Module Code: H8PSYPR
Long Title Final Project
Title Final Project
Module Level: LEVEL 8
EQF Level: 6
EHEA Level: First Cycle
Credits: 20
Module Coordinator: David Mothersill
Module Author: Michelle Kelly
Departments: School of Business
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff  
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Demonstrate research skills including planning, considering and resolving ethical issues, analysis and dissemination of findings.
LO2 Carry out an independent piece of research (e.g., original empirical data, computational modelling of empirical data, or secondary data analysis such as a meta-analysis) by integrating and extending concepts learnt in other modules and through independent learning and reflection.
LO3 Undertake sustained, independent research work through the gathering, analysis, and critical interpretation of data (can be completed independently or as part of a project or lab group)
LO4 Document research findings in an appropriate dissertation format that complies with APA standards.
LO5 Critically and concisely communicate research by means of a presentation.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this module. The programme entry requirements apply.
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Module content:
The majority of this module is student-led whereby students are expected to put in a significant amount of independent effort in the development and execution of their project. However, students also receive support in two different ways: Firstly, by attending weekly tutorials that guide students in the development of their project plan, obtaining ethical approval, writing a literature review, collecting data and analysis. For part-time students, these workshops are delivered across three full-day sessions on Saturdays across the semester. Secondly, each student is assigned a supervisor who is available for individual support as required. Weekly semi-structured project workshops (or part-time equivalent as 3 full-day sessions across the semester) are provided to support students in the research process. These will involve a mixture of seminars, practical sessions, and videos/recordings to assist students in their research design and recruitment (semester 1) and data analysis and project write-up (semester 2). Many of these concepts are introduced to students in the Research Methods and Statistics modules, so, rather than provide explicit instruction in this material again; these workshops serve to assist students in applying the principles of research methods and design to successfully manage their own project.
Semester 1 workshops - These workshops will include instruction and discussion on:
Developing research ideas Research-related resources available at NCI Sourcing appropriate measures Identifying appropriate, achievable aims and objectives Ethical considerations and writing the research proposal The ethics committee at NCI and applying for ethical approval The student-supervisor relationship Managing the research project and recruitment Completing a literature review and critical evaluation Preparing the methodology
Semester 2 workshops - These workshops will be based in computer laboratories and will involve support on:
Progress and preparing for analysis (differential instruction/support for qualitative versus quantitative projects) Entering data appropriately Review of key descriptive and inferential statistics Review of qualitative approaches Recoding and computing variables in SPSS Choosing appropriate statistical tests (quantitative) or textual analyses (qualitative) for various research hypotheses/objectives. Structuring the results section of the dissertation Writing a discussion section Presenting research Students on the part-time programme will have an additional semester to complete this module, submitting their project during Semester 3. This is to facilitate part-time students in managing the workload associated with Stage 3 of the programme. This additional semester is intended to provide students with additional time to write up their dissertation with support from their supervisor, therefore no additional contact hours or workshops will take place during this third semester.
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Dissertation % of total: 80
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
6,000-8,000 word dissertation which details the study conducted. Mid-End of semester 2 (Full-Time) Mid-End of semester 3 (Part Time)
Assessment Type: Presentation % of total: 20
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,5
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Students present the findings of their project to peers. Mid-End of semester 2 (Full-Time) Mid-End of semester 3 (Part Time)
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat failed items
The student must repeat any item failed
Reassessment Description
All module components must be attempted. Should students fail the module overall, they are required to resubmit the failed components during the repeat window. The project must be passed and cannot be compensated for.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Classroom and demonstrations 12 Per Semester 1.00
Tutorial Mentoring and small-group tutoring 36 Per Semester 3.00
Independent Learning Independent learning 452 Per Semester 37.67
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Burke, J., Dempsey, M. (2022), Undertaking Capstone and Final Year Projects in Psychology: Practical Guide for Students, 1st Edition. Routledge.
  • Blaxter, L., Hughes, C., & Tight, M. (2010), How to Research, 4th ed. Open University Press..
  • Evans, J. (2007), Your Psychology Project, Sage.
  • Wood, C., Giles, D., & Percy, C. (2009), Your Psychology Project Handbook: Becoming a Researcher, Prentice Hall.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Denscombe, M. (2010), The Good Research Guide: for small-scale social research projects, 4th ed. Open University Press.
  • Morling, B. (2011), Research Methods in Psychology: Evaluating a World of Information, Norton & Co.
  • Murray, R. (2002), How to Write a Thesis. Buckingham, Open University.
  • Oliver, P. (2004), Writing Your Thesis. Sage Study Skills Series. London: SAGE. Watson, G. (1994)Writing a Thesis: A Guide to Long Essays & Dissertations, Longman, London.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Bem, D. J.. Writing the Empirical Journal Article. In J. M. Darley, M. P. Zanna, & I. H. L. Roediger (Eds.),, The Compleat Academic: A Practical Guide for the Beginning Social Scientist.
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: