Module Code - Title:
SS6163
-
RESEARCH DISSERTATION IN SPORT, EXERCISE AND PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY
Year Last Offered:
2024/5
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Carrying out a data-driven empirical work of demonstrable relevance to sport, exercise and performance psychology is a core component for PSI/BPS Masters standards and is an integral part of the research training provided by Masters level study. The process, from the formulation of a research question through to reporting findings in accordance with the conventions of the academic area is the culmination of the achievements from the MSc. This module draws upon the knowledge and competencies gained during the taught modules, the increased understanding of advanced methodologies in research methods and the particular interests of students to design and carry out a research project which makes a substantial contribution the knowledge base in the field. This module is linked to module ID: 8553 Psychology Research Dissertation Development and is therefore M-graded.
Syllabus:
Within this module, student will actively conduct research and will report and discuss the research that they have undertaken. We expect students to build on the education that they received on research designs, methods of analysis, professional skills, and particular psychological content. Students are encouraged to select a research area of interest and develop their own research questions. They will be assisted in the development of research questions and encouraged to keep the project to manageable proportions.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate the body of literature examining issues pertaining to the area of sport, exercise and performance psychology.
• Integrate complex ideas and concepts in their formulation of the research question and in discussion of their findings.
• Engage in sustained and independent research that examines the relationship between psychology and performance, and participation in sport, exercise and performance settings.
• Formulate hypotheses and draw justifiable conclusions based on their findings.
• Apply theory to real world sport and exercise settings in the context of their research question.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate an appreciation of the application of knowledge of psychological research, its methods, and professional skills in the research area of their dissertation.
• Display confidence in actively conducting and writing up research
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Within the supervisor - student relationship, the student will be encouraged to develop and practice skills at a Masters level of scholarship in the following ways:
1. Identify and refine particular research questions in the field of sport and exercise and performance psychology that align with the PESS thematic areas,
2. Systematically review and evaluate literature,
3. Plan and design sport, exercise or performance psychology research to address particular hypotheses,
4. Execute data collection in a professional and ethical manner,
5. Conduct and analyse sport, exercise and performance psychology research,
6. Communicate the research process and disseminate findings by means of a written dissertation.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Sternberg, R. J. & Sternberg, K. (2010)
The Psychologist's Companion: A Guide to Writing Scientific Papers for Students and Researchers
, Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press.
American Psychological Association (2020)
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
, Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press.
Hassmén, P., Keegan, R., & Piggott, D. (2016)
Rethinking Sport and Exercise Psychology Research: Past, Present and Future.
, London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Summer
Module Leader:
matthew.herring@ul.ie