units

PSY3041

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

18 September 2017 27 December 2024
Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2013 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

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LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational UnitSchool of Psychology and Psychiatry
OfferedCaulfield First semester 2013 (Off-campus)
Clayton First semester 2013 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2013 (Off-campus)
Sunway First semester 2013 (Day)
Peninsula First semester 2013 (Off-campus)
South Africa First semester 2013 (Day)
Coordinator(s)Dr Greg Yelland

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. Attendance at weekend school is highly recommended 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): 3525%
Ethics report (1500 word): 15%
Class Participation Activities: 10%
Exam (3 hours): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Greg Yelland

Contact hours

The School strongly recommends attendance at lectures however, they are optional. Laboratory classes are compulsory in order to complete the assessment associated with attendance.

Off-campus attendance requirements

WESch classes are compulsory in order to complete the assessment associated with attendance. Please refer to the specific unit requirements for more detail. It is common practice, where possible, to timetable at least two WESsch options in each core unit. Sessions may be held at Clayton or Caulfield campuses.

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