EDF5565 - Psychopathology and personality - 2019

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

Education

Chief examiner(s)

Shane Costello

Coordinator(s)

Shane Costello

Unit guides

Offered

Clayton

  • Second semester 2019 (On-campus)

Prerequisites

Successful completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited fourth year sequence in psychology.

Prohibitions

EDF5514Not offered in 2019; EDF5722

Synopsis

The aim of this unit is to develop general professional psychological competencies in the assessment of psychopathology and personality. Students will undertake advanced exploration and analysis of the psychological assessment process, including scholarly consideration and debate of quantitative and qualitative approaches to assessing psychopathology, as well as personality across the lifespan. Theories and methods of assessment, as well as associated issues of validity and reliability, cultural and ethical considerations, and linguistic factors will be considered. Students will acquire skills in the administration, scoring and interpretation of pertinent psychological tests, the integration of multiple sources of assessment data, and appropriate report writing. Students will also develop skills for constructive critical appraisal and using clinical judgement in assessment and diagnosis of disabilities, psychopathology and human strengths (positive psychology). Case conceptualisation and intervention planning skills will also be developed.

Outcomes

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

  1. demonstrate knowledge of psychopathology and differential diagnosis
  2. demonstrate knowledge of personality development, including adaptive and maladaptive trajectories across the lifespan
  3. demonstrate knowledge of the professional ethical, cultural and psychometric issues that arise when assessing for psychopathology across the lifespan
  4. demonstrate skills in administration, scoring, and interpretation of psychopathology and personality instruments, behavioural instruments, and diagnostic clinical interview tools
  5. demonstrate written and verbal communication skills in reporting the conclusions of psychological assessment
  6. demonstrate reflective skills regarding their personal role, interpersonal skills, impact, responsibilities and relationships as a clinician reporting psychopathology and personality assessments

Assessment

Peerwise and quizzes (1600 words equivalent, 40%)

Psychological report, video feedback, and reflection (2400 words equivalent, 60%)

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload equals 12/144 hours per week/semester comprising:

  1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
    • 2 hour workshop per week
  2. Additional requirements (all students):
    • 10 hours of independent study per week

See also Unit timetable information