Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
PS33300
Module Title
Forensic Psychology Dissertation
Academic Year
2024/2025
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Ethics  ​Ethics Application Form​ (1000 words)  10%
Semester Assessment Written Report  Written report​ (9000 words)  90%
Supplementary Assessment Written Report  Written report​ (9000 words)  90%
Supplementary Assessment Ethics  ​Ethics Application Form​ (1000 words)  10%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Demonstrate an ability to design an original, counselling-related research study and formulate research hypotheses or questions, based on previous literature

Critically assess the literature in the area and explore the implications of that literature for the study.

Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues through the successful approval of the project proposal by the Department/Institute ethics committee, and in the conducting of the research, handling of data, and subsequent write-up and dissemination of results.

Identify, justify, and appropriately use and describe methods for data collection and analysis, and so that the study can be fully replicated.

Accurately and appropriately present the results, and critically evaluate the findings in relation to existing research.

Consider any limitations, implications and applications of research findings and how the study can be developed in future research.

Communicate the findings in a written report.

Document, maintain and be able to evidence an appropriate and rigorous record of the research process, from initial idea to write-up of the research.

Brief description

Students are expected to undertake the work necessary to design, plan, and run a study based on a suitable forensic-related research question with the help of a supervisor. The supervisor's role is to provide guidance to the student throughout the project, but students are encouraged to work as independently as possible. The amount of time spent on the project may vary according to the nature of the study, however students should expect to spend at least 400 hours working on their project.

Content

There are limited taught components to the module focusing on the following:

The supervisory process and research ethics

Writing up your dissertation

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Adaptability and resilience The module aims to promote self-management as the project is the opportunity to demonstrate the students skills in managing their time within a specified number of weeks. Students will receive support from their supervisor but will be encouraged to work autonomously although it is anticipated that students will negotiate support from their peers and may work in teams for data collection. Students will be expected to improve their own learning and performance during the research process.
Co-ordinating with others Supervisors may choose to work with their students in groups, as appropriate, where students will be required to produce the necessary work and contribute to group discussions.
Creative Problem Solving Independent project work and problem solving will be one of the central goals of the module; the identification of a research topic with associated research hypotheses/questions will require the student to develop independent research skills as well as problem solving skills. The ability of students to solve problems will be developed and assessed by asking them to: adopt differing points of view; organize data and estimate an answer to the problem; consider case studies; reason logically;
Digital capability Students will be expected to submit their work in word-processed format. Also, students will be encouraged to search for sources of information on the web, as well as seeking sources through electronic information sources (such as Web of Science and Primo). Students will use a number of software packages during the course of the module including Excel, PowerPoint and SPSS for Windows. Students ability to use IT as a skill integral to the presentation of the project report will be assessed.
Professional communication Students will understand the importance of information and clear communication and how to exploit these. They will know how to use the many sources of information available and how to use the most appropriate form of communication to the best advantage. They will learn to be clear and direct in their aims and objectives. They will learn to consider only that which is relevant to the topic and to focus on the objectives of their argument or discussion.
Subject Specific Skills The project is the culmination of student learning about forensic psychology developed throughout the degree scheme. Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of key aspects and concepts of forensic psychology. The subject specific skills will be developed throughout the module include: Assessment of research methods in forensic psychology. Appreciation of the nature of ethical research in the social sciences. Conceptual understanding of the applied aspects of forensic psych.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6