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PSY4001 Psychology Honours Project 1

Subject Cat-nbr Class Term Mode Description Units Campus
PSY 4001 91287 2, 2009 ONC Psychology Honours Project 1 1.50 Springfield
Academic group: FOSCI
Academic org: FOS005
Student contribution band: 1
ASCED code: 090701

Contents


STAFFING

Examiner: Gerry Tehan
Moderator: Graeme Senior


REQUISITES

Pre-requisite: Students must be enrolled in one of the following Programs: BSCH in Psychology major (12302) or BPSH or BPSY Co-requisite: PSY4010


RATIONALE

Psychologists in professional practice or research must be able to conduct a substantial empirical scientific study concerning the application of psychological knowledge and techniques and then write a report of sufficient academic rigour to be published and distributed such that they are worthy of the consideration of their professional colleagues.



SYNOPSIS

This is the first of two courses that contribute towards the Psychology Honours Project. The overall project will involve an individual piece of research in a selected area of psychology in which information concerning an approved research topic is gathered, organised, analysed and discussed in a critical and evaluative manner. The study requires advanced knowledge of statistics and research methodology. In this first course, students are required to decide on a topic; submit a draft of the introduction and method sections and an application for ethical clearance; and begin the initial stages of the research project.



OBJECTIVES

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1.
formulate a research question and/or hypotheses based on previous literature in the chosen field (Introduction draft);
2.
describe an appropriate methodology that will address the particular research question and/or hypotheses (Method draft);
3.
obtain and/or develop any materials necessary for the conduct of the project (e.g., questionnaires, software, psychological tests) (Method draft);
4.
demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues inherent in the chosen project, and be able to address ethical issues in a manner that is consistent with Australian Psychological Society guidelines (Ethics Application);
5.
write the first draft of the introduction and method sections of the thesis (Introduction draft; method draft).
6.
complete an application for ethics clearance of a research project that uses human or animal participants (Ethics Application);


TOPICS


Description Weighting (%)
1. To be determined by the student in consultation with his/her supervisor.
 100.00

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).

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



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.

Reference materials will depend on the particular topic under investigation. While different types of materials may be consulted, depending on the nature of the topic, it is envisaged that psychology journal articles will make up the bulk of the reference materials.

The references listed above are guides that may assist students in their selection of topics and writing up of their thesis project.

Adelheid, AMN & Pexman, PM 1999, Presenting your findings: A practice guide for creating tables, American Psychological Society, Washington DC.

Adelheid, AMN & Pexman, PM 2003, Displaying your findings: A practice guide for creating figures, posters, and presentations, American Psychological Society, Washington DC.

Cone, JD & Foster, SL 2006, Dissertations and theses from start to finish: Psychology and related fields, 2nd edn, American Psychological Society, Washington DC.

Meltzoff, J 1997, Critical thinking about research: Psychology and related fields, American Psychological Society, Washington DC.

Miller, AB 2008, Finish your dissertation once and for all! How to overcome psychological barriers, get results, and move on with your life, American Psychological Society, Washington DC.
(Reference materials will depend on the particular topic under investigation. While different types of materials may be consulted, depending on the nature of the topic, it is envisaged that psychology journal articles will make up the bulk of the reference materials.)



STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ACTIVITY HOURS
Lectures 39.00
Private Study 115.00
Supervisor Consultation 13.00


ASSESSMENT DETAILS

Description Marks out of Wtg(%) Due date Notes
ETHICS APPLICATION 1.00 33.00 20 Jul 2009 (see note 1)
INTRODUCTION DRAFT 1.00 34.00 20 Jul 2009 (see note 2)
METHOD DRAFT 1.00 33.00 20 Jul 2009 (see note 3)
NOTES
1.
Assessment task submission dates will be advised during the semester.
2.
Assessment task submission dates will be advised during the semester.
3.
Assessment task submission dates will be advised during the semester.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

  1. Attendance requirements:
    It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures and consultation with supervisors) 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 all assessment items satisfactorily, students must submit each assessment item.
  3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
    Please see the extension policy contained in the 2009 Thesis Guidelines. This is available from http://www.usq.edu.au/sciences/psychology/resources.htm
  4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
    If assessment items are submitted, the student will be awarded an interim grade of IIP, indicating satisfactory performance in the course. Please note that the mark of 1 awarded for each of these pieces of assessment is just a nominal mark to indicate that the assessment piece has been received and is deemed to be satisfactory. Students who do not qualify for an IIP grade may, at the discretion of the Examiner, be assigned additional work to demonstrate to the Examiner that they have achieved the required standard.
  5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
    When the Psychology Research Project has been assessed in its entirety, the grade of IIP will be changed to the final grade. For example, if the student receives an HD for his/her dissertation at the completion of Psychology Honours Project 2, then the grade of IIP for Psychology Honours Project 1 would be changed to an HD.
  6. Examination information:
    There is no examination in this course.
  7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
    As there were no examinations in this course there will be no Deferred or Supplementary examinations.
  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

9. Detailed instructions regarding the assessment items will be handed out in classes. Students must familiarise themselves with these instructions.
10. While all students must submit the assessment items, the other research tasks that will be accomplished during the semester will depend on the nature and time line of the particular project. Early in the semester, the student and his/her supervisor must decide on specific objectives for the course. These objectives should be put in writing and a copy kept by the student and the supervisor. Tasks may involve such things as writing a second draft of the literature review, developing materials, collecting data, or other research activities specified by the supervisor. At the end of the semester, the student and supervisor should review the student's progress in meeting the objectives.
11. The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner.
12. Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be produced within five days if required by the Examiner.
13. Extensions for the each assessment item will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. Applications for extensions must be endorsed by the supervisor, and submitted in writing to the examiner. See the 2009 Thesis Guidelines for more information. The supervisor and student may negotiate extensions for other work not related to the assessment items. However, such extensions would usually only be given if there were extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control. If extenuating circumstances are likely to severely disrupt the student's progress, the student and supervisor should inform the examiner as soon as possible so that suitable options can be discussed.
14. The Faculty will normally only accept assessments that have been written, typed or printed on paper-based media.
15. The Faculty will NOT accept submission of assignments by facsimile.
16. Students who do not have regular access to postal services or who are otherwise disadvantaged by these regulations may be given special consideration. They should contact the examiner of the course to negotiate such special arrangements.
17. In the event that a due date for an assignment falls on a local public holiday in their area, such as a Show holiday, the due date for the assignment will be the next day. Students are to note on the assignment cover the date of the public holiday for the Examiner's convenience.
18. Students who have undertaken all of the required assessments in a course but who have failed to meet some of the specified objectives of a course within the normally prescribed time may be awarded the temporary grade: IM (Incomplete - Make up). An IM grade will only be awarded when, in the opinion of the examiner, a student will be able to achieve the remaining objectives of the course after a period of non directed personal study.
19. Students who, for medical, family/personal, or employment-related reasons, are unable to complete an assignment at the scheduled time may apply to defer an assessment in a course. Such a request must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. The following temporary grade may be awarded IDM (Incomplete Deferred Make-up).
20. Students are strongly advised to maintain regular contact with their supervisor. Students should carefully read the information pertaining to the supervisor-student relationship contained in the course handouts.
21. Students are not allowed to begin data collection until the Ethics Application for their project has been approved in writing.

This version produced 11 Dec 2009.
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