Student Psychology Study Bags Award Nomination
24 September 2012
Psychology student, and BPS Prize nominee Katie Brady
It feels very special to be nominated - and shortlisted - for this prize. I worked extremely hard on my study so it is wonderful not only to be recognised by the University but also by the British Psychological Society.
”Katie Brady
A psychological study carried out by a University of Derby student has been shortlisted for a national prize that recognises the quality of research.
Katie Brady, 26, from Derby, was shortlisted for the British Psychological Society Qualitative Methods in Psychology (QMip) Section's Undergraduate Project Prize.
Katie was nominated by her University lecturer, Dr Jenny Hallam, for her research which explored the sexualisation of girls within contemporary western cultures from a parental perspective. Katie carried out the study as part of the final year of her BSc (Hons) Psychology degree for which she was awarded First Class Honours.
Katie carried out interviews with mothers of eight to 12 year old girls, or 'tweens'; talking to them about how clothes choices were made within the family, and what the mothers perceived to be the major influences on their daughters. She then utilised the complex technique of Foucauldian discourse analysis (a method of analysing what is said with a particular focus on how power relationships are expressed) to explore the main themes that emerged.
In doing so Katie found that mothers feel their daughters are vulnerable recipients of the external influences of sexualisation, and that parents must work hard to protect their daughters from exposure to inappropriate media or clothing to protect children's innocence and enjoyment of childhood.
Dr Jenny Hallam said: "The standard of Katie's research was incredibly high. Not only did she approach a difficult subject with sensitivity she also decided to learn, and then use, a very complex method of analysis to explore her findings.
"As well as nominating Katie for this national prize we also asked her to present to psychology academics here at the University. Her study was very well received and we hope it will be published."
Katie said: "It feels very special to be nominated - and shortlisted - for this prize. I worked extremely hard on my study so it is wonderful not only to be recognised by the University but also by the British Psychological Society."
Katie narrowly missed out on the prize, which was awarded jointly to Emily Rogers from Aston University and David Brehme from Napier University.
For more information on studying Psychology at Derby visit www.derby.ac.uk/psychology
