PSYC3452: Behavioural Science Dissertation

• PSYC2232 - Advanced Research Methods and Statistics

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• To provide students with the experience of identifying an issue in behavioural science that is amenable to empirical investigation, formulating the research question, employing appropriate methods of investigation and analysis, and interpreting the results in light of relevant empirical work and behavioural theory

• The dissertation forms the main practical component of the final year course
• Students are expected to build on the skills acquired during the earlier part of the course to carry out an investigation in behavioural science
• Dissertations take the form of an empirical investigation, drawing on primary and/or secondary data (incl. quantitative systematic reviews/meta-analyses)
• Clear presentation of results and appropriate analyses are very important, and critical evaluation relating findings to existing literature must be included
• The dissertation is written up as a scientific report approximating the form and standard found in academic journals
• Students normally collect data working in pairs or small groups, but must write up the dissertation individually

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Detailed knowledge of specialist areas in behavioural science, including current theory, evidence, and research methods

Subject-specific Skills:

• Identify a behavioural science issue amenable to empirical investigation, and formulate a clear research question
• Competence in the selection and application of appropriate analytic procedures, and understanding of their limitations
• Ability to reflect critically on the strengths and weaknesses of the chosen design and the validity of the conclusions reached
• Ability to apply academic and professional codes of conduct in the design and conduct of original behavioural science research

Key Skills:

• Good written communication skills
• Good IT skills in word processing, data manipulation and data presentation
• Ability to work independently in scholarship and research within broad guidelines

• Students complete their dissertation work under the supervision of an experienced researcher, and typically work in pairs or small groups. This approach enables students to formulate, design, and conduct an independent piece of research with appropriate supervision and guidance. Independent study is required at all stages of the dissertation
• The design of the project is discussed in detail with the supervisor in one or more sessions and, during the running of the project, the supervisor is regularly informed by students of progress, by discussion or by email. Supervisory meetings provide advanced research training and the opportunity to engage in discussion which encourages students to think critically
• The formative assignment involves students having to produce, and then get feedback on, a short report and a poster presentation. This provides them with the opportunity to enhance the clarity of their scientific communication with regards to their research question and also improve their IT skills
• The written dissertation report allows students to demonstrate their evaluative, analytical and research skills in a single comprehensive piece of work
• Supervisors provide formative feedback on a draft of the dissertation (excluding the discussion section) submitted prior to the final deadline to help refine the report and extend students' analytical abilities and theoretical understanding

A short report which briefly reviews the literature and the key research questions, and a poster presentation which explains the specific hypotheses being tested, outlines the methodology and provides a timetable for the study.

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