Unit Outline

In this unit you will be introduced to psychological knowledge which supports an understanding of the way individuals function in groups. You will learn about the major psychological models and theories, and methods used to conduct scientific investigations in psychology. You will also study how to conduct empirical research to examine phenomena such as memory, personality, and group behaviour.

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	Describe fundamental concepts in psychology research.
2	Discuss fundamental concepts relating to how we learn.
3	Discuss fundamental concepts relating to lifespan development.
4	Apply and evaluate methods of conducting psychology research.
5	Communicate psychology concepts using multiple modes and style conventions.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

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:	Research methods quiz	Week 5	10 %	LO1, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Psychology investigation project	Week 8	20 %	LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	Digital Portfolio	Refer to Assessment Description	30 %	LO2, LO3, LO5
Assessment Task 4:	Examination	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Research methods quiz

Task Description:

This will be a MyLO quiz.
You will have to answer different types of questions, such as, multiple choice, short answer, long answers, matching etc.
The questions will be on research methods (topics covered in weeks 2 - 4).
No resources will be permitted in this test, it is a closed book quiz.

Task Length:

2hrs

Due Date:

Week 5

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify concepts in psychology research from worded descriptions.	LO1
2	Assess the validity and ethics of psychology research approaches.	LO4
3	Analyse examples of research data.	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Psychology investigation project

Task Description:

You will write a scientific report based on results of an observational study conducted in class. The observational study will be examining your short-term memory through the serial position effect.
Specifically, you will investigate whether your ability to recall items from a list reflects the pattern suggested by the serial position effect—more items from the start and end of a list are recalled correctly than items in the middle of the list.

Prior to conducting the study, you will be asked to complete a consent form. To safeguard anonymity, students’ written responses will be identified by a code number and all individual student data will be shredded at the completion of the unit.

Task Length:

Report 800-1050 words

Due Date:

Week 8

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Collect data in a manner that is valid and ethical.	LO4
2	Evaluate data with reference to concepts in psychology.	LO4
3	Compose a report that conforms with formal guidelines.	LO5
4	Represent the ideas of others with academic integrity.	LO4
5	Communicate using scientific language.	LO5

Assessment Task 3: Digital Portfolio

Task Description:

This assessment has 3 parts.
Part 1: Create a digital blog using Microsoft Sway and make two posts on your blog, relating to the topics Associative learning, and Development.
Part 2: Conduct online discussions in which you ask questions about your peer's blogs.
Part 3: Write a third digital blog post reflecting on what you learned the online discussions.

Task Length:

Part 1: 600-800 words Part 2: 1 hour Part 3: 300-400 words

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Examine and illustrate concepts related to associative learning.	LO2
2	Examine and illustrate concepts related to psychological development.	LO3
3	Discuss the ideas presented by your peers and ask questions.	LO5
4	Evaluate what you have learned from the online discussions.	LO5
5	Use a range of methods and media to communicate ideas.	LO5

Assessment Task 4: Examination

Task Description:

This will be a paper-based examination with 3 sections:
Section A - Multiple choice questions. All questions are compulsory.
Section B - Short answer questions. This section be based on a scenario followed with a series of written response questions. One question involves drawing a graph to present results. All questions are compulsory.
Section C - Written response questions. You will be given 5 questions, you have to choose 2 to respond to. Write a paragraph for each.

Task Length:

2 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify key concepts in psychology research	LO1
2	Analyse a psychology case study.	LO4
3	Discuss key concepts in psychology.	LO5
4	Identify key concepts relating to how we learn	LO2
5	Identify key concepts relating to lifespan development	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.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

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.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

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.