Module: Advanced Research Methods & Project

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Advanced Research Methods & Project
Module Code	PSY1088 (ITS: PY320)
Faculty	Psychology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15

Description

The principal purpose of this module is to facilitate students in the completion, under supervision, of a research project based on an independent piece of psychological research. The module requires students to: design a research study; successfully apply for ethical approval for the study; collect and analyse data; and submit a professionally presented research project document. To support students in preparing for, and carrying out their research projects, the module will involve a number of advanced research methods workshops. This module involves a project proposal that must be approved by the module tutor/supervisor in order for the student to progress with the module, i.e. a student’s proposal must be approved in order for that student to be able to proceed with the module. Also please note that the completion of an independent research project involves the successful application for ethical approval of the project. If this approval is not granted a student cannot proceed with the module.

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate, and reflect on, the process of carrying out psychological research
2. Under supervision, employ appropriate research methods and design strategies in the design of a psychological research study
3. Ground their research design in a critical review of the psychological literature related to their research study
4. Evaluate relevant theoretical concepts and empirical research in written format
5. Successfully navigate the process of seeking ethical clearance for a psychological research study
6. Critically apply the relevant guidelines and requirements for ethical conduct in carrying out psychological research
7. Competently engage in collection and analysis of psychological data, under supervision
8. Report research project rationale, findings, conclusions and overall implications in written format, and to a professional standard
9. Effectively communicate their research project rationale, findings, conclusions and overall implications in a written and/or oral presentation

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Workshop	20	Online classes and workshops relating to: conducting an independent research project, advanced research methods, and research ethics.
Online activity	60	Student-Lecturer, Student-Supervisor, and Student-Student interaction through online discussion forums and other media.
Assessment Feedback	8	Scheduled student-supervisor meetings
Class Presentation	4	Presentation based on research project poster, and viewing the presentations of fellow students
Independent Study	283	Using self-directed learning module learning resources, textbooks and other resources
Total Workload: 375

Section Breakdown
CRN	11753	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	James Brunton	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	This module involves assessments focusing on the process of preparing for, and carrying out, an independent piece of research. Students produce a research project document based on an original and independent research project. There are also research methods assessments specifically related to the advanced research methods workshops that are held as part of the module.	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

See Module Handbook in Loop

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None