Unit rationale, description and aim
The practice of psychology is based on the scientist-practitioner model, and as such, knowledge and critical analysis of research is essential for evidence-based practice. This research unit allows students to demonstrate the critical analysis and integration of psychological knowledge they have acquired throughout the program, within the context of a research project. All students will be given a specific research question that relates to a simulated single-case design study. Using simulated role plays students will be required to undertake processes relating to gaining consent, selection of assessments, reviewing the literature for evidence-based treatments, implementing an intervention, monitoring client progress, and providing feedback in a structured environment. Data collected by the students throughout the case will then be analysed and the case will be written up as a research report. The aim of this unit is to provide students with a capstone experience, which allows them to demonstrate the integration of theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, and research analytic abilities acquired through their postgraduate study.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Describe the key elements of the scientist-practit...
Learning Outcome 01
Explain the link between research methods, the abi...
Learning Outcome 02
Apply a single case design to evaluate the effecti...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
Topics will include:
- Overview of a capstone experience
- Using research methodologies to evaluate clinical practice
- Cultural considerations when using research methods to assess psychological practice
- Assessing client treatment outcomes
- An overview of single-case design studies
- Use of single-case designs within the broader scientist-practitioner model
- Evaluating single case designs using both pre- and post-data, clinical observations and session rating scores.
- Presenting outcome data to clients and treatment teams in both verbal and written format
- Requirements for writing up the capstone experience
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment strategy for this unit allows students to demonstrate the integration of skills and knowledge acquired throughout their postgraduate studies. The processes of writing the proposal allow the student to demonstrate the ability to plan a viable research project to evaluate clinical treatment outcomes. If required, students will be given feedback to ensure that the research proposal is sufficiently robust to ensure that the student can proceed in a way that meets ethical and safety standards. The student will be given one further opportunity to resubmit this written assignment within two weeks of the feedback being received. The main outcome of this unit is to produce a research report based on a single-case simulated case study, which demonstrates critical thinking and the synthesis of data and knowledge within the scientist-practitioner model that will allow students to work competently within the field of psychology. Students must complete the hurdle task successfully and achieve a pass grade in the written research report to pass this unit.
Overview of assessments
Research proposal: Require students to demonstra...
Research proposal:
Require students to demonstrate capacity to understand, conceptualise, and design a treatment evaluation
Hurdle
Written research report: Require students to dem...
Written research report:
Require students to demonstrate their ability to write a research report in publishable form
Pass/fail
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Postgraduate students in psychology are expected to be independent learners, which is reflected in an approach that puts students at the centre of their learning through discussion. This unit therefore uses an active learning approach that puts students at the centre of their learning through discussion. As such, the unit is delivered in two face-to-face contact hours per week and utilises lectures, group activities, and reflective/critical thinking activities. Lectures and demonstrations are structured to deliver essential content, while group activities provide students with opportunities to discuss the implementation of a single case-design study. Critical thinking activities will be used to promote reflection and integration of skills obtained across the course of their studies. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively in group activities.