PSY8170 Psychology Masters Project B

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 conduct 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 second of two courses that contribute to the Psychology Masters Project. The course will consist of an individual empirical project in a selected area of psychology of relevance to the student's chosen specialisation. Under the supervision of a staff member, the student will design the study based on a review of appropriate literature, collect and analyse data and write a report normally of 9,000 to 15,000 words (but not exceeding 20,000 words). It is expected that the report of the project would be of sufficient standard to be accepted for publication in a professional journal.

OBJECTIVES

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. demonstrate the ability to think analytically, critically and creatively about a chosen research topic and related issues within the area of specialisation chosen (Assessment 1);
2. demonstrate competence in each component of empirical research procedures, viz; identify and analyse research problems, formulate hypotheses, operationalise research procedures, collect relevant data, carry out appropriate analysis of data, interpret results obtained, and draw appropriate conclusions (Assessment 1);
3. competently write a report of a research project to communicate all aspects of the project to professional peers (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).

Department of Psychology, "Preparing a Dissertation - Guidelines for Successfully Completing a Psychology Masters Project A & B". [NB: To be provided by the Department]

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.

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. International students must attend all activities scheduled for them and ensure that their attendance is registered with the staff member in charge of the activity.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete the Dissertation satisfactorily, students must obtain a pass from two markers (one from the Department and one external). Any disagreement amongst markers will be arbitrated by the Program Co-ordinator.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit the dissertation 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 dissertation, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by satisfactorily completing the dissertation.
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.