PYM0PP-Project Preparation

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Rebecca Cheung
Email: rebecca.cheung@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to some of the key activities for research in psychology or language science. Students will receive teaching in generic and transferable research skills. 

Aims:

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to some of the key activities for research in psychology or language science. The module will develop students’ ability to design a research study, write in a scientific style, present complex information in a variety of formats, instruct students about the use of bibliographic resources and APA style. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular topic area of theoretical interest in psychology (and relevant to the MSc programme on which they are registered).


• Demonstrate an ability to perform a relevant search of the literature using bibliographic resources.


• Show evidence of adequate advance planning.


• Develop a comprehensive written plan for a project,with a clear statement of the research question(s) to be addressed.


• Justify the research methods to be used in the planned project.


• Consider the issues involved in a submission for ethical approval.


• Write scientifically and use APA style.


• Present the project they conduct for PYM0EP as a poster.

Additional outcomes:

Completion of this module will greatly assist students with their empirical project (PYM0EP/PLMRDN), which is a major component of their MSc programme. 

Outline content:

There will be taught sessions on project planning, literature searching and reviewing, using APA style, scientific writing for psychology and presenting research. Other critical input will be given by individual project supervisors. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Students will be given appropriate supervision directly by supervisors.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	12
Project Supervision		12	2
Guided independent study:	4	62	8
Total hours by term	16	74	10
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	70
Oral assessment and presentation	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There are two assignments for this module:

1. Project Plan which comprises: 

• literature review, rationale for the study, research question/hypothesis 


• proposed methods section including ethical considerations 


• proposed data analysis 


• Gantt chart considering potential sources of delay 


• completed student-supervisor learning agreement 

2. Poster: presentation of empirical project (PYM0EP) at MSc Project Conference in late August/early September (students to attend) 

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy “Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes”, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

If a student fails the assignment, an alternative, equivalent assignment can be submitted.  The assignment and date of submission will be by arrangement with the Module Convenor and/or Programme Director. Students should note however that, given the University regulations on failing credits, it may not be in their interests to resubmit the coursework. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 18 September 2023