PSY3062 - Research methods and theory - 2018

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - 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

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Joshua Wiley

Coordinator(s)

Jake Hoskin (Australia)
Dr Goh Pei Hwa (Malaysia)

Unit guides

Offered

Caulfield

Clayton

  • Second semester 2018 (On-campus)

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2018 (On-campus)

Prerequisites

Either any two of PSY2031, PSY2042 or PSY3041; OR PSY2061 and PSY2071 (Please note that PSY2051Not offered in 2018 is incompatible with PSY2061 and PSY2071)

Synopsis

In this unit, students will continue their training in research via three components. First, research design and analysis topics presented in first and second year will be explored at a more advanced theoretical level. The major focus of this component will be analysis of variance and multiple regression. Second, students will develop experience performing statistical analyses using a statistical software package. Finally, students will continue their training in research design and analysis by undertaking a group-based research project under the supervision of a member of staff.

Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Explain the theory underlying analysis of variance and multiple regression (general linear models);

  2. Perform and interpret analysis of variance and multiple regression where conditions are appropriate forthese statistical analyses;
  3. Apply knowledge of the research process from the original idea to hypothesis testing, data collection and analysis/interpretation;
  4. Critically analyse a specific research area of psychology;
  5. Interpret and present empirical results in an academic style in the format of an empirical journal article.

Assessment

  • 6 x online quizzes (15 minutes each) (10%)
  • Draft research report (1,500 words) (15%)
  • Research report (3,000 words) (35%)
  • Exam (2 hours) (40%) (hurdle)

Workload requirements

Lectures: 1 x 2 hour weekly.

Tutorials: 1 x 2 hour weekly.

Attendance at tutorials or weekend schools is required in order to successfully complete in-class activities and related assessment tasks.

See also Unit timetable information

Off-campus attendance requirements

Tutorials are online for off-campus students.

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

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