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Advanced Psychological Theory & Practice (PSYC40013)
Undergraduate level 4Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
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Semester 2
Overview
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This Capstone subject draws together students’ experiences the Graduate Diploma in Psychology by emphasising links between the science and practice of psychology in contemporary life. The lectures engage students in considering topics related to current applications of psychological research and practice such as the ethical practice of psychology and the measurement of attitudes, behaviour, and behavioural change as related to contemporary issues such as climate change, indigenous cultural respect, and drug addiction. The research seminars engage students in small groups to design and conduct a research project under the supervision of an academic researcher. The graduate attributes seminars engage students in interactive activities to develop their skills in reflective practice and oral presentation. Together, the three components of the subject prepare students for further studies in psychology or to enter the workplace having developed skills in applying psychological knowledge, conducting research, working collaboratively, and communicating effectively about psychological theories and findings. Students’ present their research findings in individual oral presentations to their peers and academic staff at the end of semester. Students reflect on the development of their psychological knowledge and skills, articulating their achievements in a Graduate Attributes Portfolio.
Intended learning outcomes
Knowledge
On completion of the lecture stream students should demonstrate advanced knowledge of:
- The principles of ethical research practice and an awareness of cultural diversity.
- Psychology's major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings and how these inform contemporary social issues.
Skills
On completion of the research seminars and graduate attributes seminars students should demonstrate the ability to:
- Apply knowledge of the scientific method to conduct and interpret research studies that address psychological research questions.
- Critically review the literature in an area of psychological inquiry to inform clearly motivated research questions.
- Apply knowledge of ethical principles to the conduct of a research project and to case-study examples from psychological practice.
- Translate research questions into meaningful and appropriate methods of investigation.
- Apply knowledge of quantitative methods to analyse and interpret data.
- Communicate effectively in oral and written formats about psychological theories and research findings to academic, professional, and lay audiences.
- Evaluate and draw conclusions from research findings.
Application of knowledge and skills
Students should be able to apply their knowledge and skills to:
- Work both collaboratively and independently to solve problems posed in psychology based on knowledge of psychological research findings.
- Reflect on the development of their psychological knowledge and skills and articulate these in relation to identifying areas of strengths and weaknesses for the purpose of further study in psychology, and/or entering the workplace.
- Apply psychological concepts and theories to problems of behavioural change in a range of contexts such as home, workplace, community and global settings.
Generic skills
Students should acquire the ability to:
- demonstrate a capacity for reflective thinking and self-evaluation;
- apply skills in the giving and receiving of feedback and peer assessment;
- set goals, manage time and priorities, and organise and direct their own learning;
- maintain a high level of personal and professional integrity;
- collaborate effectively on group projects.
Last updated: 31 October 2023