General Information
This subject provides training in ethics, legal frameworks, and research methods as relevant to the professional practice of psychology. Students will learn two sections in this subject. In Section 1, students receive formal academic training in the philosophical foundations of ethics, legal frameworks, and professional codes relevant to psychological practice. They also learn to apply the Psychology Board's Code of Conduct for Psychologists, APS Guidelines, and ethical decision-making models to analyse and manage ethical dilemmas in practice. Students will also learn how to build capability around inclusion and cultural diversity, to develop self-reflective and culturally, responsive professional practice. To develop procedural skills in regards to risk management and ethical conduct, students will learn current first-hand accounts of psychological practice. In section 2, students receive advanced training in research ethics and research methods with a focus on applied research settings. This will include learning activities on developing an understanding of the unique ethical issues that arise when conducting research in professional psychological contexts. Furthermore, students learn to apply and critically appraise evidence-based scientific methods in contexts ranging for single case studies, to clinical trials, and the evaluation of public mental health programs. This section includes an emphasis on developing capabilities to critically appraise the strengths and limitations of the various qualitative and quantitative research methods that are employed by psychologists. Finally, students will learn to individually investigate a psychological research question in the form of a systematic literature review.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Society & Design Subject code: PSYC71-505 Subject title: Research Methods, Professional Practice and Ethics Subject level: Postgraduate Semester/Year: May 2026 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Seminar: x12 (Total hours: 48) - Weekly seminar
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 72) - Recommended study hours
Attendance and learning activities: Students enrolled in the Masters of Psychology Programs must meet the Professional Communication standards expected of the Psychology profession. For all subjects there is a minimum 80% attendance, engagement and participation component. Students who fail to meet the expected competencies, across attendance and/or assessments, will be offered a remedial task in order to pass the subject. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Shirley Anne Morrissey,Prasuna Reddy,Graham Robert Davidson,Alfred Allan PP1038 - Ethics and Professional Practice for Psychologists. n/a,
- Psychology Board of Australia, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (2025). Code of conduct for psychologists. n/a,
- Gerald Corey,Marianne Schneider Corey,Cindy Corey (2023). Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions. 11th, Mindtap Course List
- Pat Dudgeon,Helen Milroy,Roz Walker (2014). Working Together. 2nd,
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
Class recordings: The primary workload items for this subject will be recorded for the purpose of revision.
These recordings are not a substitute for attending classes. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions as there may be instances where a session is not recorded due to the presence of a guest speaker, the inclusion of sensitive or protected content, or technical issues. Students are advised not to rely solely on these recordings for revision.
See the Recording policy for further details.
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Society & Design |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | PSYC71-505 |
| Subject title: | Research Methods, Professional Practice and Ethics |
| Subject level: | Postgraduate |
| Semester/Year: | May 2026 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
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| Attendance and learning activities: | Students enrolled in the Masters of Psychology Programs must meet the Professional Communication standards expected of the Psychology profession. For all subjects there is a minimum 80% attendance, engagement and participation component. Students who fail to meet the expected competencies, across attendance and/or assessments, will be offered a remedial task in order to pass the subject. |
| 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 |
| Class recordings: | The primary workload items for this subject will be recorded for the purpose of revision. These recordings are not a substitute for attending classes. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions as there may be instances where a session is not recorded due to the presence of a guest speaker, the inclusion of sensitive or protected content, or technical issues. Students are advised not to rely solely on these recordings for revision. See the Recording policy for further details. |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| 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.
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| Restrictions: |
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) and Master of Professional Psychology programs are accredited pathways towards registration as a Psychologist. Entry into these programs is based on a calculated GPA derived from a completed four year sequence of study in Psychology as accredited by APAC as well as invitation into the degree. As such, this subject can only be taken by those students successfully admitted to the degree. |
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:
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
- Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
- Investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of 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 AI category Computer-Aided Examination (Limited Open)^ Computer-Aided Exam (Limited Open) C Final Examination Period 1, 2, 5 Literature Review^ Systematic Literature Review C Week 8 3, 4 - ^ Students must pass this assessment to pass the subject
- * 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.
AI Categories
Ai Prohibited: Learning to develop AI-free knowledge and skills.
Ai Supported: Learning with the help of AI as directed.
Ai Focussed: Learning AI expertise and mastery as directed.
Refer to the assessment task sheet for specific AI instructions and review the Bond University Gen-AI Guide.
