INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT
M.A. IInd year has a course on Project which is of 6 credits. You have to undertake a Project work on any topic of your interest based on the specialisation group such as Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology or Industrial and Organisational Psychology that you have chosen. Since the Project is of 6 credit, you have to put in a minimum of 180 hours to complete this course.The course codes are as follows:
MPCE 016: Project in Clinical Psychology
MPCE 026: Project in Counselling Psychology
MPCE 036: Project in Industrial and Organisational Psychology
A project is a collaborative enterprise, frequently involving research or design, that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim (wikipedia.org/wiki/Project). It is a research assignment given to a learner which requires a larger amount of effort and more independent work than is involved in a normal essay assignment. It requires learners to undertake their own fact-finding and analysis by using primary data. You will be supervised by a guide/supervisor during your project work.
The report that comes from the project is usually in the form of a dissertation, which will contain chapterisation as given in section 8.0.
It is to be noted that you need to read the entire Project Handbook thoroughly so that you have clear understanding of the procedure involved and can complete the project in time.
PURPOSE
Project work is an independent research or investigation work. The purpose of the project work is to enable the learner to analyse a particular situation and arrive at some conclusion. The knowledge and understanding gathered from different courses of MA Psychology are put into practice through the project work. Thus the purpose of the project is to provide an opportunity to the learners to apply the knowledge they have acquired in course of their study and to develop skills in their specific areas. The learner gets an idea of conducting research project/study and writing a research report.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
The general objectives of the Project/Dissertation Work is to help the learner to:
• develop research skills
• solve research problems through scientific method of investigation
• develop writing, presentation, communication and analytical skills
• develop ability to apply multi disciplinary concepts, tools and techniques
Within this framework, Project Work at the M.A. level (MPCE 016/026/036) has the following specific objectives to enable you to:
• identify and formulate research problems
• write a good research proposal
• identify and use appropriate research design
• conduct scientific investigation in a systematic way
• collect and analyse the data
• learn to use appropriate statistical methods
WHO CAN BE THE GUIDE?
You will require a Guide/Supervisor for carrying out the Project.
The eligibility criteria for Guide/Supervisor is as follows:
a) M.Phil/Ph.D. in Psychology with minimum two years Undergraduate/Post Graduate teaching experience in psychology
Or
b) Master’s Degree in Psychology with minimum two years teaching experience in psychology at Post Graduate level.
Or
c) Master’s Degree in Psychology with minimum five years teaching experience in psychology at Undergraduate level.
Note: This is applicable for the learners enrolled for MAPC programme for January 2014 admission cycle onwards.
The bio-data of the supervisor, duly signed by the supervisor (Refer to Appendix-I) should also be submitted alogwith the synopsis. The supervisor will be approved by the Discipline of Psychology, SOSS, IGNOU. However, if you are taking Academic Counsellor as the Guide then bio-data need not be submitted. Academic Counsellor can supervise a maximum number of ten learners at any given point of time, so that s/he can provide sufficient time for guiding the learners.
You will submit the synopsis alongwith the bio-data of the supervisor (whereever it is required), at the Study Centre/Regional Centre.
The Study Centre/Regional Centre will then send these synopses to the Discipline of Psychology, SOSS, IGNOU, New Delhi for necessary approval.
There will be remuneration to the Supervisor/Guide for guiding each project. S/he can claim Project Guidance remuneration using a Proforma (Appendix-II), after final submission of the project/dissertation of the learners at the Regional Centre.
ROLE OFTHE GUIDE/SUPERVISOR
• To provide guidance regarding selecting a very focused topic.
• To encourage the learner to study books /newspapers/magazines; discuss with experts in the area to find out some topics of their interest.
• To provide the information about the settings where the empirical data for the project can be collected.
• To provide information about the related literature.
• To motivate the learner from time to time and to provide her/him required help whenever s/he need.
• Encourage the learner to work sincerely, honestly and originally and not to copy or reproduce the original text as it is.
• To guide the learner to follow ethical guidelines while conducting research work and writing the project report.
• Give letter of authorisation which would help her/him to collect data for research study in different agencies, hospitals, schools or organisation pertaining to her/his area. The authorisation letter may be given by the concerned study centre/ regional centre.
