Click to show Site menu [+]

PSYC4800

Critical review and analysis of specialised research topic

10 Units 4000 Level Course

Available in 2012

Callaghan CampusSemester 1
OurimbahSemester 1

Previously offered in 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005

This course forms part of an Australian Psychological Society accredited sequence.
PSYC4800 (together with PSYC4801A and PSYC4801B) forms a fourth year honours research project in Psychology. Advanced topics in research methodology and research ethics relevant to the current set of projects undertaken by the cohort of students at this level. These topics are integrated and related to students' individual research projects. Students carry out a detailed literature review of the research area relevant to their research project, develop a research proposal and consider the ethical implications of their research. This work is completed under the supervision of a member of academic staff and the course coordinator.

Students CANNOT take PSYC4800 with ANY of the following courses:
PSYC4090A, PSYC4090B, PSYC4120, PSYC4220, or PSYC6780.

Objectives
Students will be expected to gain broad understanding of the critical issues and methodological constraints in their research project area.
On successful completion of this course, students will further develop their ability to:

1. develop a research design including the selection of appropriate research methodology;
2. develop a research proposal;
3. consider the ethical implications of the intended research;
4. search for relevant and suitable reading material;
5. critically analyse and evaluate published research material;
6. present information in written format in an interesting and comprehensible manner with appropriate interpretation and evaluation;
7. provide a rationale for empirical research.
Content
The course will cover ethical principles in psychological research, development of a research project application, development of skills related to critical thinking as well as critical analysis and evaluation of published research.
Students will prepare a research project application for approval by the Methodology Review Panel and an ethics application on their research topic area.
They will also prepare an extended review of the relevant research and rationale of their research that will include critical analysis of background published research relevant to their research topic.
Details of topics will be available at the commencement of the academic year.
Replacing Course(s)
Replaces part of PSYC4090A and PSYC4120. Not to count with PSYC4090A,PSYC4090B, PSYC4120,PSYC4220, or PSYC6780.
Transition
Students CANNOT take PSYC4800 with ANY of the following courses:
PSYC4090A, PSYC4090B, PSYC4120,PSYC4220, or PSYC6780.
Industrial Experience
0
Assumed Knowledge
Completion of an APS accredited sequence of years 1 - 3 in psychology.
Modes of Delivery
Internal Mode
Teaching Methods
Lecture
Individual Supervision
Student Projects
Workshop
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments
A written report of 4000 - 6000 words that critically reviews the research background and sets up the rationale of the proposed 4th year research project.
Contact Hours
Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for 10 weeks
Workshop: for 2 hour(s) per Week for 6 weeks

Timetables

2012 Course Timetables for PSYC4800