Studying at York
Empirical Dissertation - EDU00076M
Related modules
Pre-requisite modules
Co-requisite modules
- None
Prohibited combinations
- None
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2023-24 to Summer Semester 2023-24 |
Module aims
This module aims to support students in designing and executing an empirical psychological study that is of interest to them, and in writing a report of their study in APA style. In the course of this module students will have the opportunity to put much of their psychological knowledge and skills into practice and, potentially, to make an original contribution to knowledge in their chosen area.
Module learning outcomes
Subject content
The knowledge and skills required for this module is taught in Autumn and Spring term modules. In addition students will be tutored by supervisors in knowledge and skills that are specific to their individual research question. Students will also be offered dissertation workshops which cover study design, ethical approval, data collection, and extended academic writing.
By the end of the module students will have developed:
- Expertise in conducting an in-depth literature review to address what it currently known about a question of their choice.
- Experience in study development and design.
- Knowledge and experience of the ethical approval process.
- New knowledge of data collection techniques and awareness of issues in real-world research.
- Expertise in choosing the most appropriate form of analysis and interpreting results.
- An enhanced ability to consider alternative interpretations of findings.
- Academic writing skills
Academic and graduate skills
Students will develop their skills in:
- Focused literature search and reviewing
- Research design
- Considering ethical issues and applying for ethical approval
- Selection or design of measurement tools
- Data collection
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Academic writing
- Reflecting on the strengths and weaknesses of their study
- Identifying implications for education and/or further research
Module content
Students begin to think about their dissertations during Spring and work to the following timetable:
Spring Week 5: Students submit a 1-page research proposal on a topic of their choice.
Spring Week 8: Students are allocated a dissertation supervisor.
Spring Week 9-10: Students meet with their dissertation supervisor to refine their research idea.
Summer Week 2: Students meet with their dissertation supervisor.
Summer Week 4: Students submit a detailed research proposal and application for ethical
approval (including informed consent documentation).
Summer Week 6: Students receive decisions from the Ethics Committee.
Students meet with their dissertation supervisor to plan data collection and, if
necessary, to make final changes to ethics documentation.
Summer Week 10: Students meet with their dissertation supervisor to discuss progress.
Summer Vacation: Students meet with their dissertation supervisor twice to discuss progress.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation | 100 |
Module feedback
Written feedback on assignment report sheet (within 6 weeks).
Indicative reading
Forshaw, M. (2013). Your Undergraduate Psychology Project: A Student Guide, 2nd Edition. BPS Blackwell.
Wood, C., Percy, C. & Giles, D. (2012). Your Psychology Project Handbook. Pearson.