6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL
Postgraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational Unit
School of Psychological Sciences
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Offered
- Teaching Period 1 2017 (Online)
- Teaching Period 3 2017 (Online)
- Teaching Period 5 2017 (Online)
Notes
Please note, this unit has had the following change/s during 2017: change to unit coordinator and chief examiner.
For previous handbook information please contact the Faculty office.
Synopsis
The aim of this unit is to provide students with a thorough understanding of statistical concepts to enable them to be informed in their chosen field. The unit begins with a review of univariate statistics and introduction to the philosophy of research design and analysis. More advanced statistical techniques are then systematically introduced. There is a focus on the understanding of the issues that may arise around the choice of appropriate statistical technique and preparation of data; critiquing decisions made to assist in the interpretation of findings. The content will be set in a context of the needs of professional psychologists and researchers whose interests present unusual methodological demands, which in turn may influence choices in research approach and statistical technique.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- Describe a range of methodological and philosophical principles in research design, analysis and interpretation;
- Describe, apply and evaluate research designs and analyses used by psychologists;
- Apply scientific research principles to data in practice;
- Critique data with a view to preparation, analysis and interpretation;
- Operate SPSS to analyse data for analysis;
- Critique and record decisions made in the process of research examples distinguishing between fact and inference in sets of analyses.
Assessment
- Essay (1,500 words) (30%)
- Lab report (2,000 words) (40%) (hurdle)
- 6 x Secure multiple choice quizzes (20 minutes each) (30% total)
Workload requirements
Students should expect to spend an average of 20-25 hours per week per unit. Broadly, this time will cover:
Video materials (2hrs)
Synchronous & asynchronous discussion (2hrs)
Synchronous web-based 'class-time' for skills-based activities (2hrs)
Weekly readings (4-6hrs)
Weekly skills-based assessment (4-6hrs, including formative assessment)
Knowledge-based assessment (4-5hrs, including revision)
See also Unit timetable information
Chief examiner(s)
This unit applies to the following area(s) of study
Prerequisites
Completed Bachelor's Degree and a major sequence in psychology approved by the Australian Psychological Society, or qualification assessed as equivalent by the Australian Psychological Society, with a distinction average (70%) for third year psychology units.
Co-requisites
Must be enrolled in Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced (M5003)