Please note: Due to alternative arrangements for teaching and
assessment in place from 18 March 2020 to mitigate against the restrictions in
place due to COVID-19, information shown for 2019/20 may not always be accurate.
Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information
for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Dissertation (Psychology in Education) |
| Unit code |
EDUC30026 |
| Credit points |
40 |
| Level of study |
H/6
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Baker |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
Successful completion of all Year 2 BSc Psychology in Education units
|
| Co-requisites |
None
|
| School/department |
School of Education |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Description including Unit Aims
The dissertation is an independent study that gives students the opportunity to select a relevant theme in Psychology in Education and carry out research in depth over a sustained period of time. It must be an empirical investigation. Throughout, students will be required to consider ethical issues in this field.
The unit aims are to:
- provide students with the opportunity to investigate a topic of their own choice that is relevant to Psychology in Education, deepening their understanding through independent learning and study;
- support students in developing and applying to their independent study knowledge of a range of theoretical perspectives and concepts gained elsewhere in the programme;
- support students in formulating and independently researching a question in Psychology in Education using a range of appropriate methods and methodologies;
- facilitate critical reflection on a selection of relevant literature, taking into account its range and depth;
- strengthen the practical and transferable skills students have gained in managing their own learning, undertaking independent and self-directed research, and conveying ideas succinctly and cogently in writing.
Intended Learning Outcomes
- an awareness of the ethical issues and implementation of ethical practices in research;
- plan and carry out a sustained independent study. For psychology in education, this must be an empirical study that implements an appropriate design within the context of a particular psychological question, using appropriate techniques to analyse data.
- demonstrate a critical and in-depth understanding of their chosen topic through effective academic communication in an original dissertation;
- select, synthesise and critically appraise an appropriate range of relevant literature;
- reflect on their choice of research methods and analytic techniques in the conduct of their study.
Teaching Information
Individual study supported by 5 hours negotiated academic supervision. Dissertation workshops addressing methodologies, analysis and writing a dissertation. Participation in a dissertation conference within the School of Education.
Assessment Information
Formative
ILO 1,2,4
Dissertation proposal (1,000 – 1,500 words)
Summative
ILO 1
Ethics proposal (15% of mark)
ILO 1-5
8 – 10,000 word dissertation (85% of mark)
Reading and References
American Psychological Association (2010). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th Ed.). New York, NY: American.
Coolican, H. (2009). Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology. (5th Ed.). London: Hodder Education.
Harris, P. (2008). Designing and Reporting Experiments in Psychology. (3rd Ed.). Buckingham: Open University Press.