SYNOPSIS FORMULATIONAND SUBMISSION
Preparation/Formulation of Project Synopsis
The project synopsis is an outline/blueprint of the project to be undetaken by you. To carry out project, you will first choose a subject area based on your interest. You can then finalize a topic in which you will be carrying out your project work after consultation with your guide. It is necessary that you review various research studies/literature and information on the topic selected. Different journals, books and information available on internet can be referred in this regard. This will help you understand the topic in a better manner and will also assist in writing the introduction, review of literature and research methodology for your synopsis.
The topic should be specific and focused so that it can be completed within the time limit. The objectives of the project work should be Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound.
The synopsis should be typed on A4 size paper in Times New Roman, font size 12 with 1.5 spacing. It can be of 15-20 pages. The information included in the synopsis should not be plagiarized.
The project synopsis needs to be submitted at the Regional Centre for evaluation.
The following format needs to be followed for preparing the project synopsis:
Title page: The first page of the synopsis should indicate the title of the project, name of the learner, enrolment number, study centre, regional centre, year and name of the guide.
Introduction: This section should introduce the topic selected by the learner. It can also give a brief description of the variables taken.
Review of Literature: Review of literature is a collective body of work done by earlier researchers and published in the form of books, journals, articles, etc. It helps in generating ideas and developing significant questions for the research work. In this section, you will cite different studies related to your research work in a systematic and organised manner.
The review of related studies will primarily focus on author, year, objectives, sample, tools used and findings. This should not be copied verbatim from the source. The review of literature should be written in a flow and organized manner, not in bullet points. The purpose here is that you are discussing the related studies, not just mentioning these.
Rationale of the Study: The rationale for carrying out the particular project is explained here. It focuses on why do you want to do this study taking these variables.
Methodology: Methodology includes Research problem, Objectives, Hypothesis/es, Operational definition, Sample, Research design, Tests/Tools for data collection, and data analysis techniques.
• Problem and objectives are to be written specifically and clearly.
• Hypotheses are to be formulated wherever applicable (either null hypothesis/es or alternative hypothesis/es to be mentioned, not both). Hypothesis/es also need(s) to be written in a proper manner. Journals and research methodology text books can be referred to understand how objectives and hypothesis/es is/are to be written.
• Operational definition refers to the way you have defined the variable(s) in your research.
• Sample represents the population. The size and nature of the sample will depend on the topic selected. While providing details about nature and size of the sample, also mention the sampling technique used. Whether randomization is used or purposive sampling technique is employed will depend on the topic and nature of the sample in your research. Appropriate research design also needs to be specifed.
• Research design needs to be decided and specified here. It should be appropriate as per the objectives of the study.
• Tests/tools for data collection are to be selected based on the objectives of the research Standardized tools need to be used. The tools of data collection will include details about the test like name of the author(s), number of items, dimensions or domains, reliability, validity and norms. In case interview schedule is used to collect data, details about the questions included should be provided.
• Data analysis technique is then used to analyse the data obtained with the help of the tests/ tools. Specific tools for data analysis should be mentioned. Appropriate data analysis techniques need to be used.
If the study is intervention based, details about intervention to be carried out, like duration, number of sessions involved, nature and content of intervention need to be specified.
References (APA style): References have to be written in APA format. These should be alphabetically listed. Please see below how to cite studies taken from different sources.
Text taken from Books
Anastasi, A. (1968). Psychological Testing. London: MacMillan Publishers Ltd.
Article taken from Journal
Dennision, B. (1984). Bringing corporate culture to the bottomline. Organizational Dynamics, 13, 22-24.
Book Chapter
Khan, A.W. (2005). Distance education for development. In: Garg, S. et.al. (Eds.) Open and
distance education in global environment: Opportunities for collaboration. New Delhi: Viva Books.
Websites
Hernandez M. & Barrioc (2016, October 1). Families and Medication use and adherence anonf Latinos with schizophreria. Journal of Mental Health, 1-7, Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/ 09638237.2016.122206, accessed on 25.10.16
Please visit www.apa.org for information regarding citation from different sources and further clarification.
Note: 1. You are required to read relevant text and literature related to your area of interest and topic selelcted.
- Do not begin data collection until your project synopsis is approved.
