Unit rationale, description and aim
The practice of psychology is based on the scientist-practitioner model, and as such, knowledge and critical analysis of research is essential for evidence-based practice. This is the first of two units, in which the student engages in a significant research investigation/project. This unit supports students to identify research questions and develop the ability to formulate a defensible research proposal based on a review of the most relevant available literature. In this unit, students complete the groundwork for the project including a detailed research proposal and ethics application (as appropriate). The project will address an area of relevance to the specialisation stream (Clinical or Educational & Developmental) in which the student is enrolled.
The unit aims to develop generic and specific skills in students in relation to the formulation of a research proposal in an area of psychology related to the student's specialisation stream (Clinical or Educational & Developmental).
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Describe knowledge and skills in designing an orig...
Learning Outcome 01
Assimilate relevant literature, concepts and resea...
Learning Outcome 02
Develop an evidence-based research project that is...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
This unit involves up to 12 hours of lectures on advanced research topics, which may include:
- Planning and conducting an evidence-based project
- Systematic literature reviews
- Meta analysis
- Library search strategies
- Qualitative methods.
Students will also explore a range of possible topics with Psychology staff, and select a topic of research relevant to the student’s specialisation stream, liaison with the student’s supervisor, production of a written research proposal for approval, and completion of a progress report (e.g., to ensure ethics clearance for the project).
By the end of this stage, students should have completed a detailed written proposal, submitted a relevant ethics application and made adequate progress in their research overall.
Assessment strategy and rationale
A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit objectives consistent with University assessment requirements. All assessments in this unit are graded hurdle tasks because students are completing an APAC accredited postgraduate psychology program with a requirement that all competencies related to the level of study are assessed and confirmed to be met. The written proposal, including a review of the literature, assesses the capacity to understand the research area, conceptualise, design and write up a research proposal at postgraduate level, demonstrating logical organisation of the material and coverage of content. The written proposal will be developed by the student and reviewed by their supervisor and a member of staff. The process of writing the proposal will allow the student to demonstrate the ability to plan a viable research project. The progress report will require students to detail their progress to date, for example submission of ethics application to HREC or summary of review search process and results. HREC ethics submission for projects involving data collection or analyses of existing data sets will ensure that the research project adheres to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research with respect to the ethical principles of respect, research merit and integrity, justice, and beneficence. The progress report will be completed by the student and supervisor and provides an opportunity to assess whether the student is ready to proceed to the final thesis unit.
To pass this unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome and pass all assessment tasks. The passing mark for each of the assessment tasks is 50%. If students fail their original submission (i.e., first attempt) they are provided with another opportunity to pass the assessment task (i.e., second attempt). If the student passes the second attempt, the highest mark that they can achieve on that assessment task is 50%.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1 - Written Research Proposal Re...
Assessment Task 1 - Written Research Proposal
Requires students to demonstrate capacity to understand the research area, conceptualise, and design a project.
Hurdle (Pass/Fail)
Assessment Task 2 - Progress Report
Assessment Task 2 - Progress Report
Hurdle (Pass/Fail)
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Postgraduate students in psychology are provisional psychologists are expected to be independent learners who take responsibility for their own learning. As such, a variety of teaching and learning approaches will be used according to the needs of the research project and the student such as: workshops, meetings and seminars. Lectures will delivered in face-to-face mode with up to 12 hours of lectures delivered in weekly or intensive modes. In addition, regular meetings with the supervisor, research team or other relevant staff members, and research activities will be required as recommended by staff. Contact time and mode are negotiated on an individual basis. Attendance at the School’s research colloquia is expected in order to broaden exposure to a range of research methodologies. Approximately 150 hours of study time is required for this unit including project management, review writing, and associated activities.