Overall objectives:

1 - This CU aims to develop a set of skills in the field of knowledge but above all know-how. At the end of this CU, in addition to knowing the main lines of research of the master's professors, students are expected to have acquired a set of skills that allow them to: a) Describe and characterize the different steps of their research project; b) To know the main research techniques and literature review; c) Identify and define the main theoretical constructs within a given theme as well as the main research needs in this area; (d) identify the research strategy and data collection and analysis methods appropriate to the problem and the objectives of its study; e) To develop a set of oral and written communication skills in scientific terms; f) Familiarize themselves with the main indicators of scientific production; and finally (g) to draft and submit a research proposal.

Syllabus:

1 - Presentation of the different research groups and ongoing projects of the teachers of the Master in Educational Psychology.Techniques of oral and written communication .
2 - Research techniques and literature review.
3 - Techniques of oral and written communication.
4 - APA Standards.
5 - Indicators of scientific production.
6 - Elaboration of the project:
6.1 - Definition of the problem;
6.2 - Description of the theore tical models and/or relevant empirical studies;
6.3 - Definition of research questions and general and specific objectives;
6.4 - Operationalization of the hypotheses;
6.5 - Methodology (sampling, instruments, procedures and analysis plan);
6.6 - References;
6.7 - Schedule.

Literature/Sources:

American Psychologycal Association , 2010 , Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.) , Washington: APA
Almeida, L., & Freire, T. , 2010 , Metodologia da investigação em psicologia e educação (5.ª ed.) , Braga: Psiquilíbrios
Breakwell, G ., Hammond, S., Fife-Schaw, C. & Smith, J. A. (Eds.) , 2012 , Research Methods in Psychology (4th ed.) , London: Sage Publications
Field, A. , 2013 , Discovering Statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics (4th ed.) , London: Sage Publications
Moreira, J.M. , 2004 , Questionários: Teoria e Prática , Coimbra: Almedina
Willing, C. & Stainton-Rogers, W. , 2008 , The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in Psychology , London: SAGE
Serrano, P. , 2004 , Redacção e Apresentação de Trabalhos Científicos , Lisboa: Relógio D' Agua

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
Expositive and active classes (Theoretical-practical classes); Targeted Readings from Research Articles; oriented group discussion; Resolution and analysis of practical cases; Monitoring of data analysis and scientific writing. The evaluation of this curricular unit is based on the participation and involvement of the student in the meetings of the research group and on the presentation of a proposal for a research project. The weightings of each of the assessment components in the final grade are as follows: (i) oral presentation of the project (25%); (ii) proposal of the research project (written report) (50%); (iii) Continous evaluation (25%).