Writing a research paper when you're not a student? - Psychology?

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ladee_jayne

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I am fascinated with Psychology (Forensics in particular). I have done many 'low level' courses including a Diploma in Psychology, and hope to enrol to do my Bsc Psychology later this year. I am 26 years old so will be a mature student.
I wanted to conduct a research project over the coming months before enrolling, to add weight to my CV/Portfolio, and also to give me additional skills in research, and the area of Forensics.

Can anyone give me any advice on starting a research project on you own?

My dream would be to write a paper and have it published, but one step at a time!

Any advice really appreciated
 
If you want to study people, it is important that you get ethical understanding so you don't unintentionally harm someone. You don't really need to have the study to strengthen your case, but it is essential that you have the prerequisite qualifications to get onto the BSc, that's what they will look at. The study could then take part as your dissertation. I am currently doing an MSc Occupational Psychology, but my university also have the MSc Forensics, which sounds very interesting. Your research skills will be developed on such course; I am still learning. Depending on how my dissertation goes and the mark I get next year, I will apply to have it published. It will need to be an exceptionally high standard to be published in a journal. It is also important to remember that the majority that are, tend to be significant.
 
All research requires ethical standards to be adhered, The APA has ethical rules on conducting research. Maybe you write a literature review on a topic of interest thus not doing the actual research (which is quite a complex process). If you do a good lit review you can maybe use that lit review in a future study once you have gotten into the course.
 
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