PY4PR-Empirical Project

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Katie Barfoot
Email: katie.barfoot@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Research project for MSci Applied (Clinical) students  

Aims:

This module enables students to conduct an independent piece of original research that involves literature review, planning, ethical considerations, data collection, data analysis, and the writing of a final project report. During the project, students work in close collaboration with the supervisor (a member of academic staff, and where appropriate other members of the supervisor's laboratory).  Projects should be clinically-relevant wherever possible, and can include clinically-relevant questions tested on a broader phenotype.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

• Identify a research question, with detailed reference to critical evaluation of theory and evidence in relevant contemporary literature


• Independently design and implement a study that enables the research question to be fully addressed


• Accurately apply appropriate advanced quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis


• Appraise the results of the study, with clear reference to the hypotheses, theoretical context, and wider research literature

Additional outcomes:

Students will further develop skills in the following:

• Planning and project management


• Professional research behaviours.


• Advanced written communication in a scientific format

Outline content:

Students are required to produce a written project proposal in Autumn Term of Part 4, which will be developed into a full project report by the end of Spring Term of Part 4. The project proposal will summarise the background and justification for the project, and plans for the design and implementation of the main project.

Students are required to produce a full project report at the end of Spring Term of Part Four. The project report should demonstrate that the student has conducted an extended piece of research that answers a specified hypothesis. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

(a) Regular supervisory support is given at all stages of the project.

(b) Written feedback is provided following submission of the Project Plan. This will help students produce an accomplished final report, whilst also allowing them to demonstrate their ability to work independently at the final report stage.

(c) Students are provided the opportunity to submit a draft report (excluding Discussion) for written feedback

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Project Supervision	20	20	2
Practicals classes and workshops	50	60
Guided independent study:	90	158
Total hours by term	160	238	2
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	10
Dissertation	80
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assessment is by coursework.

Students submit a Project Proposal (10% of the marks for the module) at the start of Autumn Term in Part 4. Students will present their project to an audience of staff and students, in the Spring Term research conference (10%).  Students submit their final Project Report (80% of the marks for the module) by the end of Spring Term in Part 4.  The Project Report should be no longer than 10,000 words.

Formative assessment methods:

A draft of the Introduction, Method and Results sections will be given feedback by the supervisor.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

If a project carries an original mark of less than 50%, 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.

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: 30 March 2023