Program Overview

Master's Thesis in Psychological Science and Technology

Course Description

The master's thesis consists of an in-depth academic project within psychological science and technology. Drawing on psychological theories, previous empirical research, and data collected (theoretical/empirical) for their project, students will produce a thesis at the appropriate level that answers a research question(s). The thesis must be written in line with the relevant guidelines regarding the structure and content of the department.

Course Details

• Credits: 60
• Level: Second degree level
• Course start: Autumn
• Duration: 2 semesters
• Language of instruction: Norwegian
• Location: Trondheim

Learning Outcome

The student:

• possesses advanced knowledge within psychological science and technology and specialized insight in a specific research area
• has a thorough understanding of theory and methodology in psychological research and how to conduct a scientific project
• has in-depth knowledge of the requirements for a scientific text in psychology, including advanced knowledge of APA style
• has comprehensive knowledge of how to perform scholarly reasoning using theory, research, methodology, methodological choices, and their own data and analyses
• possesses advanced knowledge of quality requirements for research, including adherence to ethical guidelines and principles

Skills

The student:

• can analyze and critically evaluate various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly reasoning
• can analyze existing theories, methods, and interpretations within the field and work independently on practical and theoretical problem-solving
• can independently use relevant methods for research and academic development
• can design and conduct an independent, confined research project under supervision and in accordance with current research ethics standards
• can analyze academic research problems and comprehend complex data
• can communicate scientific findings, both in writing and orally
• can locate and critically assess various sources of information
• can engage with literature relevant to conducting research within a specific area of psychology
• can communicate their research work
• can formulate a precise and clear research problem relevant to psychological theory or practice and present a well-considered rationale for their choice and use of methods and literature
• can think critically and draw scientific conclusions based on research
• can apply APA standards for scientific publication

General Competence

The student:

• can analyze relevant academic, occupational, and research-related ethical issues
• can apply their knowledge and skills to new areas to carry out advanced tasks and projects
• can present extensive independent work and is proficient in the field's modes of expression
• can communicate about academic research problems, analyses, and conclusions within psychology
• can use their knowledge to address relevant research problems within psychology
• can present extensive independent research following psychology's forms of expression
• can communicate psychological research

Learning Methods and Activities

• Type of teaching: Self-study with supervision
• Work on the master's thesis will be a combination of independent activity and guided work
• Academic supervision will ensure that the student acquires the necessary knowledge, that all parts of the work meet satisfactory quality standards, and that the project as a whole is conducted in accordance with current research ethics guidelines

Compulsory Assignments

• Mandatory participation in the master's thesis seminar

Evaluation

• Assessment form: Master's thesis in monograph form or in article form
• Oral presentation and examination of the task, where the task is the basis for the evaluation
• The oral examination consists of a presentation from the student of about 10 minutes and an interview
• Oral examination is used to adjust the grade
• The student can choose an open or closed exam
• If there is an open exam, there may be attendees present during the examination, if there is a closed examination only the committee and the student are present
• The deadline for submission of the master's thesis is 1st of May

Specific Conditions

• Admission to a programme of study is required: Psychology (MPSY)

Required Previous Knowledge

• All exams in the master's program in Psychological science and technology must be passed before the master's thesis can be submitted

Subject Areas

• Psychology