Module PRP-4025:
Research Project
Research Dissertation 2026-27
PRP-4025
2026-27
School of Psychology
60 credits
Module Organiser:
Lara Maister
Overview
Students will gain an understanding of how research is conducted and managed. They will gain skills in experimental design, data collection, analyses and interpretation, preparing abstracts, and reporting results. Students will also learn the importance of and gain experience with verbally communicating their research.
Assessment Strategy
-threshold -Threshold 50 鈥� 59%鈥ome basic understanding of the potential applications of the research.鈥� Some original interpretation.鈥� Some evidence of extensive and thorough study鈥se of recent research perspectives鈥he communication style will be acceptable with likely some fairly minor typographical or other errors. 鈥here will be good referencing of primary source material where appropriate.鈥dequate knowledge of some key concepts of the research area. 鈥eaknesses in understanding of theoretical issues with multiple/major factual errors. 鈥imited evidence of critical analysis and evaluation of theory and research.鈥rguments are weak or underdeveloped, with little synthesis or original interpretation. 鈥ey research questions are only briefly and superficially addressed, with irrelevant material and poor structure.鈥eak presentation with disjointed structure and major APA format errors.鈥eaknesses in experimental design, data collection, or data analysis.鈥ncomplete or superficial review of the relevant literature.鈥eak integration of proposed research or results with the relevant literature.鈥eak/flawed interpretation of results with the relevant literature. -good -Good 60 - 69%鈥onsiderable basic understanding of the potential applications of the research.鈥ood knowledge of key concepts of the research area. 鈥vidence of original analysis.鈥olid understanding of theoretical issues with few factual errors. 鈥lear evidence of critical analysis and evaluation of theory and research.鈥se of recent research perspectives.鈥he communication style will be precise and concise with minor typographical or other errors.鈥here will be good to very good referencing of primary source material where appropriate.鈥oherent arguments, with limited synthesis or original interpretation. 鈥ey research questions are adequately addressed, with good structure and little irrelevant material.鈥ell-structured presentation showing focus of argument and expression.鈥ppropriate experimental design, data collection, and data analysis.鈥dequate review of the relevant literature.鈥ppropriate integration of proposed research and results with the relevant literature.鈥ppropriate interpretation of results with the relevant literature. -excellent -Criteria descriptionExcellent 70% +鈥vidence of thorough understanding of and/or original insights as to the potential applications of the research.鈥omprehensive and detailed knowledge of key concepts of the research area. 鈥olid understanding and original interpretation of theoretical issues with no factual errors. 鈥xcellent depth and breadth of understanding鈥⑩�lear evidence of critical analysis and insightful evaluation of theory and research.鈥oherent arguments, with accurate and succinct synthesis and original interpretation. 鈥ey research questions are strongly addressed, with clear structure and no irrelevant material.鈥ell-structured presentation showing focus and clarity of argument and expression.鈥trong experimental design, data collection, and data analysis.鈥horough yet concise review of the relevant the literature.鈥xceptional integration of proposed research and results with the relevant literature.鈥ell-developed and supported interpretation of results with the relevant literature.鈥he communication style will be precise and concise with very few typographical or other errors. 鈥here will be comprehensive referencing of primary source material where appropriate.
Learning Outcomes
- Able to formulate predictions with appropriate consideration of existing literature.
- Able to integrate their results with related literature, and draw appropriate conclusions.
- Able to present their research and findings orally, in a conference setting.
- Able to present their study and results in a formal written thesis.
- Able to succinctly summarise their research and findings.
- Demonstrate ability to manage a research project.
- Demonstrate understanding of data collection methods appropriate to their study.
- Demonstrate understanding of experimental design and data analyses methods appropriate to their study.
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Proposal. This is where you summarise the literature that led you to the current study. The proposal could take the form of a proposal (with hypotheses and proposed methodology), literature review, or introduction, or some combination of these, as agreed with your supervisor.
Weighting
10%
Due date
15-02-2027
Assessment method
Individual Presentation
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Conference Presentation. The project presentation is designed to allow you to present your work in the style of a conference presentation. Your presentation should be 10-minutes in length, and you should use slides to support your points.
Weighting
10%
Due date
01-09-2027
Assessment method
Dissertation
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Research Thesis. This is where you summarise the study you worked on the entire year. The end product, the thesis, should be similar to a scientific journal article, and would normally include an abstract, an introduction, a method section, results and a discussion.
Weighting
75%
Due date
06-09-2027
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Summative
Description
SONA 16 credits
Weighting
5%
Due date
03-09-2027