Students

PSYO944 – Research Proposal

2019 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Mark Wiggins
Lecturer
Ben Searle
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 30% Yes 03/06/2019
Industry Research Proposal 50% Yes 03/06/2019
Thesis Presentation 20% Yes 24/05/2019

Ethics Application

Due: 03/06/2019
Weighting: 30%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

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). For this assessment task, students are required submit the following documents :


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: 03/06/2019
Weighting: 50%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

The proposal would generally include a background, research question, brief literature review, proposed methodology, proposed analysis, expected outcomes, timeline, and estimates of the costs and time involved. You are encouraged to discuss the structure of your proposal with your supervisor in case elements need to be tailored to your specific industrial or organisational setting.


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: 24/05/2019
Weighting: 20%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

Students have three minutes to formally present the most important aspects of the background, design, and contribution 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 published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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

  • 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

  • Ethics Application
  • Industry Research Proposal

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. 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

  • 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 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. 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

  • 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 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. 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

  • 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 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. 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

  • Ethics Application
  • 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 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. 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

  • Ethics Application
  • Industry Research Proposal