- You can have access to Central library, IGNOU, New Delhi. Remote access facility is also avaiable. For further details, you may contact, Central Library, IGNOU, New Delhi.
You are advised to refer to MPC-005 in MAPC First Year for more information on research methods. This will help you to prepare your synopsis in an appropriate manner so that it gets approved and you are able to complete your project in time.
Please read the sample synopsis given at the end of this handbook for your reference while preparing synopsis. The sample synopsis is not to be copied.
Project Synopsis Submission and Approval
You will prepare the project synopsis and submit it at your Study Centre or Regional Centre. The Study Centre/Regional Centre will then send the synopses to the Programme Coordinator, Discipline of Psychology, SOSS, IGNOU, New Delhi. The synopses will be evaluated by the Faculty. Suggestions will be given (Appendix-IV) wherever required. Accordingly, you will have to resubmit the synopsis with necessary modifications.
You are advised to retain a copy of the synopsis.
Each project synopsis should contain the following:
a) Consent letter of the Supervisor/Guide (Appendix-III)
b) Proforma for Approval of Project Synopsis (Appendix-IV)
c) Biodata of Guide/Supervisor (in case of other than academic counsellor, Appendix-I)
d) Copy of Grade Card regarding completion of MPC-005 and MPC-006
Synopsis that do not include the above papers will not be evaluated. Please submit synopsis/ proposal before the last date of submission.
Note: You should follow the format of the synopsis in a systematic way. You will start to work on the project only after the approval of the synopsis.
Resubmission of Project Synopsis
In case of synopsis being not approved, comments/suggestions for reformulating the project will be communicated to you. In such a case, the revised project synopsis should be submitted with a fresh Project synopsis approval form (Appendix-IV) along with the earlier project synopsis approval form containing the comments/suggestions of the faculty. The original synopsis also needs to be submitted alongwith the revised synopsis.
In case you want ot change your guide, you can do so by giving an application to the Discipline of Psychology, stating the reason for change and no objection from the approved guide. A fresh approval proforma, the evaluated approval proforma and synopsis should also be attached with the application and sent to the Discipline of Psychology, IGNOU, New Delhi.
Schedule of Dates
| Project Synopsis Submission | Project Report/Dissertaion Submission | |
| July Batch | 14th October | 31st May |
| January Batch | 15th April | 30th November |
If you have submitted Project Report by 31st May, it will be considered for Term-End Examination (TEE) during 1st July to 14th August. If you submit the Project Report by 30th November, it will be considered for TEE during 1st January to 15th February.
Note: You are required to complete and pass the courses MPC-005 and MPC-006 in MA 1st year before submitting the synopsis for project (MPCE-016/026/036) in MA 2nd year. You need to submit a self attested photocopy of the Grade Card mentioning passing of MPC-005 and MPC-006 Courses. In the absence of this, the project synopsis will not be evaluated. This will be applicable for the learners enrolled for MAPC programme from January 2014 onwards.
CARRYINGOUTTHE PROJECT
You are required to thoroughly read the literature, understand it and be very clear about the area in which you are going to do the project work. You should conduct and carry out the study in an ethical manner. Depending on the research topic finalized, the size and nature of the sample will be determined. You will also have to select suitable tests/ tools to be used for data collection. You may also develop a questionnaire for this purpose. However, it is preferable to use a standardized tool.
You will have to contact appropriate agencies/ organisations for data collection. Necessary permission should be taken from these agencies/ organisations. Reference letter with regard to this is given in Appendix-VI. The data should be collected and recorded in a systematic manner. The data collected is then statistically analysed and the project report is to be written in the format as given in section 8.0
You need to record every visit to library/Institution for reference work and also visit to school(s), hospital(s), organisation(s) for data collection in the format as given in Appendix-V.
FORMAT OFTHE DISSERTATION
Once your project synopsis is approved, you can start with your data collection. After the data is collected and analyzed, you can start working on your project dissertation. Remember to be in regular contact with your guide for guidance and help in carrying out project work and writing the dissertation.
The size of the dissertation depends on the nature of the theme of the project. However, it is desirable that the dissertation should be around 100 pages typed in double space. Report should be in A4 size papers and in a bound form. The language to be followed for the Project Dissertation work should be English.
