Module Code - Title:
SS6182
-
PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH DISSERTATION DEVELOPMENT
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The development of skills to conduct independent research occurs in the analysis of methodological approaches across the modules, more specifically enhanced in the elective module on research methods and is now the central focus in this module.
Accrediting bodies require the development of a dissertation on an independent research topic. This module provides the backdrop to the development of the research question, the ethical approval process, the analyses and the dissemination of the findings in various outputs. It supports the dissertation which is a student driven empirical work of demonstrable relevance to sport, exercise and performance psychology. This module is linked to module ID: 8554 Research Dissertation in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology and is therefore M-graded.
Syllabus:
Developing a research question using the QUALMRI approach (Kosslyn & Rosenberg, 2006).
Research ethics codes of relevant organizations.
Research integrity and values in research.
The basic rules of APA Style in writing term papers, research reports, and journal articles.
Scientific writing and dissemination strategies.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Critically evaluate possible research designs and predicted hypotheses.
Synthesise relevant research perspectives, paradigms and methodological approaches in the field.
Integrate scientific knowledge to enable the application of scientific findings and theories into real-world practice.
Analyse the ethical considerations, principles and implications in specific research contexts.
Apply APA style in reviewing and disseminating research findings.
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 proposed dissertation.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module comprises both tutorials bespoke to the research approach of their dissertation and an online element on writing style (APA style course).
The Basics of APA Style online course is intended to help all individuals in psychology and related fields learn how to apply the basic rules of APA Style in writing term papers, research reports, and journal articles. The course follows the organization of the seventh edition of the Publication Manual, providing a comprehensive overview of elements of manuscript preparation; each section is followed by two to three review questions.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Day, R. A. & Gastel, B. (2011)
How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper (7th ed.).
, Westport, CT: Greenwood.
Sternberg, R. J. (2012)
The Psychologist's Companion: A Guide to Scientific Writing for Students and Researchers
, Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press.
APA (2020)
Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
, Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Other Relevant Texts:
Sternberg, R. J. (2018)
Guide to Publishing in Psychology Journals (2nd ed.).
, Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press.
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
matthew.herring@ul.ie