units

PSY3041

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

18 September 2017 24 November 2024
Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2012 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
OfferedCaulfield First semester 2012 (Off-campus)
Caulfield First semester 2012 (Evening)
Clayton First semester 2012 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2012 (Off-campus)
Sunway First semester 2012 (Day)
Peninsula First semester 2012 (Off-campus)
South Africa First semester 2012 (Day)
Coordinator(s)Dr Samuel Wilson

Synopsis

This unit introduces the principles and processes of test development and concepts of test reliability and validity. Some widely used standardised psychology tests will be described. The unit also covers theories of ability and how our thinking about human abilities is influenced by our cultural framework. Other major themes include methods for establishing the relative influence of heredity and environment on human intelligence, causes of intellectual disability, and intervention programs for disadvantaged and disabled children. A basic knowledge of the ethical, legal and professional responsibilities of psychologists will be provided. Compulsory weekend school for off-campus students.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will

  1. have some insight into the origins and social context in which psychometric testing developed;

  1. understand the principles of reliability, validity and item analysis;

  1. have practical experiences in test construction and administration;

  1. be able to critically evaluate the psychometric properties of psychological tests;

  1. gain knowledge in the interpretation of test scores;

  1. identify diverse applications of psychological testing;

  1. understand the relevant theories of intelligence;

  1. be familiar with genetic and environmental factors which influence human intelligence;

  1. be able to list some causes of intellectual disability;

  1. appreciate group differences in the testing process;

  1. identify the social implications of psychological testing; and

  1. understand the key ethical principles and identify potential ethical dilemmas and their possible solutions.

Assessment

Laboratory report (2000 words): 35%
Ethics report (1500 word): 15%
Exam (3 hours): 50%
Hurdle requirement: 75% lab attendance

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Samuel Wilson

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture, plus seven 2-hour laboratory classes over the semester

Off-campus attendance requirements

Compulsory attendance at weekend schools is required for all off-campus students.

Prerequisites

PSY2051 (or PSY2011 and PSY2022)

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.med.monash.edu.au/psych/course/ugrad/major-minor.html