

During a MPsyc project conference, students will make an oral presentation that will present their research project. The verbal presentation coursework must be passed for students to progress.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 14/11/2023

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