Students
PSYP910 – Research Theory and Practice for Professional Psychologists
2017 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Andrew Baillie
Julie Boulis
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MProfPsych
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
The goal of this unit is to provide students with an understanding of aspects of the theory and practice of psychology research most relevant for practicing psychologists. Topics covered include: “evidence-based practice” and “research-practice integration”; research design and statistical analysis, including the application of these to quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research; critical evaluation of research output; conduct of literature searches and reviews; presentation and dissemination of research findings, such as peer-reviewed scientific journals and academic conferences; ethical considerations in research practice; and applying for research funding. The focus is on practical aspects of the design, conduct and reporting of psychology research. Through a mixture of workshops and independent and group activities and assignments, students are provided with the tools to design, conduct and report findings from applied research and to critically review relevant published research.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Review and explain approaches to research-practice integration as these apply to professional psychology practice.
- Critique the major research approaches utilised in the establishment of evidence-based practice and their application in developing practice-based evidence research.
- Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of evidence based research design, data processing and methods of statistical analysis for key research designs and questions.
- Critique the preparation of research findings for presentation to different potential audiences and/or publication.
- Summarise the ethical and pragmatic considerations to test hypotheses generated from conducting and reporting of professional psychology practice research.
- Recognise the cultural and diverse ethical issues and obstacles that arise when conducting and reporting of professional psychology practice research.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence Based Treatment Plan | 50% | No | TBA |
| Group Research Proposal | 50% | No | TBA |
Evidence Based Treatment Plan
Due: TBA
Weighting: 50%
An Evidence Based Treatment Plan. Based on a case scenario provided in the first workshop submit information about the following steps in 1500 words or less. In each of the following steps you have to come to a clear choice and justify it. Use review articles (eg Cochrane reviews), clinical practice guidelines and other secondary sources unless you have no other source of information.
The treatment plan is broken into three parts
1A Background, Client Preferences and your Information Needs (15 Marks)
i) Background Material: Provide a brief summary of the case information - describe the client, especially all features that are relevant to the psychopathology - e.g. symptoms, thought processes, behaviours, history, medical features, family background, family pathology, etc. You may extend the background material provided in class.
ii) Clients values & Preferences: from this information identify and specify the clients values and preferences as they relate to intervention
iii) Clients Main Problems: Identify, specify, and prioritise the client's main problems
iv) Your information Needs: Identify and specify your information needs for this client's care
1b Search Strategy (15 Marks)
i) Search Strategy: Devise and specify a search strategy to address your identified information needs. Provide the results of your search strategy with your submission
ii) Pros & Cons of search strategy: briefly (no more than 2 paragraphs) indicate the expected pros and cons of your search strategy.
1c Critical Appraisal (15 Marks)
i) Critically appraise the evidence that you have found for its quality - do you trust the evidence youve found? say why.
ii) Critically appraise the evidence for applicability to your clients
iii) Conclude on a course of action
There will be an additional 5 marks for concise presentation and for clinically plausible and realistic decisions.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critique the major research approaches utilised in the establishment of evidence-based practice and their application in developing practice-based evidence research.
- Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of evidence based research design, data processing and methods of statistical analysis for key research designs and questions.
- Recognise the cultural and diverse ethical issues and obstacles that arise when conducting and reporting of professional psychology practice research.
Group Research Proposal
Due: TBA
Weighting: 50%
Form groups of 3 and design a research project that will address an issue for a clinical service, an NGO, or a group practice. Example scenarios will be provided in the first meeting. As a group, present your project to the class during workshop 3. Each group member should present for a maximum of 8 minutes so the 30min total time includes time for questions at the end (few minutes). Divide the content of the presentation fairly between each group member. For example: Member 1: Background (e.g., previous research, current study aims and hypotheses) Member 2: Study Design (e.g., participant selection, measures, procedure, statistical analysis) Member 3: Ethics, practical considerations (e.g., consent, potential risks/benefits to participants, timeline, budget, potential logistical problems and solutions), and significance of the research (i.e., what difference will the findings make - who will they benefit and how?)
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Review and explain approaches to research-practice integration as these apply to professional psychology practice.
- Critique the preparation of research findings for presentation to different potential audiences and/or publication.
- Summarise the ethical and pragmatic considerations to test hypotheses generated from conducting and reporting of professional psychology practice research.
- Recognise the cultural and diverse ethical issues and obstacles that arise when conducting and reporting of professional psychology practice research.
Delivery and Resources
Through a mixture of workshops and independent and group activities and assignments, students are provided with the tools to design, conduct, and report findings from applied research, including qualitative and mixed-method studies, and to review and critically evaluate relevant published literature. Ethical and pragmatic considerations in the design and conduct of psychology research, such as obtaining ethics approval and seeking research funding, are also considered. The Unit will be taught as free standing but key principles and applications will be embedded in other units.
Unit Schedule
Workshop 1: Research-Practice Integration The first part of this workshop covers key aspects of “research-practice integration”, the conduct of literature searches, literature reviews and the critical appraisal of published research. The second part of the workshop involves group work on a practice based research proposal and online work on searching and critical appraisal.
Workshop 2: Research Design & Analysis The first part of this workshop provides an overview of key issues in practice based research design. The second part of this workshop will include mixed methods and qualitative research design.
Workshop 3: Research Practicalities and Group Presentations The first part of this workshop covers practical considerations in research such as obtaining ethics approval and disseminating research findings, . The second part of this workshop will be dedicated to students’ oral presentations of their research proposal, which comprises the second component of the Unit Assessment.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Review and explain approaches to research-practice integration as these apply to professional psychology practice.
Assessment tasks
- Evidence Based Treatment Plan
- Group Research Proposal
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Review and explain approaches to research-practice integration as these apply to professional psychology practice.
- Critique the major research approaches utilised in the establishment of evidence-based practice and their application in developing practice-based evidence research.
- Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of evidence based research design, data processing and methods of statistical analysis for key research designs and questions.
- Critique the preparation of research findings for presentation to different potential audiences and/or publication.
- Recognise the cultural and diverse ethical issues and obstacles that arise when conducting and reporting of professional psychology practice research.
Assessment tasks
- Evidence Based Treatment Plan
- Group Research Proposal
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Critique the major research approaches utilised in the establishment of evidence-based practice and their application in developing practice-based evidence research.
- Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of evidence based research design, data processing and methods of statistical analysis for key research designs and questions.
- Summarise the ethical and pragmatic considerations to test hypotheses generated from conducting and reporting of professional psychology practice research.
Assessment tasks
- Evidence Based Treatment Plan
- Group Research Proposal
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Critique the preparation of research findings for presentation to different potential audiences and/or publication.
Assessment task
- Group Research Proposal
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Summarise the ethical and pragmatic considerations to test hypotheses generated from conducting and reporting of professional psychology practice research.
- Recognise the cultural and diverse ethical issues and obstacles that arise when conducting and reporting of professional psychology practice research.
Assessment tasks
- Evidence Based Treatment Plan
- Group Research Proposal