PYM0EP-Empirical Project

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 60 [30 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Successful completion of 120 credits' worth of modules
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9

Email: c.mccabe@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The purpose of this module is to expose students to active empirical psychology, in taking a project from its inception to the completion of the writing up.

Aims:
The purpose of this module is to expose students to active empirical psychology, in taking a project from its inception to the completion of the writing up.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
􀀕 Demonstrate a clear understanding of the theoretical issues addressed in the dissertation.
􀀕 Demonstrate that the relevant research literature has been searched.
􀀕 Provide a clear statement of the research question addressed.
􀀕 Justify the methods used in the study.
􀀕 Make a submission for ethical approval.
􀀕 Show evidence of adequate advance planning.
􀀕 Make accurate and appropriate use of quantitative or qualitative methods.
􀀕 Write a clearly structured argument, and present data in an appropriate fashion to show how conclusions flow from the empirical work undertaken.
􀀕 Discuss the strengths and limitations of their work in the contexts of existing research and within the constraints peculiar to their own project.
􀀕 Generate a report with appropriate sections, containing satisfactory levels of detail, and presented to an acceptable standard.
Assessment will be by presentation of their intended project, by supervisor􀀒s report, and their own project report. It is compulsory for students to make a submission for ethical approval for their project.

Additional outcomes:
The empirical project is a major piece of work and as such will inevitably involve problem solving and other 'hands-on' activities of benefit to the student

Outline content:
Students undertake a supervised project of at least 5 months􀀒 duration, culminating in the submission of a thesis of 8,000-12,000 words. The project should make an original, interesting, and empirical contribution to our understanding of psychology.

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

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:
Project supervision will include ongoing informal feedback on the work of the student. Project supervisors will also provide a set of written feedback on a draft of the dissertation, excluding the discussion section.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50%

Reassessment arrangements:
Failed projects may be resubmitted in the following academic year.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 3 October 2018