PYM0PP-Project Preparation

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: c.mccabe@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to some of the key activities for research in psychology.  Students will receive teaching in generic and transferable research skills.

Aims:

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to some of the key activities for research in psychology.  The module will develop students’ ability to design a research study, write in a scientific style, present complex information in a variety of formats, instruct students about the use of bibliographic resources and APA style.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of a particular topic area of theoretical interest in psychology (and relevant to the MSc programme on which they are registered).


• Demonstrate an ability to perform a relevant search of the literature using bibliographic resources.


• Show evidence of adequate advance planning.


• Develop a comprehensive written plan for a project, with a clear statement of the research question(s) to be addressed.


• Justify the research methods to be used in the planned project.


• Consider the issues involved in a submission for ethical approval.


• Write scientifically and use APA style.


• Present the project they conduct for PYM0EP as a poster.

Additional outcomes:

Completion of this module will greatly assist students with their empirical project (PYM0EP), which is a major component of their MSc programme.

Outline content:

There will be taught sessions on project planning, literature searching and reviewing, using APA style, scientific writing for psychology and presenting research. Other critical input will be given by individual project supervisors. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Students will be given appropriate supervision directly by supervisors.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There are two assignments for this module:

1. Project Plan which comprises:
   
   
   
   • literature review, rationale for the study, research question/hypothesis
   
   
   • proposed methods section including ethical considerations
   
   
   • proposed data analysis
   
   
   • Gantt chart considering potential sources of delay
   
   
   • completed student-supervisor learning agreement
   
   
   
   


2. Poster: presentation of empirical project (PYM0EP) at MSc Project Conference in late August/early September (students to attend)

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Reassessment arrangements:

If a student fails the assignment, an alternative, equivalent assignment can be submitted.  The assignment and date of submission will be by arrangement with the Module Convenor and/or Programme Director. Students should note however that, given the University regulations on failing credits, it may not be in their interests to resubmit the coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 10 April 2019