Degree project in Psychology, 15 credits

Passed results from semester 1-3 of the Psychology programme consisting 90 credits and at least 15 credits from semester 4.

The objective of the course is for students to enhance their knowledge, skills, argumental approaches, and abilities in psychology and psychological methods by independently plan and execute an empirical thesis for a 15 credits thesis in the field of psychology.

On completion of the course, the students should be able to

• search scientific databases, extract relevant publications and review, evaluate and summarise publications of relevance to the content of their thesis
• identify and formulate a point of scientific inquiry in the field of psychology with respect to the resources and time available
• independently define, analyse and discuss study design and method in relation to the point of inquiry, and with respect to prevailing ethical rules
• independently locate, collect, evaluate and interpret relevant information in relation to the point of inquiry
• in a written format independently compile, analyse and interpret the data collected in relation to the point of inquiry, using academic language and the scientific praxis applied in the field of psychology
• independently perform and present in text the outcome of statistical analyses in line with the academic rules and customs of the academic field of psychology
• within the constraints of an academic seminar, independently discuss, critically evaluate and make cases for or against, respectively and where appropriate, the content of their own and other students' theses on the grounds of their relevance to the subject and of methodological and ethical considerations
• demonstrate an ability to comply with accepted scientific practice and ethical rules; integrity in their research and documentation, and an awareness of the responsibilities of research involving human subjects
• discuss and understand the importance of collaboration in attaining a high level of quality in all parts of the research process
• demonstrate an ability to identify the need for further knowledge and independently take responsibility to improve their knowledge base

At the beginning of the course, the students selects one of the thesis subjects offered in the field of psychology. Available thesis subjects are decided by the examiner in consultation with a thesis committee, and are then sent for approval to the research forum of the Study Programme in Psychology. Possible subjects include e.g.

• conducting, analysing and reporting of psychological experiments
• analysing and reporting a particular set of data from an established research project
• psychometric evaluations of psychological instruments
• systematic reviews (meta-analyses) of recently published psychological research
• preform a secondary analysis of published data on the basis of a new point of inquiry
• if overriding reasons exists, and after permission from the examiner, a narrative review on a defined topic can be accepted

The course begins with establishing a project plan that lays out the general structure, content and timing of the work to be done. At this stage, the scope and time plan of the thesis is established. The students are also given practice searching scientific literature in the library's databases, as well as knowledge of research ethics rules and approaches. Under supervision, the students proceed to carry out their own thesis project, during which time they have opportunities to test and develop knowledge and methodological skills of relevance to their subject. The course concludes with an examination seminar, during which the project papers are debated.

The course includes an introductory lecture on writing a project paper and a lectures on a lecture on research ethics, which is mandatory, and a lecture on lectures about literature searches. Students compose their thesis in pairs, but each student shall account for his or her contribution to the presented thesis in a separate document. Since it is an aim of the course to train cooperation, degree projects can only be written individually if there are special reasons. Thesis projects are conducted under supervision and are examined in a respondent/ opponent format. 

Thesis subjects are presented by the researcher collegium no later than at the start of term, but the students are encouraged themselves to, in consultation with approved supervisor, define a thesis subject in the field of psychology. A thesis subject must however be approved by the examiner before the students may start to carry out the thesis project.

During the first few days of the course, students and their supervisors delimit and define the subject and draw up a time plan. Subject and timetable are presented in writing to the course leader at the beginning of the course, and also presented verbally in a separate, mandatory seminar. The students are then to plan, conduct, and report an independent scientific project under supervision.

Self-authored completed projects are then reported in a scientific thesis to be debated with an opponent during a concluding seminar. Participation in thesis seminar, in addition to defense of the own thesis, also entails opposing another scientific thesis.

Achieved learning objectives are examined through presentation of the thesis during a thesis seminar where the thesis, the defence, and the opponent performance are evaluated by the examiner. When collaborating in pairs, each student shall report his or her contribution to the thesis in a separate piece of writing, as well as actively participate in the examination as follows. 

The various parts are examined the following ways:
a) written thesis, is graded U or G
b) defending thesis in thesis defense (defense and discussion of own thesis), is graded U or G
c) criticizing thesis in thesis defense (opponent for another thesis), is graded U or G
d) mandatory written report on individual contribution in thesis
e) mandatory presence at ethics lecture
f) mandatory presence at seminar where thesis and project plan is presented.

Supervisors assess whether the thesis is able to satisfy the criteria for a Pass (G) grade and for submission for public discussion at the seminar. The seminar is an opportunity for feedback and an opportunity to alter the thesis is given afterward. Final grade of the thesis is awarded after the final version has been submitted to examiner. 

Course grade
The course is graded U or G . The grade G requires G on examination task a, b and c, as well as fulfillment of compulsory course elements according to schedule and instructions.

In the event of a student obtaining a Fail (U) grade for respondent or opponent performance (and in the event of absence), written supplementary assignments may be demanded by the examiner.

In the event of a student obtaining a Fail (U) grade for the thesis, the student is offered some further supervision to alter the thesis to adhere to the demands for obtaining a Pass (G) grade; a grade that may only be obtained after a new seminar. Submission dates for revised thesis are the same as the examination resit dates during the following term or as agreed with the examiner.

Absence from or unfulfillment of compulsory course elements
The examiner decides whether, and if so how, absence from or unfulfillment of compulsory course elements can be made up for. Study results cannot be reported until the student has participated in or fulfilled compulsory course elements, or compensated for any absence/ failure to fulfill in accordance with instructions from the examiner. Absence from or unfulfillment of a compulsory course element may imply that the student can not retake the element until the next time the course is offered.

Possibility of exception from the course syllabus' regulations on examination
If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus's regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and attitudes may not be changed, removed or reduced.

If the course is cancelled or undertakes major revisions, you will find information on transition rules under this heading.

If the thesis project is delayed (more than 1 semester from the start of the course), the students cannot expect to be supervised by their original supervisor, which may impinge upon their ability to conclude their thesis project in accordance with the original plan.

Course evaluation is performed per KI's local guidelines. Students are informed of outcomes and any measures taken via the course website.