This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2016 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.

EDF5741 - Psychology thesis part 1

12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL

Postgraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Education

Coordinator(s)

Dr Louise McLean

Offered

Clayton

First semester 2016 (Day)
Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This is a unit of research study focusing on a particular theory, issue, challenge, dilemma, concern or problem in the field of psychology, undertaken with a supervisor. While students are expected to demonstrate initiative and independence, the supervisor offers 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) are 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 course.

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
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.

Assessment

In conjunction with EDF5742, the Master of Educational and Developmental 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.

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload equals 288 hours per semester.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr John Roodenburg

Prerequisites

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