The dissertation should be in the following format.
Title page: The first page of the dissertation should indicate the title, name of the learner, enrolment number, regional centre, year, and name of the guide.
Certificates of Originality and Completion: The format for the certificate are given in Appendix-IX and X.
Acknowledgement
Table of Contents
Abstract: A short summary of research work. It should be around 250-300 words.
Introduction: This section should introduce the topic selected by the learner. It can also give a brief description of the variables taken.
Review of the literature: Review of literature is a collective body of work done by earlier researchers and published in the form of books, journals, articles. It helps in generating ideas and developing significant questions for the research work. Various research studies related to the topic are described and discussed in a systematic manner. This will finally help in highlighting rationale/significance of the study.
The review of related studies will primarily focus on author, year, objectives, sample, tools used and findings. This should not be copied verbatin from the source. The review of literature should be written in a flow and organised manner, not in bullet points. Ensure that you also include recent studies (within last ten years).
Rationale of the study: The rationale for carrying out the particular project is explained here.
You will have to justify here why do you want to do this study taking these particular variables.
Methodology: Methodology includes Research problem, Objectives, Hypothesis/es, Operational definition, Sample, Research design, Tests/Tools for data collection and Data analysis techniques.
• Problem and objectives are to be written specifically and clearly.
• Hypotheses are to be formulated wherever, applicable (either null hypothesis/es or alternative hypothesis/es are to be mentioned, not both). Hypothesis/es also need(s) to be written in a proper manner. Journals and research methodology text books can be referred to understand how objectives and hypothesis/es is/are to be written.
• Operational definition refers to the way you have defined the variables in you research.
• Sample represents the population. The size and nature of the sample will depend on the topic selected. While providing details about nature and size of the sample, also mention the sampling technique used. Whether randomization is used or purposive sampling technique is employed will depend on the topic and nature of the sample in your research.
• Research Design needs to be decided and specified here. It should be appropriate as per the objectives of the study.
• Tests/tools are to be selected based on the objectives of the research. The tools of data collection should include details about the test like name of the author(s), number of items, dimensions or domains, reliability, validity and norms. In case interview schedule is used, details about the questions included should be provided. If the study is intervention based, details about intervention to be carried out, like duration, number of sessions involved, nature and content of intervention need to be specified.
• Data analysis techniques are then used to analyse the data obtained with the help of the tests/ tools. Appropriate data analysis techniques need to be used. Specific tools for data analysis should be mentioned.
Results and Discussion: The findings of the research after data analysis are reported in tabular and graphical form. This is then discussed in the light of existing research studies. Then implications of findings are also discussed.
Conclusion: Under this heading, the learner has to conclude the findings of research.
Implications: Implications of the findings need to be pointed out in this section.
Delimitations and Limitations: Delimitations refers to the scope within which the researcher has conducted the study. Limitations refer to the factors that could not be controlled by the researcher in the study.
Suggestions for further research: Based on research findings, you will provide here suggestions for further research.
References (APA style): References have to be written in APA format. These should be alphabetically listed. Please refer to the APA website.
Examples of references when taken from different sources are given below:
Text taken from Books
Anastasi, A. (1968). Psychological Testing. London: MacMillan Publishers Ltd.
Article taken from Journal
Dennision, B. (1984). Bringing corporate culture to the bottomline. Organizational Dynamics, 13, 22-24.
Book Chapter
Khan, A.W. (2005). Distance education for development. In: Garg, S. et.al. (Eds.) Open and
distance education in global environment: Opportunities for collaboration. New Delhi: Viva Books.
Websites
Hernandez M. & Barrioc (2016, October 1). Families and Medication use and adherence among Latinos with schizophreria. Journal of Mental Health, 1-7, Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/ 10.1080/ 09638237.2016.122206, accessed on 25.10.16
Please visit www.apa.org for information regarding citation from other sources and further clarification.
Appendices: Includes tools used for data collection, master data chart etc.
The Dissertation should contain the following:
a) Proforma for Approval of Project Synopsis in original (Appendix-IV)
b) Approved project synopsis in original
c) Certificate of Originality duly signed by the learner and the guide (Appendix-VII).
d) Certificate of completion (Appendix-IX)
e) Record of visits activities carried out by the learner (Appendix-V) in original.
