Overview
A supervised project involving original research and leading to the production of a dissertation.
With the guidance of a member of staff, students will design and conduct an empirical investigation to address a question about human or animal behaviour. This will involve the review of previous literature, the development of a research hypothesis, the design of an appropriate data collection procedure and the analysis of the results obtained. The dissertation is designed to develop research skills.
About this paper
| Paper title | Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Subject | Psychology |
| EFTS | 0.5000 |
| Points | 60 points |
| Teaching period(s) | Full Year
(On campus)
1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 17 June 2027) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $4,882.50 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Limited to
- BA(Hons), BSc(Hons), PGDipArts, PGDipSci
- Notes
- Admission requires an average grade of at least B+ in 300-level PSYC papers and satisfactory performance in PSYC311.
- Eligibility
- Entry into Psychology 400-level normally requires a major in Psychology, a B+ average or higher in Psychology 300-level papers, and a pass in PSYC 311 Quantitative Methods. We highly recommend that students have completed PSYC 310. Students from other universities must show evidence of an equivalent level of competence.
- Contact
- Teaching staff
Professor Tamlin Conner (in conjunction with Project Supervisor)
- Paper Structure
- The paper structure varies by supervisor.
Students are urged to discuss their project with a staff member as soon as possible, preferably at the end of the previous academic year. A Dissertation Manual is available from the Psychology 400 Administrative Assistant. The due date for the dissertation is stated in the Dissertation Manual.
PSYC 490 is 100% internally assessed, with the paper mark based on a written dissertation. - Teaching Arrangements
Project-based.
This is a full-year paper.- Textbooks
- Textbooks are not required for this paper.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of a research area
- Understand psychological methods and analysis
- Communicate results through oral and written communication
Overview
A supervised project involving original research and leading to the production of a dissertation.
With the guidance of a member of staff, students will design and conduct an empirical investigation to address a question about human or animal behaviour. This will involve the review of previous literature, the development of a research hypothesis, the design of an appropriate data collection procedure and the analysis of the results obtained. The dissertation is designed to develop research skills.
About this paper
| Paper title | Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Subject | Psychology |
| EFTS | 0.5000 |
| Points | 60 points |
| Teaching period | Full Year (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Limited to
- BA(Hons), BSc(Hons), PGDipArts, PGDipSci
- Notes
- Admission requires an average grade of at least B+ in 300-level PSYC papers and satisfactory performance in PSYC311.
- Eligibility
Entry into Psychology 400-level normally requires a major in Psychology, a B+ average or higher in Psychology 300-level papers, and a pass in PSYC 311 Quantitative Methods. We highly recommend that students have completed PSYC 310.
Students from other universities must show evidence of an equivalent level of competence.
- Contact
- Teaching staff
Professor Tamlin Conner (in conjunction with Project Supervisor)
- Paper Structure
- The paper structure varies by supervisor.
Students are urged to discuss their project with a staff member as soon as possible, preferably at the end of the previous academic year. A Dissertation Manual is available from the Psychology 400 Administrative Assistant. The due date for the dissertation is stated in the Dissertation Manual.
PSYC 490 is 100% internally assessed, with the paper mark based on a written dissertation. - Teaching Arrangements
This is a full-year project-based paper.
- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required for this paper.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of a research area.
- Understand psychological methods and analysis.
- Communicate results through oral and written communication.