PSY4002 Psychology Honours Project 2

PSY	4002	86569	1, 2009	ONC	Psychology Honours Project 2	1.50	Toowoomba
Subject	Cat-nbr	Class	Term	Mode	Description	Units	Campus

Academic group:	FOSCI
Academic org:	FOS005
Student contribution band:	1
ASCED code:	090701

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

STAFFING

Examiner: Andrea Lamont-Mills
Moderator: Nola Passmore

REQUISITES

Pre-requisite: PSY4001 and Students must be enrolled in one of the following Programs: BSCH in Psychology major (12302) or BPSH or BPSY

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 second 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 second course, students will continue working on the research project that was approved in Psychology Honours Project 1 and submit their final dissertation.

OBJECTIVES

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1.: demonstrate analytical and critical thinking about the chosen research topic and related issues within the discipline of psychology (Dissertation; Discussion Draft);
2.: demonstrate competence in each component of scientific research procedures; namely, identifying research problems, formulating hypotheses, defining variables, collecting data, analysing data using appropriate quantitative or qualitative techniques, interpreting data, and drawing conclusions (Dissertation; Results Draft);
3.: competently present the literature review, methodology, results, and discussion in the format of a dissertation that follows the guidelines of the American Psychological Association (Dissertation).

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, American Psychological Association, 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.

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

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 ournal articles will make up the bulk of the reference materials.

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

Adelheid, AMN & Pexman, PM 1999, Presenting your findings: A practice guide for creating tables, 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.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ACTIVITY	HOURS
Private Study	296.00
Supervisor Consultation	26.00
Workshops	16.00

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

Description	Marks out of	Wtg(%)	Due date	Notes
RESULTS DRAFT	1.00	0.00	02 Mar 2009	(see note 1)
DISCUSSION DRAFT	1.00	0.00	02 Mar 2009	(see note 2)
DISSERTATION	100.00	100.00	02 Mar 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

Attendance requirements:
It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as workshops and consultation with supervisor) 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.
Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
To satisfactorily complete an individual assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks or a grade of at least C-.
Penalties for late submission of required work:
Please see the detailed extension policy contained in the 2009 Thesis Guidelines. This is available from http://www.usq.edu.au/sciences/psychology/resources.htm.
Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
To be assured of a Passing grade, a student must receive at least 50% of the total weighted marks for the dissertation. Students who do not qualify for a Passing grade may, at the discretion of the Examiner, be awarded additional work to demonstrate to the Examiner that they have achieved the required standard. It is expected that such students will have gained at least 45% of the total marks available for the dissertation.
Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
The final grade will be assigned on the basis of the mark obtained for the dissertation.
Examination information:
There is no examination in this course.
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.
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.	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.
10.	Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be produced within five days if required by the Examiner.
11.	The supervisor and student may negotiate extensions for the completion of work associated with the objectives. 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. Please see the extension policy in the 2009 Thesis Guidelines.
12.	The Faculty will normally only accept assessments that have been written, typed or printed on paper-based media.
13.	The Faculty will NOT accept submission of assignments by facsimile.
14.	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.
15.	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.
16.	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.
17.	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).

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

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 2008 Psychology 4th year handbook. Students need email and internet access to complete their project.

This version produced 11 Dec 2009.