Note: 1) You are required to read relevant text and literature related to your area of interest and topic selected.
2) The information included in the dissertation should not be plagiarized.
3) You can have access to Central Library, IGNOU, New Delhi. Remote access facility is also available. For further details, learners may contact Central Library, IGNOU, New Delhi.
Chapterisation of the final project report/dissertation will be as follows:
Title Page
Certificates of originality and completion
Acknowledgement
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 : Introduction
Chapter 2 : Review of Literature
Chapter 3 : Rationale of the study
Chapter 4 : Methodology
Chapter 5 : Results and Discussion
Chapter 6 : Conclusion and Implications
Chapter 7 : Delimitations, Limitations and Future Suggestions
References
Appendices
ETHICAL ISSUES IN PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Project is a separate component in MAPC IInd Year. It must be clear by now that in this particular course you will be conducting a small study or a research work. This means that you will develop research ideas, select a research design, decide on a sample of human participants on whom the study will be conducted, analyze data, and finally report results.
Right from the very beginning that is from developing research ideas to reporting results, you as a researcher will be under obligation to conduct research in ethical and conscientious manner. In this process, there will be many ethical questions arising, e.g. Will participants be harmed by the research? How will the confidentiality and anonymity be maintained? How will the informed consent be taken? and so on.
In the early years, little attention was paid to ethical issues in psychological researches, e.g., Spitz’s study on deprivation, Watson and Rayner study on little Albert, Stanford Prison Experiement, Milgram’s Experiment on obedience to authority, etc.
However, awareness is growing and psychological studies/researches are being conducted in an ethical manner and fall under the purview of guidelines framed by American Psychological Association (APA). The APA started preparing its ethical guidelines in 1947. The first ethical code of the APA was accepted in 1953 and since then it has been revised several times, the latest being Ethical Principles of Psychologist & Code of Conduct, 2002 (including 2010 Amendments).
Various organisations/institutions also have Institutional Review Board (IRB) that reviews the study undertaken for the rights, safety and wellbeing of human participants who participate in the research study.
The main ethical issues involved in psychological research that you have to take care and remember are as follows:
• Minimal risk: The harm or discomfort should not be more that what is experienced in everyday life by the participants.
• Confidentiality: Participants should be protected from social injury and their responses should be kept anonymous and confidential.
• Informed consent: Participants should know about the study, risks involved, protection of their rights, and the right to withdraw anytime during the conduction of the research study.
• Privacy: The participants have the right to decide how their information is communicated to others.
• Deception: It is involved in studies where some information is withheld or participants are misinformed at any stage of the research.
• Debriefing: It is a process after the completion of the study where harmful effects caused by deception are removed by the researcher.
• Plagiarism: This happens when written material from Books/articles/Journals/Internet sources are produced as one’s own ideas.
You can see the following references for further details on ethical issues in research.
Bordens K.S. & Abbott B.B (2011). Research Design and Methods. McGraw Hill education (India) Private limited, New Delhi.
www.apa.org/ethics/code.htm/
SUBMISSION OF THE PROJECT REPORT/ DISSERTATION
You will submit the Project report/ dissertation at the Regional Centre only. You can make three copies of the Project report/dissertation, one for the Guide, one for yourself and one to be submitted at the Regional Centre.
EVALUATION OF THE PROJECT REPORT/ DISSERTATION(TEE)
The total marks for the Project is 100. The Project Report carries 70% weightage and the Viva Voce carries 30% weightage. For successful completion of the Project (MPCE-016/026/036), a learner should secure a minimum of 40% that includes both Project report and viva voce.
The Evaluation scheme for the project work is given in Appendix-VIII. This scheme is sent to the external examiner at the time of evaluation.
The Term End Examiantion (TEE) in terms of viva voce will be conducted at the Regional Centre during the time period proposed by the Discipline of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, IGNOU, New Delhi.
Date Range for TEE
| July Cycle | 1st July – 14th August |
| January Cycle | 1stJanuary – 15th February |
The learner has to pay exam fee of Rs.120/- to appear for TEE in project. The learner has to carry her/ his Identify card and proof of payment of TEE fees for project on the day of project viva voce.