Pass requirement
Students enrolled in the Masters of Psychology Programs must meet the Professional Communication standards expected of the Psychology profession. For all subjects there is a minimum 80% attendance, engagement and participation component. Students who fail to meet the expected competencies, across attendance and/or assessments, will be offered a remedial task in order to pass the subject.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
Pass Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 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 | AI category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-Aided Examination (Limited Open)^ | Computer-Aided Exam (Limited Open) | C | Final Examination Period | 1, 2, 5 | |
| Literature Review^ | Systematic Literature Review | C | Week 8 | 3, 4 |
- ^ Students must pass this assessment to pass the subject
- * 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.
AI Categories
Ai Prohibited: Learning to develop AI-free knowledge and skills.
Ai Supported: Learning with the help of AI as directed.
Ai Focussed: Learning AI expertise and mastery as directed.
Refer to the assessment task sheet for specific AI instructions and review the Bond University Gen-AI Guide.
Pass requirement
Students enrolled in the Masters of Psychology Programs must meet the Professional Communication standards expected of the Psychology profession. For all subjects there is a minimum 80% attendance, engagement and participation component. Students who fail to meet the expected competencies, across attendance and/or assessments, will be offered a remedial task in order to pass the subject.
Assessment criteria
| Pass | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
|---|---|
| Fail | 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. In the case of competency grading, late submission may result in a remediation task to meet the program inherent requirements of time management skills.
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
This subject contains content that some students may find distressing, disturbing or culturally challenging. Sensitive topics may include topics common in the practice of psychology such as trauma and sexual abuse, family violence, suicidality, and homicidal ideation, among others. Students with concerns about the content of any subject are encouraged to discuss this with their teacher and consider how best to prepare themselves to study challenging material in a way that is appropriate for them.
Subject curriculum
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Overview of Course
Overview of the course structure and assessment items. Section 1 will cover Code of Conduct and Professional Competencies. Section 2 will introduce students to advanced applied research methods and their substantive individual research assessment (systematic literature review).
SLOs included
- Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
- Investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.
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Introduction to Ethics
Section 1: philosophical underpinnings of ethics and classical ethical dilemmas. Students will reflect on their own values and beliefs and examine different moral/ethical actions. Section 2: Students will receive advanced training in applied research methods and will continue to work on their individual research assessment (systematic literature review).
SLOs included
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
- Investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.
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Professional Codes and Ethical Decision Making (Part 1)
Section 1: Psychology Board Code of Conduct for Psychologists and ethical guidelines. Students will engage in ethical decision-making to rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures. Section 2: Students will receive advanced training in applied research methods and continue to work on their individual research assessment (systematic literature review).
SLOs included
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
- Investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
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Professional Codes and Ethical Decision Making (Part 2)
Section 1: Psychology Board Code of Conduct for Psychologists and ethical guidelines. Students will engage in ethical decision-making to rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures. Section 2: Students will receive advanced training in applied research methods and students will continue to work on their individual research assessment (systematic literature review).
SLOs included
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
- Investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
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Cultural Safety
Section 1: Introduction to frameworks and practice standards for cultural humility and safety in professional practice and research. Students will reflect on their own values and beliefs and examine different moral/ethical actions. Students will gain a deeper understanding of cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Section 2: Students will receive advanced training in applied research methods with diverse cultural groups.
SLOs included
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
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Diversity and Inclusion
Section 1: Introduction to frameworks and practice standards for ensuring awareness and inclusion of diversity in professional practice and research. Students will reflect on their own values and beliefs and examine different moral/ethical actions. Students will gain a deeper understanding of responsive practice standards for diverse, minority and marginalised groups in Australia. Section 2: Students will receive advanced training in applied research methods as they apply to diverse and marginalised groups.
SLOs included
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
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Legal Frameworks Relevant for Psychological Practice
Introduction to the Australian legal system, Mental Health Act, Privacy Act and Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act. Students will engage in ethical decision-making to rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
SLOs included
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
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Working in the Health System
Overview of working with other health professionals and in different workplaces, including private practice.
SLOs included
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
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Psychologists' Behaviour and Self-Care
Overview of expected standards of practice, wellbeing, self-care and work-related psychological risk factors. Students will reflect on their own values and beliefs and learn about deliberate practice and self-reflection.
SLOs included
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
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Risk Management
Overview of the principles of governance, risk minimisation and management as a psychologist. Section 1: Students will engage in ethical decision-making to rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures. Section 2: Students will critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature and complete their systematic literature review.
SLOs included
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
- Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
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Research Ethics
History, current legal framework, and practical aspects of ethical conduct in human research. Introduction to the different methods and theories of clinical research design and evaluation. Students will critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature.
SLOs included
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
- Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
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Review and Exam Preparation
Review of lecture content and practice exam.
SLOs included
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
- Investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.