Students
PSYP910 – Research Theory and Practice for Professional Psychologists
2019 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Joanne Earl
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.
General Assessment Information
Students must attempt all assessment tasks to achieve a grade of pass or higher in this unit.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Systematic Literature Review | 60% | No | 25/09/19 |
| Group Research Presentation | 40% | No | 23/10/19 |
Systematic Literature Review
Due: 25/09/19
Weighting: 60%
This review is the first part of the assessment process and contributes 60%. The remaining 40% is a group presentation informed by this systematic literature review. In choosing a topic you would be wise to identify your collaborators to make sure you can all contribute to the group presentation. It is appropriate to choose the same topic but the systematic literature review must be completed on an individual basis. However the group presentation is a collaboration and you can all share the results from your systematic literature review. Your report should be no longer than 3000 words (double-spaced, size 12 Times New Roman font, 2.5cm margins) excluding diagrams, references and appendices.
Using the PRISMA-P protocols you are to conduct a systematic review of research relating to therapies, interventions or treatment plans affecting older Australians. The ultimate goal of the essay is to review the relevant empirical evidence available and recommend therapies, interventions or treatments to best service the population identified. You should work a specific issue and be sure to liaise with your future group members to ensure suitable integration later. There is no problem if students investigate the same specific issue but the assignment must be completed individually.
Your report should include the following 3 sections:
15% Background
· You must begin with a clear statement about the area you are investigating and why you believe it is an important problem. Use evidence to justify the need for research to devise future solutions or strategies.
15% PRISMA-P Flow-chart
· Provide the PRISMA-P flow diagram to indicate the decisions you made when identifying relevant articles
· Outline the pros and cons of your approach. What was difficult? Easy? Where were the biggest gaps in the evidence?
30% Critical Appraisal
· Review the quality of the research found. What are the gaps in methodology, analysis or conclusions? Was there a particular study that exemplified the type of research you thought was optimal?
· Critically appraise the evidence for applicability to the solution
· Conclude on a future course of action
On iLearn you will find some examples of last year's submissions to help you to determine what the final product will look like. Here you will also find a rubric and some other resources that will help you.
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 Presentation
Due: 23/10/19
Weighting: 40%
Oral Presentation Group Research Proposal
This group presentation is informed by the systematic literature search completed in the first assignment. Form groups of 4 to 5 and design a research project that will address an issue identified in the systematic review. Having completed your systematic review what type of intervention could be designed to treat the problem or better support the population of interest. As a group, present your project to the class during workshop 4. Each group member should present for a maximum of 8 minutes so the 40min total time includes time for questions at the end (few minutes). You can allocate the 8 minutes any way you like but the following must be addressed: 1. Background (e.g. previous research, current study aims and hypotheses, significance and innovation of the research) 2. Study design (e.g. participation selection criteria and recruitment, measures, procedures, statistical analysis) 3. Ethics considerations and impact on study design (e.g. consent, potential risks/benefits, dilemmas) 4. Evaluation (e.g. how will you know if the intervention/therapy was successful).
On iLearn you will find a rubric for the presentation along with an example from last year.
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.
If a workshop is missed a make-up task will be devised to address content. By missing workshops the student is at risk of being excluded and university rules may apply.
Unit Schedule
Pre-Work: In order to get the most out of sessions it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with different types of psychological interventions by reading the folder marked "Pre-Work Reading on ILearn".
Workshop 1: Research-Practice Integration The first part of this workshop introduces the method used to conduct a systematic literature review and 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 focuses on approaches to qualitative research.
Workshop 2: Research Design & Analysis The first part of this workshop provides an overview of key issues in practice based research design with a focus on evaluation clinical significance in therapeutic sessions (i.e. N=1). The second part of this workshop will include evaluations at a program and group intervention level.
Workshop 3: Longitudinal Research/ Large databases and Group Presentations This workshop covers longitudinal research designs, a review of existing research studies and how to access large data-bases . We emphasise recruitment and retention strategies across time. We also discuss the methods used to get ethics approval in a community setting and how to apply for grants.
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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
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
- Review and explain approaches to research-practice integration as these apply to professional psychology practice.
Assessment tasks
- Systematic Literature Review
- Group Research Presentation
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
- Systematic Literature Review
- Group Research Presentation
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
- Systematic Literature Review
- Group Research Presentation
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 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
- 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
- Systematic Literature Review
- Group Research Presentation
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 19/07/2019 | I have deleted readings from this version of the unit guide |