Degree Project in psychology, 30 credits

Passed results from semester 1-7 of the psychology programme consisting of 210 credits and at least 15 credits from semester 8.

The objective of the course is for students to enhance their knowledge, skills and abilities in psychology and psychological methods by planning and executing an independent empirical project for a 30 HCE Scientific project 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 project paper
• 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 the prevailing ethical rules
• independently search, collect, evaluate and interpret relevant information in relation to scientific issue
• independently compile, analyse and interpret collected data in relation to a problem under supervision in written form according to the academic language and scientific attitudes that are practice in the main field of study psychology
• as seminars independently discuss critically evaluate and discuss own and others' theses based on relevance for the subject as well as based on methodological and ethical questions
• in connection with the seminar discussion of the own thesis be able to summarise and account for the parts of the thesis in English with support in a PowerPoint presentation
• 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 the ability to identify his need of additional knowledge and to take responsibility for his knowledge development

At the start of the course, the students choose topics in the main subject psychology. It of the student the suggested topic is discussed with examiner that is based in the research faculty around the psychologist programme in consultation with a board of teachers at the division. Possible subjects include:

• conducting, analysing and reporting of psychological experiments
• analysis and reporting of data from an established research project
• psychometric evaluations of instruments with relevance for the psychology
• systematic literature surveys, containing quality assurances with help quantitative methodology e g metaanalytisk methodology, of current published psychological research
• analysis of collected data against an in advance set issue
• conducting a secondary analysis of published data on the basis of a new point of inquiry

The course begins with the drawing up of a project plan that lays out the general structure, content and timing of the work to be done. At this stage, the scope of the project is defined and a time plan is established. Earlier knowledge in literature search is validated. Information about how supervisor is contacted is given. They then carry out their own project under supervision, during which time they have opportunities to test and develop knowledge and methodological skills of relevance to their subject. The course is completed with an examination seminar where the thesis is ventilated and is summarised by the author of the thesis in English.

The course includes an introductory lecture on writing a project paper and literature searches. The thesis is written alone or together with other student in the course. The thesis work will be made under supervision and is assessed after scientific discussion between author of the thesis and peer reviewer. The author of the thesis should furthermore summarise his thesis during about 15 my in English with support in a PowerPoint presentation also it written in English.

Proposals on topics should be delivered to examiner no later than some weeks in on the autumn semester. Each suggested topic should then be documented with defined problem area, definition of central literature and methodology, and for the essay specific expected learning outcomes.

During the initial weeks of the thesis course, students and supervisor delimit and define the topic, and a time plan is defined. With support in supervision, the students should then plan, carry out and report an independent scientific work.

Completed projects are then reported in a scientific paper to be debated with an opponent during a concluding seminar. Participation in these project paper seminars is compulsory and entails active presence at other students? Seminars and opposing another scientific project paper.

Achieved learning objectives are examined through presentation of the thesis during a thesis seminar where the thesis, the defence and the public discussion and examination are evaluated by the examiner.
The various parts are awarded the following grades:
a) Written thesis can receive the grades Failed, Passed or passed with distinction
b) Respondent performance (defence and discussion of own project paper): Fail (U) or Pass (G)
c) Present and summarise the own thesis during about 15 my in English with support in a PowerPoint presentation. The presentation can receive the grades failed or passed.
d) Opponent performance (for another project paper): Fail (U) or Pass (G)

Supervisor assess if the work have reasonable possibility to achieve criteria for grade at least ”Passed” and can be presented to review of thesis seminar. The seminar is an occasion for feedback. Possibility to supplement is given after the seminar. When final version is submitted to examiner, grade on the thesis is informed.

Course grade
For the grade Pass in the whole course is required Passed on all four parts above (a, b, c and d) as well as active participation on three of the thesis seminars that are announced during the course. To pass with distinction is required in addition to this also the grade Pass with distinction on (a) i.e. the written thesis.

At failed author of the thesis or critical oral review (as well as not attendant at the seminaries) can written supplementary assignments be required of examiner. At failed thesis, the student receives certain supervision, because the thesis should obtain the grade ’Passed’ which can take place first after a new seminary. At failed presentation in English be may a list of what should be remedied before a new presentation that is informed after the seminar. Submission dates for revised project papers are the same as the accepted examination dates during the following term.

The transition rules follow KI's local guidelines for examination. Courses that have been discontinued or thoroughly revised, or which have been given a radically new reading list, will offer two additional examinations (to the ordinary examination) on the former content and literature during a period of one year from the date of discontinuation or revision.

If the thesis work draws out about time (longer than 2 semesters from start of the course) can the student not count with supervision of original supervisor which can limit the possibility for the student to complete the thesis work according to original plan.

Course evaluation takes place according to KI's local guidelines. Students are informed of the results and any measures taken on the course website.