PSY8160 Psychology Masters Project A

Contents

• Staffing
• Requisites
• Rationale
• Synopsis
• Objectives
• Topics
• Texts
• Reference materials
• Student workload
• Assessment details
• Important assessment information
• Assessment notes
• Production date
• PDF version

STAFFING

REQUISITES

RATIONALE

The scientist-practitioner model of professional practice in psychology has broad consensual acceptance within the profession. It follows that students must be able to design a substantial empirical project concerned with the application of theory in a selected area. This course gives them the opportunity to do so in a supervised, learning environment.

SYNOPSIS

This is the first of two courses that contribute towards the Psychology Masters Project. The student will prepare to undertake a supervised research project by completing a literature review and determining a methodology, and obtaining the required ethical approval for the project.

OBJECTIVES

On successful completion of this course students will be able to demonstrate competencies in critically reviewing literature and competently designing research projects to address theoretical and practical questions and issues in the field, as identified in the APS Competencies for Psychologists (1996). Students will be able to:

1. critically evaluate current theoretical and empirical literature pertaining to a topic appropriate to the student's area of speciality (Assessment 1);
2. formulate objectives and hypotheses for further research based on the critical review (Assessment 1);
3. develop an appropriate model to guide the research project method and analyses (Assessment 1);
4. develop and apply appropriate methods for addressing the hypotheses or meeting the research objectives (Assessment 1);
5. address practical issues related to the project (Assessment 1);
6. prepare a research proposal to the specifications of the criteria described below (Assessment 1);
7. prepare and submit an Ethics Approval Application (Assessment 1).

TOPICS

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

Nil.

REFERENCE MATERIALS

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

Articles and books recommended by the supervisor.

American Psychological Association 2001, Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th edn, APA, Washington, DC.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete the research proposal satisfactorily, students must obtain a pass from the supervisor and one other marker in the Department. Any disagreement amongst markers will be arbitrated by the Program Co-ordinator.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit the assignment after the due date without prior approval from the Program Co-ordinator then a fail grade will be awarded.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment item, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by satisfactorily completing the Research Proposal.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   As P is the only passing grade available for this course, all students who are qualified for a passing grade will be given a grade of P. Other students will be given either a Failing grade or an Incomplete grade.
6. Examination information:
   There is no examination in this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   There will be no Deferred or Supplementary examinations in this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

This version produced 27 May 2008.