Unit Outline

This unit explores the complexity of psychological concepts and role of theory in a range of core and contemporary fields of psychology, as well as controversial theoretical and ‘real world’ issues. Particular focus is placed on exploring concepts which can be challenging, both in terms of the ethical and moral issues they raise, and in terms of their ambiguity/complexity. The role of theory in understanding and resolving current, cutting-edge issues in psychological research is also explored.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Critically analyse contemporary theory and evidence in psychological science, including understanding the effects of social, historical, professional and cultural factors on the development of theory and research.
2.	Interpret and apply theory to both existing research, and as part of the development of your own research capabilities.
3.	Evaluate the ethical and pragmatic issues which can add ambiguity and complexity within the discipline of psychology.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	Admission into M4O or M4Y or R4E or S4E

Alterations as a result of student feedback

Order of some content has been changed, and more time will be added to allow debriefing following some of the more challenging content (e.g. family violence).

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	In class presentation	Week 2	10 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Written Assignment	Week 6	50 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Exam	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: In class presentation

Task Description:

In class presentation (10 mins) Each student will be assigned to present a talk based on a research article supplied by lecturers. The seminar will involve (1) summarising the research article (give a summary; highlight key issues; provide thoughts on quality/any criticisms). Seminar presenters should be prepared to answer questions about their presentation/article and should try to encourage discussion in the class on the topic.

Presentations will commence in week 2 and finish week 12 – roster will go out in week 1

Task Length:

10 minutes

Due Date:

Week 2

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Present coherent talk on allocated article, in which the study’s key elements are summarised, and the outcomes are interpreted.	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 2: Written Assignment

Task Description:

Students will be required to complete a written assignment.

Task Length:

2000 words

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

50 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate knowledge of relevant factors, including critical analysis of the literature	LO1, LO2, LO3
2	Provide a coherent and considered reflection of potential issues relevant to personal practice and/or research	LO2, LO3
3	Provide explicit actions/strategies to address the issue	LO2, LO3
4	Use a professional presentation, structure and writing style	LO2

Assessment Task 3: Exam

Task Description:

Written exam comprising essay questions and MCQ. Closed-book; in formal exam period.

Task Length:

2 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Understanding of the role of theory in scientific psychology.	LO1
2	Understanding of the general principles that underlie theory development in psychology.	LO2
3	Clear, logical argument and explanations	LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.