Instructions Regarding Research Papers
The Differential Research Methodology (DRM) courses are an integral part of the methodology training at the University of Szeged. The essence of the DRM concept is that the actual workshop-based research writing is preceded by two semesters of methodological preparation.
Within this framework, students learn about and practice various research procedures that they can then apply to the independent research they will conduct in the following semester. The table below outlines the objectives for each semester and the main methods that will be introduced and covered during that semester.
| COURSE NAME | COURSE DESCRIPTION | GRADING |
3rd semester DRM 1. Preparatory Semester for Research | This course provides general preparation for conducting research within the workshop framework and for writing the research paper. The first block of the course focuses on familiarizing students with the genres of empirical research, literature reviews, and essays; understanding and interpreting academic texts; and developing writing skills. Methods covered: – interview techniques – content analysis methods The second block focuses on deepening students’ knowledge of research methods and their proper application. | 2 exams (one after each block, in the middle and at the end of the semester) Final Exam (in case of a failed or missed exam) |
4th semester DRM 2. Preparatory semester for research | The course further deepens knowledge of research methodology with a focus on the fields of social psychology and personality psychology. It provides insight into the methodology of studying social representations, attitudes, and personality traits. Through interactive lectures, students will become familiar with:
| An offered grade for the course can be earned through regular and documented participation throughout the semester. Based on the results of short tests during the semester, OR equivalent exercises assigned and completed during lectures, and the results of two major exams. If a student does not wish to accept the offered grade or is not satisfied with it, they may take an exam during the exam period. Method of determining the final grade (for both the offered grade and the exam): 51 and above – 5 44–50 – 4 37–43 – 3 31–36 – 2 30 and below – 1 |
5th Semester DRM 3. Workshop-based research conducting and writing semester | This semester, students conduct and write their research papers. They may choose a topic from the fields of general psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, or personality psychology. Faculty members of the Institute provide tutorial-style assistance in completing the research project. | Research paper The requirements and assessment criteria are described in the following guidelines. |
As part of the DRM 3. seminar, students are expected to conduct independent empirical research and write a paper of academic quality; methodological resources and evaluation criteria are available to students for this purpose (see “Guides”).
We have summarized the most important information regarding the course here:
The same ethical approval rules apply to empirical DRM 3. research projects as those that generally apply to research conducted by students (see “Ethics”).
Key points to note: For every empirical research project, a decision must be made, in consultation with the course instructor, regarding whether the project poses any ethical risks to participants and, if so, how the researcher will address and minimize those risks. The ethics form, including the informed consent plan and text, must be approved by the instructor through consultation. Data collection may only begin once this step has been completed!
The completed and approved form must be attached as an appendix to the final research paper!
The paper must be uploaded electronically via the CooSpace platform, which is also accessible from the institute’s website (as instructed).
The deadlines for submitting the various drafts of the research papers, as well as the final version, are set by the instructor and announced in the course syllabus at the beginning of the semester. It is important to submit the final version by the exact deadline—late submissions will not be accepted.
Research papers are graded using a standardized grading sheet. The instructor grades the assignments within 10 days of submission and sends the grading sheet to the student via CooSpace: grading sheet for empirical research papers
The grading scale is consistent across all DRM 3. courses:
90–100: Excellent
80–89: Good
70–79: Average
60–69: Satisfactory
Below 60: Fail
In case of a failing grade:
Students must retake the DRM 3. course the next time it is offered. You must correct the issues identified in the evaluation and resubmit the paper for grading. You must include the previous evaluation sheet with your resubmission! Consultations are not required for the retaken course; resubmitting the paper is sufficient.
In an empirical research paper, students formulate a research question and hypothesis(es) based on the literature and theoretical background, analyze data they have collected themselves, answer the questions posed, and draw conclusions from the analysis. In the paper, the student reviews the prior literature on the subject, presents and justifies the methods of analysis.
Length:
The length of the empirical research paper, referring to the main text, is a minimum of 10 pages, with 1.5 line spacing and 12-point Times New Roman (or similar) font. The paper should not exceed 15 pages. The text of the paper should be continuous; DO NOT leave a blank page after each subsection!
References:
For an empirical paper, you must analyze at least 5 peer-reviewed journal articles.
The reference list should primarily include primary sources (articles containing original research reports or theoretical works) and secondary sources (review articles or books). Tertiary sources (e.g., textbooks, encyclopedias, including Wikipedia) may only be included beyond the required number of references and only when justified. If only the abstract of an important article relevant to the topic is available, a citation to the abstract should be included in the reference list; however, this counts as one-quarter of a citation.
A fundamental rule for compiling the reference list is that it should include only those items that are cited in the text. The list should NOT include items that appear relevant based on their titles but that the author of the paper was unable to read.
Content and Format Requirements:
The research paper must be prepared in accordance with the general content and format requirements specified by the Institute of Psychology.
Drafting a research proposal is the first step in the empirical workshop-based course (see “Empirical Papers – Research Plan Template”). The purpose of the research proposal is to ensure that the work can begin in a well-thought-out and well-founded manner.
The faculty policy can be found here.
If the thesis is a further developed version of a previous piece of work, at least 70% of the thesis must differ from the text and content of the previously written paper.
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