Students

PSYO944 – Research Proposal

2018 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convener
Mark Wiggins
Contact via Email
C3A529
By Appointment
Lecturer
Ben Searle
Contact via Email
By Appointment
Credit points Credit points
8
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MOrgPsych
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit is designed to investigate and discuss conceptual, methodological, and procedural issues, enable the finalisation of project measures and procedures, complete a business research proposal, and complete and submit an application for ethics approval to conduct empirical research

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:

  • Knowledge outcomes: The role of ethics in research; The philosophy of science; The different research paradigms in organisational psychology; The distinction between descriptive and experimental research; The opportunities and constraints in data analysis; and The principles of academic writing.
  • Specific skill outcomes: Prepare a research ethics application; Develop a research proposal; Develop a coherent and comprehensive literature review; and Present a research proposal for discussion.
  • Generic skill outcomes: Academic literacy; Creative thinking and problem-solving skills; Interpersonal and team skills; Communication skills; and Critical analysis skills.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Ethics Application Form 30% No 4th June 2018
Industry Research Proposal 50% No 25th May 2018
Thesis Presentation 20% No 25th May 2018

Ethics Application Form

Due: 4th June 2018
Weighting: 30%

Competence in professional ethics includes understanding how legal and ethical principles apply to data collection. As part of their research, students will normally be required to complete and submit for approval, the Research Ethics Application Form (human ethics) available from: https://www.mq.edu.au/research/ethics-integrity-and-policies/ethics/human-ethics/resources. For this assessment task, students are required submit the following documents[1]:

Part 1: Application. Students must submit       

  • One PDF copy of the submitted ethics application      

Part 2: Approval. Students must submit      

One PDF copy of an email from the ethics committee confirming the application has been approved

[1] In some cases, students will be working on projects that already have ethical approval. In this case, students must complete a new ethics application and submit this version for assessment purposes. For Part 2, students will submit for assessment purposes, the approval for the application that was originally submitted for consideration.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Knowledge outcomes: The role of ethics in research; The philosophy of science; The different research paradigms in organisational psychology; The distinction between descriptive and experimental research; The opportunities and constraints in data analysis; and The principles of academic writing.
  • Specific skill outcomes: Prepare a research ethics application; Develop a research proposal; Develop a coherent and comprehensive literature review; and Present a research proposal for discussion.
  • Generic skill outcomes: Academic literacy; Creative thinking and problem-solving skills; Interpersonal and team skills; Communication skills; and Critical analysis skills.

Industry Research Proposal

Due: 25th May 2018
Weighting: 50%

Description:  This assessment task involves the development of a research proposal for an industry audience. Researchers must be able to plan how to manage and execute their research projects. Beyond this, research competency includes the ability to understand the scope and context of a research question, how a research study contributes to the literature, and what potential the findings have to influence practice. Researchers must be able to persuade others of the importance of their work, given the resource and opportunity costs associated with research projects.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Knowledge outcomes: The role of ethics in research; The philosophy of science; The different research paradigms in organisational psychology; The distinction between descriptive and experimental research; The opportunities and constraints in data analysis; and The principles of academic writing.
  • Specific skill outcomes: Prepare a research ethics application; Develop a research proposal; Develop a coherent and comprehensive literature review; and Present a research proposal for discussion.
  • Generic skill outcomes: Academic literacy; Creative thinking and problem-solving skills; Interpersonal and team skills; Communication skills; and Critical analysis skills.

Thesis Presentation

Due: 25th May 2018
Weighting: 20%

Researchers need to be able to communicate their work to others both in writing and in oral presentations. This task is based on the PhD student competition called the three minute thesis (3MT). Founded by UQ in 2008, 3MT has become an international event that promotes good oral communication of student research. This assessment task involves students giving a short, prepared presentation that captures the essence of their research projects.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Knowledge outcomes: The role of ethics in research; The philosophy of science; The different research paradigms in organisational psychology; The distinction between descriptive and experimental research; The opportunities and constraints in data analysis; and The principles of academic writing.
  • Specific skill outcomes: Prepare a research ethics application; Develop a research proposal; Develop a coherent and comprehensive literature review; and Present a research proposal for discussion.
  • Generic skill outcomes: Academic literacy; Creative thinking and problem-solving skills; Interpersonal and team skills; Communication skills; and Critical analysis skills.

Delivery and Resources

Classes are offered as workshops, beginning at 9.00am and concluding at or before 5.00pm. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. Learning objectives and assessment activities are based on the requirement of a minimum 80% class attendance.

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. Learning objectives and assessment activities are based on the requirements of a minimum 80% class attendance.

If there are exceptional circumstances where a session must be missed, this will need to be arranged with the unit convener in advance. Failure to do so implies a lack of professionalism. Students who are absent for more than 20% of classes will be required to submit, as a minimum, a written essay or report of 2000 words on a topic related to content that was missed. All students with less than 80% attendance must meet this requirement. This provides an alternative and independently verifiable way of demonstrating competence that would normally be assessed in class. Prior to commencing such supplementary assignments, students must meet with the unit convener who will determine specific requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. Substandard performance may result in a requested resubmission or the setting of alternative assignments.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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 outcomes

  • Specific skill outcomes: Prepare a research ethics application; Develop a research proposal; Develop a coherent and comprehensive literature review; and Present a research proposal for discussion.
  • Generic skill outcomes: Academic literacy; Creative thinking and problem-solving skills; Interpersonal and team skills; Communication skills; and Critical analysis skills.

Assessment task

  • Ethics Application Form

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Knowledge outcomes: The role of ethics in research; The philosophy of science; The different research paradigms in organisational psychology; The distinction between descriptive and experimental research; The opportunities and constraints in data analysis; and The principles of academic writing.

Assessment task

  • Industry 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

  • Knowledge outcomes: The role of ethics in research; The philosophy of science; The different research paradigms in organisational psychology; The distinction between descriptive and experimental research; The opportunities and constraints in data analysis; and The principles of academic writing.
  • Specific skill outcomes: Prepare a research ethics application; Develop a research proposal; Develop a coherent and comprehensive literature review; and Present a research proposal for discussion.

Assessment task

  • Industry 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

  • Knowledge outcomes: The role of ethics in research; The philosophy of science; The different research paradigms in organisational psychology; The distinction between descriptive and experimental research; The opportunities and constraints in data analysis; and The principles of academic writing.
  • Specific skill outcomes: Prepare a research ethics application; Develop a research proposal; Develop a coherent and comprehensive literature review; and Present a research proposal for discussion.

Assessment task

  • Industry 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 outcomes

  • Knowledge outcomes: The role of ethics in research; The philosophy of science; The different research paradigms in organisational psychology; The distinction between descriptive and experimental research; The opportunities and constraints in data analysis; and The principles of academic writing.
  • Specific skill outcomes: Prepare a research ethics application; Develop a research proposal; Develop a coherent and comprehensive literature review; and Present a research proposal for discussion.
  • Generic skill outcomes: Academic literacy; Creative thinking and problem-solving skills; Interpersonal and team skills; Communication skills; and Critical analysis skills.

Assessment tasks

  • Industry Research Proposal
  • Thesis Presentation

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

  • Knowledge outcomes: The role of ethics in research; The philosophy of science; The different research paradigms in organisational psychology; The distinction between descriptive and experimental research; The opportunities and constraints in data analysis; and The principles of academic writing.
  • Specific skill outcomes: Prepare a research ethics application; Develop a research proposal; Develop a coherent and comprehensive literature review; and Present a research proposal for discussion.

Assessment task

  • Ethics Application Form