Psychology MA, Independent Work, 30 credits

Aim

The objective for the course is for the student to independently design and carry out a research project, which must be empirically grounded. The research questions should have clear relevance for emotion psychology.

Course objectives

After completing the course, students should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
• Critically evaluate theoretical claims and primary research
• On the basis of theory and previous research, identify scientific problems, formulate research questions (grounded on emotion psychology) and select adequate research designs.
• Knowledge of the principles of psychological assessment and measurement

Skills and Abilities
• Compile, analyze and interpret the data collected in relation to a given research problem.
• Present their findings orally and in writing, and evaluate the scientific value of the results.

Judgement and Approach
• Present, analyze and evaluate others' scientific results, and give constructive criticism.
• Independently evaluate the ethical aspects of the research process.

Content

An empirical study will be conducted and the results will be presented in the form of a scientific report to be composed in accordance with the international guidelines for publication of empirical research in psychology.

Entry requirements

A bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits (ECTS) with a major in psychology. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits (ECTS) with a different major and 60 credits in psychology. English B/English 6 from Swedish gymnasium or the equivalent.

For admission to the course the students must be admitted to the Master Program in Emotion Psychology and have completed program courses equivalent to 90 credits, including the courses: Psychology, Research Methods I, Statistics and Research Design, 7.5 credits, Psychology, Research Methods II, Research Methods in Emotion Psychology, 7.5 credits and Psychology, Research Methods, III, Advance Research Methods and Statistics, 7.5 credits.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Teaching consists primarily of individual tutoring. The research questions should be formulated in consultation with the student's supervisor. Teaching in the form of supervision means that the students are helped to plan, implement, analyze and report scientific work. The course ends with mandatory seminars involving opposition of a final thesis work.

Examination form

2101: Degree Project, 30 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.
At a final seminar at the end of the semester, the students will independently present and defend their theses. Apart from defending her/his own thesis, the student will serve as an opponent on a fellow student´s thesis.

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Grading criteria: www.miun/se/betygskriterier

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.