Theories and Professional Practice (PSYC40006)

HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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This subject aims to provide fourth-year students with a framework for understanding the origins and development of psychological thought, research and practice in relation to its socio-historical and ethical contexts. It will explore changing themes in the history and philosophy of scientific and ethical thought, and evaluate reasoning, argument and ethical decision-making in psychology. Evidence-based practice has been identified as a core ethical issue in psychological practice. Framed within the 'scientist-practitioner' model, it provides a means of evaluating the efficacy of psychological interventions. Students will be given the opportunity to examine the relationships between theory, psychological measurement, and ethical responsibility in research and practice; to develop research and ethics proposals; and to critically analyse the assumptions underlying different approaches to psychological research and evidence-based practice. Students will also gain an understanding of the theoretical and empirical bases of psychological assessment and intervention, and observe and practice basic pre-professional skills in the implementation and interpretation of some of the most commonly used tests of cognition and personality.

Intended learning outcomes

Knowledge: On completion of this subject students should demonstrate knowledge of:


  • the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, research methods, empirical findings and historical trends relating to ethical research and applied practice in psychology;
  • ethical and moral influences that impact on individual behavior;
  • the importance of the scientist-practitioner model in evidence-based psychological practice;
  • key principles underpinning the application and evaluation of common psychological tests and programs of behaviour change.

Skills: On completion of this subject students should have developed competency in:


  • critical thinking, utilizing logic, evidence and psychological science to evaluate claims and solve problems regarding human behavior;
  • interpret published studies for evidence of diagnostic validity or treatment effectiveness.
  • communication, including written reports, clear verbal communication in small group contexts and reporting back to class, basic reflective listening and rapport building skills, awareness of issues relating to sensitive cross-cultural communication;
  • pre-professional applied skills including the administration and interpretation of the most commonly used tests of cognition and personality.

Application of knowledge and skills: On completion of this subject students should be able to apply their knowledge and skills to:


  • critically evaluate perspectives on the development of psychological thought, research and practice in relation to its socio-historical and ethical contexts;
  • write essays that demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between psychological theory and argument;
  • apply relevant codes of ethics and professional practice values to common ethical dilemmas encountered in psychological research and practice;
  • evaluate the adequacy of reasoning and argument in psychological research;
  • evaluate the scientific evidence base underlying claims of efficacy for psychological assessment tools and psychological intervention techniques.

Generic skills

Students in this subject will be given appropriate opportunity and educational support to develop skills in:
• analysis and construction of arguments
• working proactively as a team member
• problem-solving in novel contexts
• written communication in academic assignments and reports
• verbal communication in presenting information in small group formats
• basic interviewing and reflective listening
• workload planning and task management

Last updated: 3 November 2022