PSY3062

Research methods and theory ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Nikki Rickard

Offered:
Caulfield Second semester 2006 (Evening)
Caulfield Second semester 2006 (OCL)
Clayton Second semester 2006 (Day)
Gippsland Second semester 2006 (OCL)
Singapore Second semester 2006 (OCL)
South Africa Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: In this unit, students will continue their training in research via 3 components. First, this unit will address issues of broad conceptual interest that are important to the development of critical and reflective views of psychology. Second, research design and analysis topics presented in first and second year will be explored at a more advanced level. The major focus of this component will be analysis of variance and multiple regression. Finally, students will continue their training in research design and analysis by undertaking a group-based research project under the supervision of a member of staff.

Objectives: On completion of this unit students will have: 1. extended their understanding of the role of conceptual and theoretical investigation in the creation and evaluation of psychological research; 2. developed a greater appreciation of the impact of cultural and personal values on the development of psychological theories; 3. acquired the ability to examine and reflect upon sources of diversity in contemporary psychological knowledge; 4. extend their understanding of how to perform and interpret analysis of variance and multiple regression, and the conditions under which these statistical analyses are used; 5. attained knowledge of the research process from the original idea to hypothesis testing, data collection and analysis/interpretation; and 6. acquired in-depth knowledge on a specific research area of psychology.

Assessment: Research project report 50%, Theoretical psychology (2 x short reports): 25%, Research Design and Analysis Exam 25% + Hurdle requirement: 75% lab attendance

Contact Hours: Theoretical Psychology: 1 x 1 hour lecture per week, Research Project: 1 x 2 hour laboratory per week, Research Design and Analysis: 1 x 1 hour lecture every second week alternating with 1 x 1 hour tutorial every second week Private study: An additional 8 hours a week (literature review, statistics exercises, data collection and analysis, and report writing) is expected for a 6 point unit.

Off-campus attendance requirements: 12 hours compulsory attendance at a weekend school (10.00am-5.00pm). In addition, students are expected to spend up to 11 hours a week reading the lecture summaries and/or listening to the audio lectures, and completing set exercises for the research component of the subject. Singapore students: 6 hours with Monash tutor + 3 hours each week for a total of 10 weeks with local tutor. In addition, students are expected to spend up to an additional 8 hours a week reading the lecture summaries and/or listening to the audio lectures, and completing set exercises for the research component of the subject.

Prerequisites: (PSY2011 and PSY2022) or (PSY2051, PSY3041 and (PSY2031 or PSY2042))