PSYCHOL 7144 - Research Project in Clinical Psychology I

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2024

This is an empirically-based research project on a topic of relevance to clinical psychology to be pursued under the guidance of one or more supervisors (at least one of whom shall be a member of the School of Psychology). The project should be structured so that the students participate in all of the steps involved in the research, including the formulation of the research question(s), the design of the study including the selection of appropriate methodology, the collection and analysis of data, the interpretation of the findings, and the preparation of the report.

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Course Details

Course Code	PSYCHOL 7144
Course	Research Project in Clinical Psychology I
Coordinating Unit	Psychology
Term	Semester 1
Level	Postgraduate Coursework
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	6
Contact	By supervision
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	N
Prerequisites	PSYCHOL 7130 - and, if required for the project, the submission of an ethics application
Restrictions	Available to M Psych (Clin) students only
Assessment	Research Proposal (with Gantt chart) & Research Presentation

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Professor Rachel Roberts

Professor Rachel Roberts

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

At the successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1.   To review and analyse critically research in a specific area of clinical psychology.
2.   To acquire knowledge and competency in the design and completion of research studies in clinical psychology
3.   To acquire and apply skills in critical analysis.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.	1,2,3
Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.	1,2,3
Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.	2
Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.	2
Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.	1,2,3
Attribute 7: Digital capabilities Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.	1,2,3
Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.	1,2,3

Learning Resources

Online Learning

This course may use MyUni for one or more of the following:

- Communication with students via Announcements and Discussion Board
- Submission of assessment
- Access to resources such as forms, templates and additional readings
- Self-directed learning activities.

Link to MyUni:
https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/
Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

The Supervisor and trainee correspond regularly in formal scheduled supervision meetings. The amount of supervision required will depend on the development needs of the trainee and the stage of progression of the research project.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

1)   Research Project summary (1000 words)
2)   A Gantt chart which indicates key steps of the project and their approximate duration and dates of commencement and completion
3)   A statement from the student’s internal supervisor in support of the student’s submission
4)    A presentation of their research including background information, project aims and methodology

These tasks should constitute approximately 288 hours of a student’s workload in any given semester.

Learning Activities Summary

As this subject involves research no formal lectures are mandated. The Learning Activities depend upon the nature of the research project and developmental needs of the trainee. The Learning Activities reflect the Learning Outcomes.

Specific Course Requirements

On the initial enrolment into one of the Master of Psychology (Clinical) program, all students (unless already a Registered Psychologist) MUST apply for and obtain provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. All students are required to provide a copy of their registration details to the Program Administrator on their first day in the Program: this will be required for the Summer School courses Interviewing & Intervention and Evidence-Based Practice. The application form and details of fees payable are available from the PBA website.

Candidates are required to consent to a police check as part of their application to the Psychology Board of Australia for Provisional Registration, a requirement of enrolment in the program. A satisfactory current police check is a mandatory requirement for acceptance to and continuation within the program.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Assessment Type	Weighting	Learning outcome(s) being addressed
Summary of the research project (1000 words)	Summative	NGP	All
A Gantt chart which indicates key steps of the project and their approximate duration and dates of commencement and completion	Summative	NGP	All
A research presentation	Summative	NGP	All

In accordance with the Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy, Procedure 1a. iv: An exemption from the maximum weighting for an assessment task has been granted.

Assessment Detail

No information currently available.

Submission

In the case of an unsatisfactory performance in this subject the student will be given an opportunity to do further work to revise and complete the summary of the research project of 1000 words and the Gantt Chart to an acceptable standard.

The School of Psychology undertakes to adhere to the University’s Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy, Procedure 6a, which requires that assessments are returned within 4 weeks of the deadlines for submission.

Extension of time for an assignment may be granted at the discretion of the Course Coordinator, to whom students should apply in writing (or email) before the due date and time.

No requests for extensions will be considered if made after the due date and time.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

GS8 (Coursework Grade Scheme)
Grade	Description
CN	Continuing
FNS	Fail No Submission
NFE	No Formal Examination
F	Fail
NGP	Non Graded Pass
P	Pass
C	Credit
D	Distinction
HD	High Distinction
RP	Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Assignments will be graded by NGP

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator