Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

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. (2015) 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), pp. 1-19. 1478-0887.

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Wiggins_etal_TFO_2015_Qualitative_undergraduate_project_supervision_in_Psychology_current_practices_and_support_needs_of_supervisors_across_North_East_England_and_Scotland
Wiggins_etal_TFO_2015_Qualitative_undergraduate_project_supervision_in_Psychology_current_practices_and_support_needs_of_supervisors_across_North_East_England_and_Scotland.pdf - Accepted Version
Information
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, S., Gordon-Finlayson, A., Becker, S. and Sullivan, C.
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
Date:
24 July 2015
Date Type:
Acceptance
Page Range:
pp. 1-19
Journal or Publication Title:
Qualitative Research in Psychology
Volume:
13
Number:
1
Number of Pages:
19
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1080/14780887.2015.1075641
ISSN:
1478-0887
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
Yes
Related URLs:
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