Dissertation

Dissertação

Course code:67113

Cristina Soeiro

Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:

• The master thesis has as main goal to provide to the student an direct experience in the development of a scientific research work in Forensic Psychology. During the thesis development, the student complete actualization of scientific references, define the investigation issues and the methods to collect and analyze data (from a qualitative and/or quantitative point of view). It is expected that the students develop the capacity to connect the previously learned contents with the scientific research practice. t is important, in developing these skills all the work done in the course of research and data analysis in Forensic Psychology. I It must also develop the skills of adjustment to new environments, autonomy, problem resolution, critical reasoning, pro-activity and interpersonal relationship.
• In dissertation Seminar, the student is supervised in practical application of knowledge and procedures, attending to the individual reality of each thesis. This supervision stimulates the consolidation of experiences and learning, critical thinking, sharing of doubts and concerns, active searching for solutions, conception of new activities and theoretical framing on a work of scientific research.

Syllabus:

1. Guidelines in the process of scientific writing:
   1.1. Bibliographical research and systematic literature review
   1.2. The elaboration of meta-analysis
   1.3. Structure and organization of a scientific document
2. Definition of research problem
   2.1. Study objectives and hypotheses
3. Research methodologies
   3.1. Definition of measures to be used
   3.2. Sample collection
   3.3. Discussion of ethical aspects
   3.4. Treatment and analysis of data
   3.5. Elaboration of the document and the process of scientific writing, considering the rules of the APA.

Suggested Bibliography:

• American Psychological Association (2010). Publication Manual of the Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
• Cooper, H., Camic, P. M., Long, D. L., Panter, A. T., Rindskopf, D., & Sher, K. J. (Eds.). (2012). APA handbook of research methods in psychology, Vol. 2. Research designs: Quantitative, qualitative, neuropsychological, and biological. Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association.
• Brown, S., & Sleath, E. (2016). Research Methods for Forensic Psychologists: A guide to completing your research project. London.
• Mitchell, M. L., Jolley, J. M., & O’Shea, R.P. (2013). Writing for psychology (4th int. ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
• Nicol, A. A. M., & Pexman, P. M. (2010, 2nd ed). Displaying your findings: A practical guide for creating figures, posters, and presentations. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.