The Regional Centre will make appropriate arrangments for the evaluation of the Project reports by the external examiner.
The external examiner will be selected from the approved list provided by the Discipline of Psychology, SOSS, IGNOU. The Regional centre will first send the copy of project report/ dissertation to the External Examiner for evaluation and thereafter a date will be finalized by the Regional Centre for conduction of the viva-voce by the same external examiner.
Reevaluation of Project Report/Dissertation
There is no provision of reevaluation for project. A learner who fails to secure a minimum of 40% will have to follow the same procedure again from the beginning, that is, from submission of project synopsis afresh to preparaing of project report/dissertation and appear for the vice-voce in the next term.
Exemption from Project Report/Dissertation
Project/Dissertation is an essential component of MAPC Programme and as such no learner is exempted from this course.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
For Submission of the Project Synopsis
1) Submit only one copy of the Project Proposal/Synopsis, and retain a copy with you.
2) MPCE 016/026/036 (whichever is appropriate) should be clearly indicated on the Synopsis approval form.
3) Ensure the inclusion of the following while submitting the proposal:
a) Proforma for Approval of Project Synopsis, duly filled and signed by both, the learner and the guide/supervisor.
b) Detailed Bio-data of the Supervisor/Guide duly signed by her/him (in case where the Academic Counsellor is not the Guide).
c) Consent letter of the Supervisor/Guide.
d) Synopsis of the Project.
4) The Synopsis of the Project should be prepared in the proper format as given in section 6.1
For Submission of the Project Report/Dissertation
1) The Project Report/ Dissertation should be submitted in original. It should be on A-4 size paper with typed in double space and in a bound volume.
2) Before binding the Project Report the learner should ensure it contains the following in original:
a) Approved Project Synopsis Proforma (Appendix-IV)
b) Approved Project Synopsis
c) Certificate of Originality (Appendix-VII)
d) Certificate of Completion (Appendix-VIII)
e) Record of visits/activities carried out by the learner (Appendix-V)
3) Learner should keep a copy of the Project Report with her/him, as the Project Report/ Dissertation will not be returned to the learner.
FAQ’S (MPCE-016/026/036)
Q. What is Project?
A. Project is a research study where you need to collect data and compile it in form of project
report dissertation.
Q. Where should I submit project synopsis?
A. The project synopsis is to be submitted either at your Study Centre or Regional Centre.
Q. Who evaluates the project synopsis?
A. Project synopsis is evaluated by the Discipline of Psychology, SOSS, IGNOU, New Delhi.
Q. Where should I submit my project report/dissertation?
A. It should be submitted only at the Regional Centre.
Q. During an academic calendar, when am I supposed to submit my project report/
Dissertation?
A. If you have taken admission in January batch, you need to submit your Project/Dissertation
by 31st November; and if you have taken admission in July, then you need to submit the
Dissertation by 31st May.
Q. How is the project report to be written?
A. The report is to be written as per the format given in the Handbook of Project.
Q. Will there be a viva-voce based on my project report/dissertation?
A. Yes, there will be viva-voce.
Q. Is it compulsory to enclose a copy of the approval of the proposal in the project report?
A. Yes,
Q. How many copies of the project report is to be submitted?
A. Only one copy (hard copy) is to be submitted. But one copy is to be kept by you, and one
copy is to be given to the guide/supervisor.
Q. Where will the TEE (viva-voce) for project be held?
A. Viva-voce will he held at respective Regional Centres.
Q. Do I need to carry Project Report for TEE (viva-voce)?
A. Yes, without the Project Report, you will not be allowed to appear for TEE. You also have
to carry University Identity card issued by IGNOU.
Q. What are the passing marks for Project?
A. Passing marks are 40.
Q. Who should I contact in case I have any doubts or feedback/suggestions about project?
A. You can email on [email protected]
Q. Do I need to pay any examination fees for TEE in project?
A. Yes, you need to pay Rs. 120/- as exam fees for appearing in TEE of project.
Q. What is the validity period of my approved synopsis?
A. Once the synopsis is approved, your synopsis will be valid till the validity of your admission.
Note: It may be noted that a revised Handbook will be applicable for the learners of January
2018 admission batch and onwards