Honours Thesis I

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
PSYC 4400
Discontinued
No
Course Code
PSYC 4400
Descriptive
Honours Thesis I
Department
Psychology
Faculty
Humanities & Social Sciences
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15
Max Class Size
N/A; independent study with supervisor
Contact Hours
2 hrs. per week/semester
Method(s) Of Instruction
Tutorial
Learning Activities

Faculty supervised independent research, with supervision provided weekly throughout the semester.

Course Description
The honours thesis provides students with an opportunity to conduct independent research within a specific area of interest in psychology. Under the supervision of a faculty member students will complete a literature review, and analysis of published empirical work on their selected topic. Students will be required to submit a paper outlining a summary of the previous literature, and the design for an original research project, which may include a completed research ethics review form.
Course Content

A specific topic area will be agreed upon by the supervisor and student. The student and, if necessary, the supervisor will identify a list of readings for the literature review. The content and design of the research project must be approved by the supervisor and the Research Ethics Board (if necessary).

Learning Outcomes
  1. To conduct a literature review of the published work in a specific topic area in Psychology.
  2. To critically analyze previous work in the topic area and identify potential limitations.
  3. To develop a testable hypothesis in the area of interest.
  4. To design a methodology to test an original hypothesis related to Psychology.
  5. To complete a Research Ethics Board application for research involving Human subjects.
Means of Assessment

Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy.  Evaluation will be based on course objectives. The supervisor will provide the student with clear outcomes depending on the nature of the project.

The following is an example of a possible evaluation scheme:

Literature Review                                40%

Research Ethics Board application         20%               

Research Proposal                              40%                 

Textbook Materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students

To be determined by the topic and thesis supervisor.

Prerequisites

Admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology Honours Program or Department permission.

Corequisites

PSYC 4390

Which Prerequisite

PSYC 4410