96837 Research Methods and Theory in Psychology
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 96832 Introduction to Psychology Foundations AND 96833 Introduction to Psychological Science
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
Research methods and theory underpin psychological research. In this subject, students explore the scientific method underpinning the scientist-practitioner model. By comparing and contrasting specific research methods and various types of research design, students develop an understanding of what distinguishes the scientific approach from pseudoscience. Students also engage with key ethical issues, questions and principles that guide the work of the scientist-practitioner in psychology.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| 016. | Evaluate why psychology is a science |
|---|---|
| 018. | Analyse major historical events and their link to trends in contemporary research |
| 028. | Compare and contrast specific research methods (e.g., observational, archival, correlational, experimental, qualitative) |
| 032. | Apply knowledge of the importance of reproducibility |
| 041. | Distinguish key concepts and principles relating to research methods |
| 044. | Critically evaluate research communications from varied sources with regard to how they differ in credibility and objectivity |
| 067. | Craft research reports in adherence to the current American Psychological Association (APA) Style guide and formatting requirements |
| 078. | Identify and evaluate the biases or errors that appear in various media |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
The learning outcomes for this subject are as follows:
- Psychological Literacy: Apply psychological science to meet personal, professional, and societal goals. (2.1)
- Research and Communication: Analyse, critique, and communicate theory and research in psychology. (2.2)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:
2. Psychologically and technologically literate
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Psychology understand psychology and behaviour from an evidence-based perspective, can apply psychological science to real-world problems, and are competent in the analysis and critique of research.
Teaching and learning strategies
Orientation activities
Preparation for the session - You are expected to undertake activities during orientation week. These activities are designed to introduce you to the subject and your peers and will assist you to prepare for the subject's assessment tasks.
Independent learning activities
Relevant readings, videos and activities will be made available online relevant to the topic of the week. This will support your ability to progress successfully throughout the subject and complete assessment items effectively. The online material aims to enhance your understanding of the topic or delve deeper into a more specific area, compare experiences and ideas with others and gain feedback. Information and links to all these learning activities can be accessed via Canvas as well as the subject outline.
Zoom meetings
You are strongly encouraged to attend all scheduled Zoom meetings as they will prepare you for the subject’s assessment tasks. Additionally, they provide opportunities for group activities, discussion, self-assessment, peer review and formative feedback from the subject coordinator and your teaching team. The schedule for this subject’s zoom meetings will be provided in Canvas.
Feedback
Feedback in this subject takes several forms including self-assessment, peer review, automatic feedback from interactive activities and from the teaching team. Formative feedback throughout the subject aims to increase your performance in summative assessments.
Feedback and changes from previous subject offering
This subject has been revised based on student feedback. We will be collecting feedback from you in several forms to evaluate the design, relevance and depth of the content and its delivery. We appreciate you taking part in this process to ensure we are delivering subjects that are contemporary and meet your needs.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Weekly Test of Knowledge
| Intent: | Engaging in this task allows students to test their ability to distinguish key concepts and principles relating to research methods including research design and data analysis, and to compare specific research methods. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 028 and 041 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: 2.2 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 6 x 5 item tests (30 questions in total) |
| Criteria: | Marking criteria are available on Canvas |
Assessment task 2: Psychology and Science
| Intent: | Psychological scientists understand that science does not operate in isolation from society and societal events. Engaging in this task provides a platform for students to analyse major historical events (e.g., the Scientific Revolution; World War II) and their link to trends in contemporary psychological research (e.g., experimental psychology; use of measurement), and to evaluate the scientific status of psychology. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 016, 018 and 078 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: 2.1 and 2.2 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 500 words |
| Criteria: | Marking criteria are available on Canvas |
Assessment task 3: Research Report
| Intent: | Engaging in this task allows students to apply their understanding of the importance of reproducibility within psychological science and to present their ideas in a format that facilitates effective scientific communication. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 032, 044 and 067 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: 2.2 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | 1,500 words |
| Criteria: | Marking criteria are available on Canvas |
Recommended texts
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000
Gravetter, F. J., & Forzano, L. B. (2018). Research methods for the behavioral sciences. Cengage Learning.
O’Shea, R.P., & McKenzie, W. (2021). Writing for psychology (7th ed.). Cengage Learning.
References
University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). (2020). Assessment of coursework subjects policy and procedures, UTS.
A comprehensive list of references and other resources are available in this subject in Canvas.
Other resources
UTS Student Centre
Building 10
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)
For other resources/information refer to the Faculty of Health website and Canvas.
UTS Library
The Library has a wide range of resources, facilities and services to support you including textbooks, subject readings, health literature databases, workshops and bookable study rooms. There is also a team of librarians to help you with your questions available via online chat, phone and in person. W: lib.uts.edu.au, Facebook: utslibrary, Twitter: @utslibrary Tel: +61 2 9514 3666.
Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.