General Information
This subject introduces students to the scientific methods of psychological research. It includes an overview of research design and techniques for analysing data. Students learn how to evaluate the strengths and limitations of various research designs and how to critically scrutinise results published in psychological journals.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Society & Design Subject code: PSYC71-305 Subject title: Research Methods in Psychology Subject level: Postgraduate Semester/Year: May 2024 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Forum: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Weekly Forum
- Tutorial: x12 (Total hours: 12) - Weekly Tutorial
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 84) - Recommended Study Hours
Attendance and learning activities: -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- L. Burton Psychology Research Methods. 8th Edition, Wiley
iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications.
Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student.
To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Society & Design |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | PSYC71-305 |
| Subject title: | Research Methods in Psychology |
| Subject level: | Postgraduate |
| Semester/Year: | May 2024 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:There are no co-requisites |
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| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge. Assumed Prior Learning (or equivalent):All Psychology programs are accredited in the sequence presented and designed to provide students with learning and graduate outcomes in line with APAC accreditation standards. |
| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Apply and critically evaluate basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation;
- Critically evaluate a apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of Psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Critically analyse theory and research in the discipline of Psychology and communicate these in written format.
- Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in Psychology.
- Demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in Psychology.
- Cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Computer-Aided Examination (Closed) The exam will consist of multiple-choice questions, short answers and essay questions. The exam will include the content covered during the entire trimester. 50.00% Final Examination Period 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 Presentation§ Students will be asked to deliver a short oral presentation on their research topic including the research question, hypotheses and methods. 10.00% Week 8 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 Written Proposal The assignment will require students to develop a research question and write a research proposal. 40.00% Week 10 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 - § Indicates group/teamwork-based assessment
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-Aided Examination (Closed) | The exam will consist of multiple-choice questions, short answers and essay questions. The exam will include the content covered during the entire trimester. | 50.00% | Final Examination Period | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
| Presentation§ | Students will be asked to deliver a short oral presentation on their research topic including the research question, hypotheses and methods. | 10.00% | Week 8 | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
| Written Proposal | The assignment will require students to develop a research question and write a research proposal. | 40.00% | Week 10 | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
- § Indicates group/teamwork-based assessment
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A student who has not established a basis for an extension in compliance with University and Faculty policy either by 1) not applying before the assessment due date or 2) by having an application rejected due to failure to show a justifiable cause for an extension, will receive a penalty on assessment submitted after its due date. The penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment for every day late, with the first day counted after the required submission time has passed. No assessment will be accepted for consideration seven calendar days after the due date. Where a student has been granted an extension, the late penalty starts from the new due date and time set out in the extension.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
Subject curriculum
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Introduction to Research Methods
This lecture introduces students to research methods in psychology and provides a general overview of the topics that will be covered during the trimester.
SLOs included
- Apply and critically evaluate basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation;
- Critically evaluate a apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of Psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Critically analyse theory and research in the discipline of Psychology and communicate these in written format.
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Ethics
The lecture identifies the main features of a researchers' ethical responsibilities and provides a historical overview of the of ethical transgressions and the development of ethical codes.
SLOs included
- Apply and critically evaluate basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation;
- Critically evaluate a apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of Psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Critically analyse theory and research in the discipline of Psychology and communicate these in written format.
- Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in Psychology.
- Demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in Psychology.
- Cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
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Validity and Reliability
This lecture discusses what makes psychological research valid and reliable.
SLOs included
- Apply and critically evaluate basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation;
- Critically evaluate a apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of Psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Critically analyse theory and research in the discipline of Psychology and communicate these in written format.
- Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in Psychology.
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Experimental Design I
In this lecture students are taught the basics of experimental design including single factor experiments with two or more levels.
SLOs included
- Apply and critically evaluate basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation;
- Critically evaluate a apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of Psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Critically analyse theory and research in the discipline of Psychology and communicate these in written format.
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Experimental Design II
In this lecture students are taught the basics of factorial designs including the identification and interpretation of interactions.
SLOs included
- Apply and critically evaluate basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation;
- Critically evaluate a apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of Psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Critically analyse theory and research in the discipline of Psychology and communicate these in written format.
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Quasi-experimental and Correlational Research
In this lecture students are introduced to quasi-experimental and correlation research. Students are taught how to differentiate between these methodologies and experimental research. They are also provided with several examples regarding the role of experimental designs in ensuring ecological validity in psychological research.
SLOs included
- Apply and critically evaluate basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation;
- Critically evaluate a apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of Psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Critically analyse theory and research in the discipline of Psychology and communicate these in written format.
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Hypothesis Testing and Data Analysis
This lecture discusses inferential statistics and the logic behind Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST). Students are also provided with a basic overview of Bayesian statistics.
SLOs included
- Apply and critically evaluate basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation;
- Critically evaluate a apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of Psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Critically analyse theory and research in the discipline of Psychology and communicate these in written format.
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Survey Research
In this lecture students are taught the principles of good survey construction in psychology.
SLOs included
- Apply and critically evaluate basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation;
- Critically evaluate a apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of Psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Critically analyse theory and research in the discipline of Psychology and communicate these in written format.
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Observational Research
This lecture teaches student to distinguish between naturalistic and participant observation methods. Students are also taught about the potential problems and benefits that can occur with this type of research.
SLOs included
- Apply and critically evaluate basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation;
- Critically evaluate a apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of Psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Critically analyse theory and research in the discipline of Psychology and communicate these in written format.
- Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in Psychology.
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Qualitative Research Methods
This lecture introduces students to the fundamentals of qualitative research and the way this methodology has evolved in psychology. Specific attention is given to the credibility of qualitative research and the way it can be used to complement quantitative methods.
SLOs included
- Apply and critically evaluate basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation;
- Critically evaluate a apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of Psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Critically analyse theory and research in the discipline of Psychology and communicate these in written format.
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Advanced Research Methods
In this lecture students are taught about different "advanced" techniques (e.g., fMRI, physiology) that are also used in psychological research.
SLOs included
- Apply and critically evaluate basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation;
- Critically evaluate a apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of Psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Critically analyse theory and research in the discipline of Psychology and communicate these in written format.
- Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in Psychology.
- Demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in Psychology.
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Review
This final lecture reviews all of the previous topics as preparation for the final assessment.
SLOs included
- Apply and critically evaluate basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation;
- Critically evaluate a apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of Psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Critically analyse theory and research in the discipline of Psychology and communicate these in written format.
- Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in Psychology.
- Demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in Psychology.
- Cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.