PSYC6511

Research Project 1

Faculty of Science and Information Technology School of Psychology

10 Units 6000 Level Course

Available in 2013

Callaghan Campus	Semester 1, Semester 2

Previously offered in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

With the guidance of one or more research supervisors, students will design a research project which has the potential to make an original contribution to knowledge in Clinical or Health Psychology. The steps involved in this process include selecting an appropriate topic, reviewing the existing published literature addressing this topic, developing specific aims and (where relevant) hypotheses to be tested, designing the methods to be used, negotiating access to potential participants, and writing a proposal. The mode of delivery is internal and teaching is by individual supervision.

The submission and approval of a research proposal is a Compulsory Course Component with a pass grade required. Before students can commence data collection, the research project must have been approved by the relevant University and/or Area Health Animal or Human Research Ethics Committees where the project involves humans or animals.

Objectives

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Select an appropriate topic for research with the potential to make an original contribution to knowledge in Clinical or Health Psychology.
2. Undertake appropriate literature searches and write a critical review of the existing published literature addressing a topic in Clinical or Health Psychology.
3. Develop specific aims and (where relevant) hypotheses capable of being addressed through research.
4. Design methods capable of addressing the research aims and hypotheses, including methods of statistical analysis.
5. Negotiate access to potential research participants.
6. Write a clear and succinct research proposal.
7. Present a research proposal to an audience in a manner suited to the audiences understanding.

Content

1. Selecting an appropriate topic for research.
2. Critical reviewing of the existing published literature.
3. Developing specific research hypotheses.
4. Designing research methods, including methods of statistical analysis.
5. Negotiating access to potential research participants.
6. Writing a research proposal.
7. Designing an oral presentation of the research proposal.

Replacing Course(s)

PSYC6605

Transition

Not applicable

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

It is assumed that students will have passed courses in statistics and research methodology, and will have completed a research project, as part of a four-year program in Psychology which has been accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

Modes of Delivery

Flexible Delivery / Student Centred Learning

Teaching Methods

Individual Supervision

Assessment Items

Reports

Research proposal (Compulsory Course Component)
During the course of PSYC6511, students are required prepare a written research proposal, following detailed guidelines. They also prepare a presentation (Powerpoint) to be presented to a small review committee which is assembled ad hoc, with the advice of the supervisor(s). The committee consists of academic staff of the School, usually with representation from each of the three research groups, plus the supervisor(s). Following the presentation, this committee may
(a) approve the proposal,
(b) require amendments to be overseen by the supervisor(s),
(c) require amendments followed by another formal review by the committee.
The committees (eventual) approval of the methodology is (generally) accepted by the Human Research Ethics Committees for their purposes.

Make-up provisions
Students may continue to amend their proposals, with their supervisors guidance, until they meet with the approval of the supervisor(s) or the review committee.

Progress report
Supervisors are expected to give students feedback on the progress of their research proposals throughout the course.

Contact Hours

Individual Supervision: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Compulsory Components

Requisite by Enrolment	This course is only available to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Clinical and Health Psychology programs.

Timetables