PSYC71-505: Research Methods, Professional Practice and Ethics

This subject provides training in ethics, legal frameworks, and research methods as relevant to the professional practice of psychology. Students receive formal academic training in the philosophical foundations of ethics, legal frameworks, and professional codes relevant to psychological practice. They learn to apply the Psychology Board's Code of Conduct for Psychologists and ethical decision-making models to analyse and manage ethical dilemmas in practice. Students will also learn how to build capabilities around inclusion and cultural diversity, developing self-reflective and culturally responsive professional practice. To develop procedural skills in regards to risk management and ethical conduct, students will learn from current first-hand accounts of psychological practice. 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. 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. Practically, students will learn to individually investigate a psychological research question in the form of a systematic literature review.