Applied Research Methods Year 3: Thesis
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PSGY5012 | Psychology | 5 | 80 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- PSGY5012
- School
- Psychology
- Level
- 5
- Credits
- 80
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
This module further extends student capacity to apply skills and research knowledge:
• The nature of enquiry in the social sciences
• Evidence-informed practice in a diverse society
• Systematic searching, critiquing, synthesis and reporting of literature.
• Fixed and flexible designs in applied research
• Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
• Ethics and research governance
• Pragmatic skills in research design and execution
• Self-reflection and decision making as researchers
Target Students
Postgraduate research students enrolled on Doctorate of Applied Educational Psychology (Professional Training).Students enrolled on Doctorate of Applied Educational Psychology (Professional Training) Programme and have successfully completed Year 1 and 2 of training. A degree in Psychology that confers eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBCM) with the British Psychological Society.
Classes
- One 3-hour seminar each week for
Seminar: 1 per term, 3 hours Tutorial: up to 3-4 per term, 1 hour plus Practical: Fieldwork for Research, up to 30 days across 44 weeks • Elicitation of TEPs’ previous knowledge and research experiences • Tutor-led overviews of research sometimes supplemented by presentations by external professionals and researchers with areas of expertise. • Critical analysis and review of previous literature and research . • Small-scale research projects undertaken on placement including the development and implementation of single-case experimental design. • Small group research and documentary analysis. • Group discussion and presentation of placement-based research activities, research proposals and projects • Research exercises led by tutors • TEP group reflection and connection building related to research • Follow-up and exploration of trainee learning during university- based tutorials and research supervisions • Set reading related to research methods
Assessment
- 100% Thesis: 35K words Thesis submission, compliant with the PGR regulations of the University of Nottingham Quality Manual and research governance, and linked Viva Voce. The thesis will include: A substantial review of literature, that includes, where appropriate, a systematic review or synthesis of literature. An empirical study. All elements will be presented at the standard required for peer review.
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
The aim of this module is to assure trainee educational psychologist knowledge, skills, confidence and objectivity in order to be able to fulfil the requirements placed upon professional educational psychologists to be researchers in applied settings.The module aims to ensure students demonstrate:• required methodological knowledge• critical intellectual skills• personal effectiveness in planning and execution of applied research• understanding of research governance, including ethical principles and governance• skills and competence in research dissemination.Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate the following in the context of applied psychological research sensitive to issues of equality, diversity and inclusion:
A Knowledge and Understanding
1. Knowledge of research methodologies within the social sciences
2. Knowledge of methods in data collection
3. Knowledge of methods in data analysis
4. Knowledge pertaining to research governance and ethical principles
B Professional Practice Skills
1. Personal and professional skills pertaining to research conduct and dissemination.
2. Critical self-awareness and self-management as a researcher
3. Skills in authoring critical literature reviews, including systematic/synthesized review components
4. Skills in design of a sustained investigation
5. Skills in execution of a sustained investigation
6. Skills in research governance and applying ethical principles
Conveners
- Dr Nick Durbin