Module Specifications.
Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025
All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).
As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Date posted: September 2024
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Coursework Only |
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Description This module is intended to provide students with experience of conducting an independent research study and producing a dissertation at postgraduate level. Through a series of workshops and seminars, students will be instructed on how to conduct their research in an ethical and professional manner and on how to present their research in an appropriate academic style. Students will also be supported by an academic supervisor. In this module, students will be asked to: Identify, in consultation with their academic supervisor, a suitable research question pertinent to the field of psychology. Design an appropriate study to address that research question. Carry out the study in an ethical and professional manner. Use appropriate methods to analyse the resultant data. Complete a dissertation that contextualises the study and reports the findings in an appropriate academic style. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Design and plan a research project, which is appropriate to NFQ Level 9 standard, and manage the time involved to complete the project, and related report(s), within given time constraints. 2. Source, read and critically evaluate the primary literature on the chosen topic. 3. Demonstrate the ability to work independently and also to recognise the need for, and to seek, appropriate academic supervision. 4. Formulate and communicate a research problem or aim. 5. Identify, justify and use an appropriate methodology in addressing the proposed research question or aim. 6. Consider ethical and professional issues that might affect the study and design a methodology that satisfies ethical and professional standards of psychological research. 7. Collect data via appropriate means in the laboratory or in the field. 8. Accurately record, interpret and report research findings in a manner that appropriately addresses the research question or aim. 9. Critically analyse, interpret and draw conclusions from the research findings in the context of the literature in the area in a manner which is appropriate to NFQ Level 9 standard. 10. Communicate results in a clear, concise and scholarly manner by means of a formal written report that follows the accepted conventions of the discipline. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Module ContentAs the primary learning activity, the student will work with their academic supervisor and will, under their supervision, research a specific project directly relevant to psychology. Through discussions with their supervisor, the student will identify and agree upon an appropriate research question and research methodology. When the student has developed a viable research proposal, the project must be submitted to and approved by the DCU Research Ethics Committee, under delegated authority to the School Ethics Advisory Committee (EAC; or another committee acting with its explicit authority). Once ethical approval is granted, data collection can begin under the guidance of the supervisor.SupervisionIn addition to one-to-one supervision with his/her supervisor, students will be asked to attend a series of workshops that target various stages of the research process, including the following topics: • Conducting a research project in an ethical and professional manner • Preparing a research proposal and negotiating ethics committee’s requirements • Research design and data analysis • APA style formatting and referencing • Disseminating research findingsSpecialist SeminarsStudents will also be offered a series of specialist in-house seminars that focus on specific methodologies and topics relevant to psychological research (e.g. specific qualitative and quantitative research techniques). Ordinarily, students will be expected to attend these specialist seminar classes. However, from time to time, a student may elect to attend, with prior approval from their supervisor, external classes or workshops that are deemed appropriate to their programme of study. Students will identify the relevance, and appropriateness, of these seminars (either in-house or external) in consultation with their supervisor(s).Research ProjectOn completion of the research project, the student will submit a formally structured thesis, which will be prepared to follow the conventions of the discipline. Throughout the research project, the student must maintain contact with the supervisor(s). In collaboration with the supervisor(s), they must devise a realistic timetable for the work and seek to adhere to this. The student must also let their supervisor(s) know, in a timely fashion, of any difficulty encountered. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||