BSc Applied Psychology Thesis Talks Seminar Series
This initiative aimed to provide final year students with an opportunity to learn from recent graduates’ final year research projects, postgraduate study, and careers. Before the first seminar began, the final year students enjoyed a coffee and refreshments social event in the student canteen sponsored by the Department of Technology and Psychology. Then Head of Department, Dr Andrew Errity, opened the seminar series in the Carriglea building. The seminars were very well attended, and they were chaired by the co-organisers Sinéad Meade and Clíona Flood, and by Dr John Greaney.
Eight Applied Psychology graduates gave talks: Nicholas Rooney, ‘Exploring Mood Changes Based on Exercise Type and Intensity’; Clodagh McCarthy, ‘Investigating the Impact of Tinder’s User Interface on Choice and Interaction with Potential Matches in Online Dating’; Jade Walsh, ‘Societal Attitudes Towards Prenatal Mental Health: Knowledge and Prenatal Condition Effects’; Clìona Gaffrey Moran, ‘Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Caffeine Consumption on Eyewitness Memory’; Jane Gaffey, ‘Evaluating the Role of Mindfulness, Spirituality and Art in Addiction Recovery: A Qualitative Study of an Online Addiction Forum’; Weronika Kaczmarek-Gajewska, ‘The Effect of Website Colour on Saturation on Trustworthiness and Visual Appeal Impressions’; Francis McDonnell, ‘Expert perspectives on cybersafety for adults with intellectual disability’; Rachel Sarsfield Ryan, ‘Effect of the Relationships between Altruism, Self-Compassion and Compassion’.
Fourth year student, Rebecca Montague, commented that “It was great to see where past students have gone and what they have accomplished. It made me aware of the George Moore Scholarship and other postgrad options that I did not know about before. The talks also gave us a chance to network with past students on LinkedIn which I really appreciated.”
Classmate Olivia Wynne found “the topics and information presented interesting and engaging” further explaining “I learned a lot about doing a final year major research project. One of the main things I found helpful was hearing reassurance from the students who had done it before and realizing that encountering obstacles during the project is normal. I found it helpful when it was highlighted that it is important to adequately prepare for the data collection to make it as seamless as possible. This is definitely something that I am going to try and apply to my own major research project.”
Olivia continued “I was particularly interested in Jade Walsh’s project which highlighted the important issue of stigma around perinatal mental health conditions. Nicholas Rooney’s study on exercise and mood inspired me to use a similar research design for my major research project on flow and rock climbing. I found it interesting to hear about Jane Gaffey’s qualitative MRP study and how she conducted the analysis in a systematic and objective way. Jane also provided insightful information about her Master’s degree and scholarships. Clodagh McCarthy was particularly helpful in providing information on the George Moore Scholarship. This prompted me to reach out to Clodagh in relation to my George Moore Scholarship application and she provided me with invaluable information and support. The seminar series definitely provided an opportunity to network. This was greatly appreciated because it helped to make up for the lack of opportunities to network with other students during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Olivia continued “I was particularly interested in Jade Walsh’s project which highlighted the important issue of stigma around perinatal mental health conditions. Nicholas Rooney’s study on exercise and mood inspired me to use a similar research design for my major research project on flow and rock climbing. I found it interesting to hear about Jane Gaffey’s qualitative MRP study and how she conducted the analysis in a systematic and objective way. Jane also provided insightful information about her Master’s degree and scholarships. Clodagh McCarthy was particularly helpful in providing information on the George Moore Scholarship. This prompted me to reach out to Clodagh in relation to my George Moore Scholarship application and she provided me with invaluable information and support. The seminar series definitely provided an opportunity to network. This was greatly appreciated because it helped to make up for the lack of opportunities to network with other students during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Lorna Corcoran reported that “All of the graduates who spoke with us were very professional, but also very approachable. The fact that they were all recent graduates had a double impact; they could remember what it was like writing a thesis, so they were able to give us solid advice about getting through it, while at the same time, because they were a few years ahead of us, their career paths were of great interest. I was particularly impressed by Jane Gaffey, as her thesis is of a similar nature to my own. I feel that having these graduates talk to us has helped us all with planning our theses. However, it also showed us that there is life after college, which is sometimes forgotten with the pressure of academic life. It was a very valuable experience.”
Head of Research at IADT, Daithí MacSíthigh, conveyed that “This series of informative and thoughtful presentations by Applied Psychology graduates is an important part of the development of a vibrant research culture in our institution. The projects presented encapsulated the societal and economic importance of scholarly research, including the provision of robust evidence relevant to public policy and to the challenges we face, in domains ranging from equality to technology to health. The links between the research interests of staff and students, and the engagement with partner organisations beyond IADT, provide excellent opportunities for further work and dissemination. I was delighted to be able to hear Applied Psychology graduates presenting their findings and reflecting on their research journeys, and wish them well with their next steps.”