Qualitative undergraduate project supervision in Psychology: current practices and support needs of supervisors across North East England and Scotland

Wiggins, S., Gordon-Finlayson, A., Becker, S. and Sullivan, C. (2016) Qualitative undergraduate project supervision in Psychology: current practices and support needs of supervisors across North East England and Scotland. Qualitative Research in Psychology. 13(1) 1478-0887.

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Item Type:	Article
Abstract:	The dissertation is a core component of a psychology undergraduate degree, though very little research has been conducted into supervision processes at undergraduate level. This study examined the accounts of supervisors of qualitative dissertations in order to identify current practices of supervision and possible resources that might support supervision. Seventeen supervisors from psychology departments in North East England and Scotland were interviewed, and three main themes were identified using thematic analysis: the quantitative culture in psychology teaching, supervisors’ expertise, and the supervision process. Supervisors noted that students were typically constrained in their choice of methodology due to limited qualitative methods teaching, lack of training and guidance for supervisors, and concerns about the risks of demanding qualitative projects. Supervisors therefore often reported staying within their comfort zone, electing where possible to supervise only the methods that they themselves use. Recommendations for practical resources are provided to help support students and supervisors in the process of undertaking qualitative psychology dissertations.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Empirical project, qualitative research, research methods teaching, supervision, undergraduate dissertation
Creators:	Wiggins, Sally, Gordon-Finlayson, Alasdair, Becker, Sue and Sullivan, Cath
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:	Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
Date:	1 January 2016
Date Type:	Publication
Journal or Publication Title:	Qualitative Research in Psychology
Volume:	13
Number:	1
Language:	English
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2015.1075641
ISSN:	1478-0887
Status:	Published / Disseminated
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/10984

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