Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Research Methods in Psychology 1

• Unit Code

  PSY1102

• Year

  2018

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  3

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Ross Clifton HOLLETT

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Description

This unit introduces students to the use of research methods and statistics in psychology. The application of the scientific method to understanding human thought and behaviour is described. The unit covers theoretical approaches in psychology, psychological models, and how to measure psychological constructs. The unit delivers practical skills including designing psychology experiments, collecting data using psychological instruments, analysing data with statistical software, and communicating research outcomes according to the academic style of the American Psychological Association (APA).

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded PSY4102

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Collect data using psychological instruments.
2. Interpret data from psychological instruments.
3. Write a standard research report adhering to the APA structure and formatting conventions.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of key psychology research methodologies.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method, and an appreciation of its role in developing psychological knowledge.
6. Promote evidence-based approaches to understanding human behaviour.
7. Specify the basic research designs and methodologies used in psychology.
8. Demonstrate competence in interpreting basic computer-based analyses.

Unit Content

1. Common designs used in psychology experiments and quasi-experiments.
2. Analysing and interpreting data from psychological instruments, such as surveys and inventories.
3. Writing up reports for psychology journals using APA style.
4. Ethics in data collection and psychological practice.
5. Psychometric evaluation tools.
6. Assumptions of inferential parametric statistics and their limitations.
7. Interpreting outputs from statistical software.

Learning Experience

ON-CAMPUS

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

For more information see the Semester Timetable

ONLINE

Students will engage in learning experiences through ECU Blackboard as well as additional ECU learning technologies.

Additional Learning Experience Information

On campus: Lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and modules. Online: Discussion fora, live tutorials, live laboratory sessions, modules, residential school.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Core Reading(s)

• Association., A. P. (2001). Publication manual of the American psychological association (5th ed.). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Society.
• Coolican, H. (2014). Research methods and statistics in psychology (6th ed.). London: Taylor & Francis Group.

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