Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2022 - 2023

Module Title
Module Code
School
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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 clearance 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 a PY320 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	15	Five advanced research methods workshops (3hrs)
Online activity	60	Student-Tutor, Student-Supervisor and Student-Student interaction through online discussion forums and other media.
Independent Study	8	Scheduled, (face to face and/or online) student-supervisor meetings
Class Presentation	4	Presentation based on research project poster, and viewing the presentations of fellow students
Independent Study	288	Using self-directed learning module learning resources, textbooks and other resources
Total Workload: 375

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

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	%	Examination Weight	%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Breakwell, G. M., Smith, J. A. and Wright, D. B. (Eds): 2012, Research Methods in Psychology, 4th, SAGE Publications Ltd., London,
Weiner, I. B., Schinka, J. A. & Velicer, W. F.: 2013, Handbook of Psychology: Volume 2, Research Methods in Psychology, John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey,
Pallant, J.: 2016, SPSS survival manual: A step by step guide to data analysis using IBM SPSS, Sixth, McGraw-Hill Education, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England,
Saldana, J.: 2011, Fundamentals of qualitative research: Understanding qualitative research, Oxford University Press, New York,
Braun, V. & Clarke, V.: 2013, Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners, Sage, Los Angeles,
Braun, V. & Gray, D.: 2017, Collecting qualitative data: a practical guide to textual, media and virtual techniques, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,
Willig, C.: 2013, Introducing qualitative research in psychology, Open University Press, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England,
Shaeffer, D. S., & Zhang, Z.: 2012, Introductory statistics., Saylor Foundation,
Foster, G. C., Lane., D., Scott, D., Hebl, M., Guerra, R., Osherson, D., Zimmer, H.: 2018, An introduction to psychological statistics., Open Educational Resources Collection,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

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