Produce a 5000-word final year research project dissertation, of academic quality, based on independent empirical research.

Assessment Task

 

Produce a 5000-word final year research project dissertation, of academic quality, based on independent empirical research. More information is provided in the separate Project Unit Guide.

 

In the dissertation, students have to demonstrate the following abilities:

(i)        defining a research problem

(ii)       formulating testable hypotheses / research questions

(iii)      choosing appropriate methodologies

(iv)      designing and conducting an empirical project

(v)       following the appropriate ethical guidelines

(vi)      reasoning about the data

(vii)     presenting the findings effectively

(viii)    discussing findings in terms of previous research

(ix)       evaluating methodologies and analyses employed and implications for ethics

(x)        collaborating effectively with colleagues, participants, and outside agencies

 

Submission Format

 

The word limit for the dissertation is 5,000 words. The 5,000 word limit includes in-text references. The dissertation word limit excludes the Abstract (which is limited to 120 words), all tables and figures (and captions), the reference list, the appendices, and all other content (e.g., contents page, title page, acknowledgements page, ethics approval e-mail, etc.). More information on structure on word limit, and extensions to the word limit, can be found in the Project Unit Guide (Section 5a).

 

You are required to submit an electronic copy of the dissertation via Turnitin as a Word file or a PDF file. No hard copy is required. A .zip file containing the content indicated in the Project Unit Guide (Section 5d) must be submitted via Brightspace (or in specific cases, e.g. sensitive data, as a USB data storage device must be handed in to the Psychology Support Office (Room C114), see unit guide section 5d) before the dissertation submission deadline.

 

 

Marking Criteria

The following criteria will be used to assess the assignment:

 

Dissertations will be marked by your supervisor and an independent internal examiner. Marks for all dissertations and a selection of dissertations will also be sent to the external examiners for assessment, and the external examiners will also have access to all dissertations should the need arise for them to assess additional dissertations. Note that all the documents regarding intermediate activities will also be sent to the independent internal examiner and external examiners. The assessment criteria listed below will be used when marking the dissertation, in conjunction with the University’s Generic Marking Guidelines. For each criterion, markers will take account of the quality and structure of the writing.

 

Introduction

  • An overview of previous research on the topic (to provide the context of the study).
  • The way in which issues are raised and potential solutions posed.
  • The extent and depth to which appropriate literature sources have been used.
  • The critical evaluation of the sources and evidence consulted and cited.
  • The formulation of the aims and research questions and/or hypotheses.

 

Method

  • The appropriateness of the research design is conveyed clearly, correctly and concisely.
  • The degree of difficulty of the research design is conveyed clearly, correctly and concisely.
  • A clear, correct and concise description of the study’s participants, procedure, and anything else that makes the study replicable (e.g. materials, apparatus or measures, interview schedules – as an appendix – used).

 

Results

  • A description of the appropriate analyses (statistical or qualitative) for answering the research questions/hypotheses.
  • Clear, concise and correct presentation and description of the data.
  • For quantitative methodological studies:
    • Clear, concise and correct reporting of the statistical analyses conducted on the data and the results of those analyses;
    • Clear and relevant figures and tables that display statistical data neatly and precisely.
  • For qualitative methodological studies:
    • Clear breakdown of all relevant themes/constructions with indication of how these link to participant experiences;
    • The way in which description and interpretation of the results is balanced (as appropriate for the method of analysis used).

Discussion

  • Correct evaluation and interpretation of the results, especially with respect to the original research questions/hypotheses.
  • The culminating synthesis and evaluation of the study.
  • Awareness of the weaknesses/limitations and strengths of the study.
  • Suggestions for future research studies (in light of the study’s findings).
  • The theoretical and practical/applied implications of the study’s findings.
  • Concluding sub-section/paragraph that succinctly summarises the study.

 

Presentation (inc Abstract) and Engagement

  • Presentation is entirely in APA format
  • Writing is concise, accurate, and not biased
  • Abstract is a clear, succinct summary of the study, including its rationale (limit of 120 words).
  • Engagement with the project is good
  • All deadlines and milestones were met
  • Interactions with people involved (e.g., supervisors, participants) were professional and courteous
  • Study was conducted ethically and appropriately (with appropriate number of participants collected)

If the word limit is exceeded (even by a single word), 10 marks will be deducted from the mark awarded.

 

The work will be entirely of the student’s own words (with no copying and pasting from other sources or minor amendments of other sources), expressed in their own way.

 

Learning Outcomes

This assignment tests your ability to:

 

  1. Produce a piece of independent empirical research that demonstrates a systematic understanding of the relevant area of psychology, including the acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge in the area of the final year research project.

 

  1. Produce a final year research project dissertation that is at a level of academic credibility, rigour and quality that is consistent with the award of a BSc Honours degree.

 

  1. Demonstrate that their research project has been planned, conducted and documented appropriately with due attention to ethical issues in research.

 

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate research methodological and data analytic statistical techniques that are required to conduct an academically-rigorous research project.