PSY8604 Psychology Doctorate Project D

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 applied research skills to conduct a substantial program of research concerning a meaningful problem within the practice of psychology. This course gives the student the opportunity to develop skills in reporting on and critically examining the findings from the program of research conducted in Psychology Doctorate Project B and Project C.

SYNOPSIS

This is the fourth of four project courses that contribute to the professional doctorate. This course involves the completion of the research component as outlined in the proposal submitted in Project A and conducted in the studies in Project B and Project C. The student will be expected to exhibit competence in using the appropriate analytical procedures to examine the hypotheses guiding the research program, reporting and integrating the results of the studies completed, critically examining the findings in terms of theoretical underpinnings of the research, previous findings, methodological issues, and directions for future study. When required, it is also expected that the student will use qualitative and quantitative techniques to triangulate sources of evidence and substantiate the thesis arguments. A written report (up to 30,000 words) will be submitted for examination and an oral presentation of findings will be required. The quality of the dissertation will meet the standard of a good refereed journal in its field.

OBJECTIVES

On successful completion of this course students will be able to demonstrate competencies in critically reviewing literature and competently conducting research projects to address theoretical and practical questions and issues in the field. In general they will be able to:

1. demonstrate analytical, critical and creative thinking in postulating research hypotheses and problems (Assessment 1);
2. operationalise research procedures; triangulate sources of evidence; report and critically examine findings (Assessment 1);
3. postulate new directions of research and new unsolved problems (Assessment 1);
4. suggest new paradigms and methods of investigation and (Assessment 1);
5. present findings and ideas for future research in a professional and scientific manner (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 satisfactorily, students must obtain a pass from two external markers. 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 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.