Annual BSc Applied Psychology Thesis Talks Seminar
This event provides final year BSc Applied Psychology students with an opportunity to learn from recent graduates’ final year research projects and careers and postgraduate study. This event was organised and chaired by Sinéad Meade, Lecturer in Applied Psychology at IADT.
L-R: Sinéad Meade, Lecturer in Applied Psychology IADT, and IADT Applied Psychology graduates Olivia Wynne, Isabel Goodall, Sophie Kathryn.
Four recent Applied Psychology graduates gave very informative talks on their major research projects. First, Sophie Kathryn spoke about ‘Investigating the Relationship between Empathy, Gratitude and Prosocial Behaviour’. Sophie is currently starting work as a Youth Development Leader at Cross Care, Dún Laoghaire. Second, Olivia Wynne gave a talk on ‘Multifaceted and Education-only Flow interventions: The effect on Subjective Performance and Flow State in Rock Climbing’. Olivia is studying a Masters of Psychological Science at UCD. Additionally, Olivia works as a Research Assistant at UCD, an Instructor at St. John of God, and volunteers at the National Rehabilitation Hospital. Third, Isabel Goodall talked about ‘An Investigation into the Differences, in Personality Traits and Life Satisfaction, between Volunteer Type. Isabel is also working at Cross Care. At the same time, Isabel volunteers at an outdoor adventure youth centre and plans to volunteer in the area of mental health in Sri Lanka next year.
Finally, Ellie McDonald joined the seminar virtually from London to give a talk on ‘Exploring Undergraduate Students’ Attitudes towards Class Attendance and their Motivations for Attending’. Ellie is a George Moore scholar studying a MSc in Developmental and Educational Psychology at University College London.
After the talks, there was a very engaging Q&A discussion. The speakers shared very useful tips and advice about the major research project, work and volunteering, and applications for postgraduate study and scholarship. Moreover, they conveyed a very positive and motivating message to the 4th years to utilise all the supports available to them at IADT, and to invest their time and energy in coursework and other activities that will help them to achieve both short-term and long-term goals.
Fourth year student, Lauren Divilly, commented “It was great to be able to talk to the past students and ask them questions that you wouldn’t think to ask lecturers, or questions that lecturers may not have the answer to! Not only did we get great information and advice for the MRP, we also got to talk to a George Moore scholar! Talking to the scholar inspired many students to think more about their future and the opportunities that are available to them. It was also great to hear about the different work and volunteer opportunities that are out there for Applied Psychology students and how much those opportunities will help us in the future.”
Anamarija Kuran, 4th year student, found that the seminar was really helpful. “I am grateful for being able to avail of great opportunity to learn more about the topics I am interested in such as the George Moore Scholarship and Major Research Project. The talk provided a valuable insight into the student experience related to the MRP. This helped to encourage and reassure us about developing our own MRP ideas. I would highly recommend attending this seminar to all 4th Year Psychology students who might feel stuck regarding their MRP ideas, but also to those who feel like they are already set with their MRP idea. This seminar helped me to prepare for not only my MRP, but also for future study and work.”