Postgraduate - UnitEDF6535 - Psychology thesis part 1

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2014 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.

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12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL

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

Level	Postgraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Education
Offered	Clayton First semester 2014 (Off-campus) Clayton First semester 2014 (Evening) Clayton Second semester 2014 (Off-campus) Clayton Second semester 2014 (Evening)
Coordinator(s)	Dr Janette Simmonds

Synopsis

This unit is a research study focusing on a particular theory, issue, challenge, dilemma, concern or problem in the field of psychology, undertaken with a supervisor. While students will be expected to demonstrate initiative and independence, the supervisor will offer guidance, support and feedback over the course of the research. The thesis is especially important for students who are intending to undertake further higher degree studies. Graduates who have successfully completed the Psychology thesis (both part 1 and part 2) will be able to use this 12,000 to 16,000 word study as evidence of independent research experience in an application for entry into the PhD or Doctor of Education programs.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

produce a thesis that displays competence in understanding and carrying out research in the field of psychology, but with less emphasis on comprehensive knowledge and originality as required in a PhD or EdD
devise a research topic to investigate that is feasible within the two-unit time frame
identify key research questions that are not too general and ambitious
select and review relevant theory and literature
design a study and choose appropriate methods to investigate research questions
select appropriate modes of analysis
consider ethical issues involved in research
implement, critically appraise or apply research in a particular field
prepare a comprehensive written report that is professionally presented and contains all the required components including a bibliography at the end.

Assessment

In conjunction with EDF6536 the Master of Psychology research thesis is a 12,000 to 16,000 word research project. The format of the research project must comply with the options as set out in the APAC Accreditation Standards research requirements for postgraduate coursework degrees at the time of commencing in the research.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Janette Simmonds

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload equals 24 hours per week.

Prerequisites

Students must successfully complete coursework units. However, students may, with the written agreement of the course adviser, undertake a thesis before completing all the coursework requirements.