A9RS114: Apply A Range Of Research Techniques To Help Explore: Applied Psychology Dissertation, TCD, Ireland

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, learners will be able to:

1. Apply a range of research techniques to help explore and explain, and, if appropriate, solve psychology-related problems.

2. Appraise current theoretical concepts relating to a contemporary research issue.

3. Derive effective conclusions or recommendations on an issue or problem, based on primary or secondary analysis.

4. Critically evaluate the implementation of recommendations or conclusions derived from the research.

5. Manage a significant project requiring critical thinking and reasoning skills with specific resources and time constraints.

6. Present and defend the conclusions of the research by way of a thesis and presentation.

Learners must submit a research proposal outlining their purpose statement, research question, design, and methodology, etc. This will be marked on a content and feasibility basis. The ethics component will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. In addition to the seminars, learners will meet with their supervisor on a regular basis to facilitate the development of the dissertation. The agenda of each meeting will vary according to the needs of the learner.

During these meetings, progress is assessed and a detailed progression map (with deadlines) is agreed upon. After submission, the dissertation is evaluated against set criteria by an independent marker and cross-marked by the supervisor. Learners will be assessed on the basis that they produce qualitative, quantitative, or mixed (qualitative and quantitative) research.

A presentation allows the opportunity for the learner to defend their research work in a situation similar to a researcher defending their work at a conference.