Thesis

The Master’s thesis of the Health Promotion track functions as a final test to see whether you have mastered the skills necessary to become a researcher in this field. This process is based on the empirical cycle, which entails the following order of operation:
 

• Formulating a research question and corresponding hypotheses;
• Establishing a theoretical framework;
• Gathering and processing data;
• Evaluating the results in a written report;
• Presenting your findings in an oral presentation.

The Master’s thesis of the Social Influence track functions as a final test to see whether you have mastered the skills necessary to become a researcher in this field. This process is based on the empirical cycle, which entails the following order of operation:
 

• Formulating a research question and corresponding hypotheses;
• Establishing a theoretical framework;
• Gathering and processing data;
• Evaluating the results in a written report;
• Presenting your findings in an oral presentation.

Additionally, you will attend four colloquia, organised by the department, as part of the preparation process.

Social functioning
Central to Social Psychology is researching the human daily social behaviour. This so-called Social functioning takes place on various levels and can be researched as such, ranging from the social behaviour and functioning of individuals to the relations between individuals in a community or an organisation. The department conducts both fundamental and applied research on social functioning, and entails field as well as experimental research.  

Examples of research topics
The many different fields within this research area show the big importance of social functioning, social influence and social cognitive processing. Relevant topics include:
 

• The automatics and influence of social behaviour and social habits;
• Subconscious processes, health behaviour and social influence;
• The functionality and dysfunctionality in intimate relations;
• Social justice and its importance for human performance;
• Cultural norms and values;
• Morality and normative behaviour;
• Leadership in groups and organisations.

The Master’s thesis of the Work and Organisation track functions as a final test to see whether you have mastered the skills necessary to become a researcher in this field. You will propose, prepare and conduct an empirical study related to Work and Organisational Psychology, using the steps as described in the research cycle model:
 

• Formulating a hypothesis;
• Establishing a theoretical framework;
• Gathering, analysing and processing relevant data;
• Reporting your results orally and in writing.

It is essential that the proposed study can and will result in giving a form of recommendation. Students are therefore recommended to combine their thesis with their internship.

There is a vast list of subjects available within the field of Work and Organisational Psychology to choose as a thesis topic. Examples of actualities within this field include the following:
 

• Burnout, stress and sick leave;
• Job stress versus job boredom;
• Work engagement: being in the flow;
• Workaholism;
• Theory of work/family balance;
• Diversity and cultural differences at work;
• Performance and productivity;
• How teams function;
• Tailor-made jobs and career advice;
• Employees’ personal resource management;
• Positive interventions;
• Rookie versus veteran employees and employability;
• Scouting and selections: assessment practice;
• Power and leadership in organisations;
• Conflicts and mediation.