Dissertation

PCHN63160 Dissertation 90 Full year Postgraduate Taught Level 6 Karen Lander Unit coordinator Division of Psychology Communication and Human Neu 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 45.0 <p>The dissertation is a piece of empirical research that students carry out under the supervision of – and in collaboration with - a member of staff. It is expected that students will work on their project during both semesters. The project provides an opportunity to apply, in an original piece of research, the statistical knowledge and the research methodology learned. Students are expected to be self-motivated and proactive in their interactions with their supervisor. The project is worth a total of 90 credits: 85% of the unit mark for the write up of the project, and 15% for a poster, both of which are completed in semester 2.</p> <p>The dissertation is a piece of empirical research that students carry out under the supervision of – and in collaboration with - a member of staff. It is expected that students will work on their project during both semesters. The project provides an opportunity to apply, in an original piece of research, the statistical knowledge and the research methodology learned. Students are expected to be self-motivated and proactive in their interactions with their supervisor. The project is worth a total of 90 credits: 85% of the unit mark for the write up of the project, and 15% for a poster, both of which are completed in semester 2.</p> <ul><li>Allow students to conduct an independent piece of research on a specific topic (relevant to his/her future PhD topic, in the case of 1+3 students), from initial formulation of a problem and design, through setting–up, running the study, analysing and interpreting the data, and finally writing up and presenting the research.</li><li>Develop practical ‘hands-on’ research expertise in the research process, for example, obtaining ethical approval and collecting data from participants.</li><li>Build on existing empirical work conducted in undergraduate study to further develop students’ report-writing, critical thinking, problem-solving and reasoning skills</li><li>Develop presentation skills for the written dissertaton and poster presentation of new research</li></ul> <p style="margin-left:36.0pt;">-       Be familiar with the theoretical and practical basis of research methods and techniques</p><p style="margin-left:36.0pt;">-       Have acquired practical experience of developing research questions, and using research methods to answer these questions</p><p style="margin-left:36.0pt;">-       Have a detailed and systematic understanding of the area relevant to their MRes dissertation topic</p><p style="margin-left:36.0pt;">-       Have practical experience of presenting scientific research as a written thesis and as a poster</p> <ul><li>a) Gain knowledge, practical skills and research experience to pursue a career focused on the field of their chosen MRes programme</li><li>b) Understand scientific method together with the philosophical contexts within which research is conducted</li><li>c) Be familiar with the theoretical and practical basis of the research methods and techniques used in the area of their dissertation research.</li><li>d) Have acquired an understanding of the theory and practice of research methods and techniques</li><li>e) Be aware of the practical issues and problems associated with conducting high quality research, including ethical issues; informed consent; storage of patient information both summative and formative</li><li>f) Have a detailed and systematic understanding of a chosen area of psychology</li></ul> <ul><li>g) Adopt a reflective and inquisitive attitude to the analysis and evaluation of research in their dissertation</li><li>h) Recognise, define, formulate and prioritise research questions that are pertinent to the field of their chosen dissertation area</li><li>i) Analyse, interpret, objectively evaluate and prioritise information, recognising its limitations</li><li>j) Understand and be able to critically appreciate methodology, including the appropriate selection of quantitative or qualitative methods</li><li>k) Recognise the importance of rigour in collecting, analysing and interpreting data</li><li>l) Exhibit creativity and resourcefulness in their professional learning, scientific endeavour and research formulations</li></ul> <ul><li>m) Apply appropriate methodologies to specific research questions</li><li>n) Demonstrate competence in research skills to enable sound and reproducible collection/ analysis of data</li><li>o) Present information clearly in written, electronic and oral forms, and communicate ideas and arguments effectively</li><li>p) Retrieve, manage and manipulate information by all means, including electronically</li></ul> <ul><li>q) Effectively manage time resources and set priorities</li><li>q) Monitor and realistically evaluate their own performance and personal capability</li><li>r) Be aware of career opportunities and begin to plan a career path</li><li>s) Demonstrate scholarship in research</li><li>t) Demonstrate a capacity for self-directed, independent learning and adopt the principles of reflective practice and lifelong learning</li><li>u) Deal with uncertainty and work within a changing environment</li></ul> Analytical skills ability to interpret experimental data and devise follow up experiments Group/team working being able to work as part of a team Leadership being able to work independently Project management good time management and ability to prioritise work objectives Problem solving ability to seek and act upon advice Research : awareness of research health and safety <p>Students will have at least 12 meetings with the dissertation supervisor over the year to discuss the aims and objectives of the study, to enable the student to arrive at a final design and to facilitate the conducting and writing up of the research. Supervisors will give general advice and help with analysis when necessary and will provide feedback on one draft version of the final dissertation and poster.</p> 0 Other 100% <figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Assessment task</td><td>Length</td><td>Weighting</td><td>ILO's assessed</td></tr><tr><td>1. Dissertation write up</td><td>Unspecified; suggested 12-15,000 words</td><td>Summative 85%</td><td>a-p</td></tr><tr><td>Poster</td><td>Unspecified</td><td>Summative 15%</td><td>a-p</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <ul><li>Feedback will be provided on the draft versions of the dissertation write up and poster. </li><li>An individual mark and feedback will be provided following the assignment.</li></ul> MRes Psychology MRes Exper Psyc with Data Sci PGDT Taught Component Mandatory MRes Psychology MRes Cog Neuro and Neuropsyc PGDT Taught Component Mandatory N <p>Reading will be discussed during supervision sessions</p> Project supervision 12 0 888