Course content

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.

The research process commences with the assignment of a supervisor, the selection of a topic (in collaboration with the assigned supervisor), and the signing of a master thesis agreement. Afterwards, the department approves the topic and supervisory appointment, and students develop a scientifically rigorous action plan. The process ends with the plan's implementation and the thesis' production. A 60-credit master’s thesis may either be a theoretical project with significantly richer scope and depth or a study employing research methods where the student needs to invest substantial resources in training (e.g., advanced lab-based procedures, internships).

Mandatory seminars are scheduled annually for students to present their ideas and/or findings. These sessions, usually occurring once a year, offer students opportunities to receive and provide feedback. The dates for these seminars will be communicated in advance.

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

Ferdigheter

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

• The student 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.

• The student can think critically and draw scientific conclusions based on research.

• The student can apply APA standards for scientific publication.

Generell kompetanse

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 (e.g., in data collection and processing), and that the project as a whole is conducted in accordance with current research ethics guidelines.

The master’s thesis seminar in the second semester includes information on how to select a topic, an introduction to potential supervisors, and guidance on project description development. The seminar in the third semester includes student presentations of their topics, where they receive constructive feedback from other students and faculty. Participation in the master’s thesis seminar must be approved before the thesis can be submitted.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory participation in the master's thesis seminar

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

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

Spesielle vilkår:

Krever opptak til studieprogram: Psykologi (MPSY) studieretning Psykologisk vitenskap og Teknolog