Foundations of Psychological Research

    Unit code: APP1016 | Study level: Undergraduate
    12
    (Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
    Footscray Park
    N/A
    Overview
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    Overview

    This unit introduces students to the different branches of psychology that they will explore throughout their degree. The evolution of each branch will be introduced by examining key historical texts and evaluating their legacy in today’s society and psychological practice, with consideration for how they have informed our current understanding of human behaviour and mental processes. Students will also be introduced to academic writing and they will have the opportunity to develop their skills in searching and reading research papers, summarising and synthesising information and working collaboratively in a group environment. They will gain experience in presenting information succinctly and professionally in both oral and written modalities.

    Learning Outcomes

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

    1. Locate relevant psychology academic studies and other material through online search and use these studies in preparing essays and presentations;
    2. Work collaboratively in preparing and presenting evidence-based and relevant material about a key historical psychological study and its legacy, making use of contemporary technology;
    3. Evaluate how psychologists design studies to explore particular questions; and
    4. Review key studies that have shaped both the discipline and profession of psychology and discuss how they have had an impact on subsequent developments in understanding human behaviour.

    Assessment

    For Melbourne campuses

    Assessment type: Journal
    |
    Grade: 30%
    Responses to short answer questions based on required class readings (2 x 500 words)
    Assessment type: Essay
    |
    Grade: 40%
    Essay based on one of the studies in the required text (1200 words)
    Assessment type: Presentation
    |
    Grade: 30%
    Group project and presentation involving research of an historical psychological study and its impact on the discipline (20mins per group)

    Required reading

    Forty studies that changed psychology
    Hock, R. (2015).| Pearson Prentice Hall.

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