Hi Zeynep,
Thanks for your question!
It depends a little on the project(s) that your supervisor will offer. We do have a large departmental dataset that students may use for secondary data analysis, and your supervisor may offer this as an option for your dissertation. This dataset has lots of questionnaires included that could be used for secondary data analysis, including those related to Individual Differences (i.e., Big 5 Personality, Self-esteem, social media use, etc).
If you chose this option, you wouldn't necessarily need to work in a group. However, it may be helpful to remember that your dissertation is one project that you may prefer to work with others for both practical and social support.
I should clarify: if you choose developmental as a topic, it does not necessarily mean that you'll use secondary data analysis. Supervisors may have an opportunity for primary data collection in their labs. Just note that dissertations are not typically completed on vulnerable populations like children and clinical populations because the ethics approval process is significantly more detailed and complicated, and takes longer to receive approval than is practical for a single-year research project.
Best,
Stephanie
Thanks for your question!
It depends a little on the project(s) that your supervisor will offer. We do have a large departmental dataset that students may use for secondary data analysis, and your supervisor may offer this as an option for your dissertation. This dataset has lots of questionnaires included that could be used for secondary data analysis, including those related to Individual Differences (i.e., Big 5 Personality, Self-esteem, social media use, etc).
If you chose this option, you wouldn't necessarily need to work in a group. However, it may be helpful to remember that your dissertation is one project that you may prefer to work with others for both practical and social support.
I should clarify: if you choose developmental as a topic, it does not necessarily mean that you'll use secondary data analysis. Supervisors may have an opportunity for primary data collection in their labs. Just note that dissertations are not typically completed on vulnerable populations like children and clinical populations because the ethics approval process is significantly more detailed and complicated, and takes longer to receive approval than is practical for a single-year research project.
Best,
Stephanie
