PSY8601 Psychology Doctorate Project A

Contents

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

STAFFING

REQUISITES

RATIONALE

The scholar-practitioner model of training in psychology has broad consensual acceptance within the applied profession. The professional doctorate therefore requires the student to be proficient in critically reviewing relevant theory and research to assist in the identification, investigation and resolution of current issues within the practice of psychology. This course provides the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive theoretical and empirical literature review related to a specific problem the student wishes to investigate and to design a research program consisting of at least two studies to investigate identified theoretical and practical issues.

SYNOPSIS

This is the first of four project courses that contribute to the professional doctorate. The course involves selecting a topic and supervisor, conducting a thorough literature review, and developing a detailed thesis proposal that critically summarises the current substantive, practice and research methodology issues. The student will be expected to exhibit competence in conducting a thorough literature search using various data bases, identifying pivotal issues, formulating appropriate research questions and hypotheses derived from theory and empirical findings, and designing methods appropriate to investigating the research question(s). A written report (up to 8,000 words) will be submitted to the supervisor.

OBJECTIVES

On successful completion of this course students will be able to demonstrate competencies in critically reviewing literature to address theoretical and practical questions and issues in the field, and designing research programs to further investigate these questions and issues. In general the student will be able to:

1. demonstrate analytical, critical and creative thinking in postulating research hypotheses and problems (Assessment 1);
2. postulate new directions of research and new unsolved problems (Assessment 1);
3. write and summarise concepts in a professional and scientific manner (Assessment 1);
4. demonstrate competence in identifying and choosing procedures appropriate for addressing hypotheses, awareness of the limitations of the research plan they have chosen and account for these weaknesses and limitations; competence in assessing and addressing ethical concerns in research (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).

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 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 dissertation 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 16 Jun 2008.