Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) G
Duration
- One Semester/teaching period
Contact hours
- Individual supervision
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning.
Prerequisites
PSY80096 Research Project (Clinical and Forensic) FAims and objectives
Aims
The aims are to develop and extend:
• Skills in literature searching, plus review and integration of psychological literature.
• Advanced understanding of research methodology as applied to a moderately sized independent research project.
• Skills in psychological measurement and statistical or qualitative analysis applied to an independent research project.
• Practical research skills such as interviewing, recruitment of research participants, liaising with community organisations and completing ethics applications.
• Skills in presenting research proposals and findings both orally and in writing and to produce a 40,000 to 60,000 empirical research thesis that is an original and significant contribution to knowledge in the Clinical Psychology field.
Unit Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate substantial knowledge of research principles and methodology relevant to clinical and forensic psychology.
2. Critically evaluate existing knowledge and reflect on research findings to understand implications for theory and practice.
3. Acquire sophisticated communication skills to cogently present, in writing and orally, findings from the research project.
• Skills in literature searching, plus review and integration of psychological literature.
• Advanced understanding of research methodology as applied to a moderately sized independent research project.
• Skills in psychological measurement and statistical or qualitative analysis applied to an independent research project.
• Practical research skills such as interviewing, recruitment of research participants, liaising with community organisations and completing ethics applications.
• Skills in presenting research proposals and findings both orally and in writing and to produce a 40,000 to 60,000 empirical research thesis that is an original and significant contribution to knowledge in the Clinical Psychology field.
Unit Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate substantial knowledge of research principles and methodology relevant to clinical and forensic psychology.
2. Critically evaluate existing knowledge and reflect on research findings to understand implications for theory and practice.
3. Acquire sophisticated communication skills to cogently present, in writing and orally, findings from the research project.
Courses with unit
A unit of study in the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology).
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment, general skills outcomes and content.
Teaching methods
Individual supervision. Students are provided with a detailed course manual which contains information to assist them in meeting the specific requirements of this research-based unit of study.
Assessment
The assessment requirements for the sequence of eight research units are designed to culminate in a major empirical thesis of 40,000 to 60,000 words. Research units are graded PASS/FAIL. In this unit, students are required to submit a complete draft of their thesis for review by their supervisor.
General skills outcomes
Graduates are capable in their chosen professional area:
• Competence with the management of clients in a professional manner within specialist settings.
• Competence in therapeutic interventions.
• Ability to conduct psychological assessments
• Therapy skills in working with individual clients.
• Competence in directing and evaluating group programs.
Graduates are adaptable and work effectively and ethically:
• Applying the APS Code of Ethics and Guidelines.
Graduates are aware of environments:
• Respect clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Understand the impact of culture on therapy.
• Competence with the management of clients in a professional manner within specialist settings.
• Competence in therapeutic interventions.
• Ability to conduct psychological assessments
• Therapy skills in working with individual clients.
• Competence in directing and evaluating group programs.
Graduates are adaptable and work effectively and ethically:
• Applying the APS Code of Ethics and Guidelines.
Graduates are aware of environments:
• Respect clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Understand the impact of culture on therapy.
Content
The content of the research units varies according to the particular research project and the supervisor-supervisee working relationship. Within the supervision sessions it is expected that the supervisor will suggest reading materials, discuss reading and conceptual ideas, work with the student to plan the research project, give assistance with development or selection of appropriate measures and methodologies, give guidance with respect to ethics applications, data analysis and writing the thesis. It is expected that the student will read extensively, engage in high level conceptual analysis of written material and present that analysis in written form, plan an independent original empirical research project, present the project plan for feedback to a group of staff and students, negotiate all ethical approvals and permissions necessary for the study to proceed, recruit study participants, collate and analyse data, and develop the project into a written thesis of 40,000 to 60,000 words. In this unit, students submit a complete draft of their thesis to their supervisor for review.
Study resources
- References.
References
Indicative Reference Materials
American Psychological Association, Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th edn, American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, 2001.
Dunleavy, P, Authoring a PhD: How to plan, draft, write and finish a doctoral dissertation or PhD, Plagrave MacMillan, New York, 2003.
Oliver, P, Writing your thesis, London, Sage, London, 2004.
Thomas, RM, Avoiding thesis and dissertation pitfalls: 61 cases of problems and solutions, Bergin & Garvey Westport, Conn., 2001.
Dunleavy, P, Authoring a PhD: How to plan, draft, write and finish a doctoral dissertation or PhD, Plagrave MacMillan, New York, 2003.
Oliver, P, Writing your thesis, London, Sage, London, 2004.
Thomas, RM, Avoiding thesis and dissertation pitfalls: 61 cases of problems and solutions, Bergin & Garvey Westport, Conn., 2001.