General Information
This subject provides training in ethics, legal frameworks, and research methods as relevant to the professional practice of psychology. Students will learn two sections in this subject. In section 1, students receive formal academic training in the philosophical foundations of ethics, the legal frameworks and professional codes relevant to psychological practice. In addition, students will learn to apply the APS Code, APS Guidelines and ethical decision making models to analyse and manage ethical dilemmas that can arise in psychological practice. Students will also learn how to build capability around inclusion and cultural diversity, to develop self-reflective and culturally, responsive professional practice. To develop procedural skills in regards to risk management and ethical conduct, students will learn current first-hand accounts of psychological practice. In section 2, students receive advanced training in research ethics and research methods with a focus on applied research settings. This will include learning activities on developing an understanding of the unique ethical issues that arise when conducting research in professional psychological contexts. Furthermore, students learn to apply and critically appraise evidence-based scientific methods in contexts ranging for single case studies, to clinical trials, and the evaluation of public mental health programs. This section includes an emphasis on developing capabilities to critically appraise the strengths and limitations of the various qualitative and quantitative research methods that are employed by psychologists. Finally, students will learn to individually investigate a psychological research question in the form of a systematic literature review.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Society & Design Subject code: PSYC71-505 Subject title: Research Methods, Professional Practice and Ethics Subject level: Postgraduate Semester/Year: May 2024 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Seminar: x12 (Total hours: 48) - Weekly seminar
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 72) - Recommended study hours
Attendance and learning activities: Students enrolled in the Masters of Psychology Programs must meet the Professional Communication standards expected of the Psychology profession. For all subjects there is a minimum 80% attendance, engagement and participation component. Students who fail to meet the expected competencies, across attendance and/or assessments, will be offered a remedial task in order to pass the subject. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Australian Psychological Society (2007). Code of Ethics. n/a, Melbourne, Victoria Australian Psychological Society
iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications.
Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student.
To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Society & Design |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | PSYC71-505 |
| Subject title: | Research Methods, Professional Practice and Ethics |
| Subject level: | Postgraduate |
| Semester/Year: | May 2024 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | Students enrolled in the Masters of Psychology Programs must meet the Professional Communication standards expected of the Psychology profession. For all subjects there is a minimum 80% attendance, engagement and participation component. Students who fail to meet the expected competencies, across attendance and/or assessments, will be offered a remedial task in order to pass the subject. |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.
|
| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsive ways.
- Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.
- Interpret and communicate findings in written formats, including formal psychological reports, using culturally appropriate language.
- Knowledge of how to practice effectively with a range of professional and support staff in the workplace and communicate and collaborate effectively, within the bounds of ethical and legal requirements.
- Operate within the boundaries of their professional competence, consult with peers or other relevant sources where appropriate, and refer on to relevant other practitioners where appropriate.
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of their professional practice, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes where needed.
- Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
- Knowledge of the requirements of regulatory and statutory authorities.
- Competence in the evaluation and application of research.
- Investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of the principles of inter-professional learning and practice.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Literature Review^ Systematic Literature Review C Week 8 9,11,12 Take-home Examination^ Short Answer Take Home Exam C Week 12 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11,13,14 - ^ Students must pass this assessment to pass the subject
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Pass requirement
Students enrolled in the Masters of Psychology Programs must meet the Professional Communication standards expected of the Psychology profession. For all subjects there is a minimum 80% attendance, engagement and participation component. Students who fail to meet the expected competencies, across attendance and/or assessments, will be offered a remedial task in order to pass the subject.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Literature Review^ | Systematic Literature Review | C | Week 8 | 9,11,12 |
| Take-home Examination^ | Short Answer Take Home Exam | C | Week 12 | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11,13,14 |
- ^ Students must pass this assessment to pass the subject
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Pass requirement
Students enrolled in the Masters of Psychology Programs must meet the Professional Communication standards expected of the Psychology profession. For all subjects there is a minimum 80% attendance, engagement and participation component. Students who fail to meet the expected competencies, across attendance and/or assessments, will be offered a remedial task in order to pass the subject.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A student who has not established a basis for an extension in compliance with University and Faculty policy either by 1) not applying before the assessment due date or 2) by having an application rejected due to failure to show a justifiable cause for an extension, will receive a penalty on assessment submitted after its due date. The penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment for every day late, with the first day counted after the required submission time has passed. No assessment will be accepted for consideration seven calendar days after the due date. Where a student has been granted an extension, the late penalty starts from the new due date and time set out in the extension.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
This subject contains content that some students may find distressing, disturbing or culturally challenging. Sensitive topics may include topics common in the practice of psychology such as trauma and sexual abuse, family violence, suicidality, and homicidal ideation, among others. Students with concerns about the content of any subject are encouraged to discuss this with their teacher and consider how best to prepare themselves to study challenging material in a way that is appropriate for them.
Subject curriculum
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Overview of Course
Meet and greet, overview of course structure, and APAC requirements.
SLOs included
- Interpret and communicate findings in written formats, including formal psychological reports, using culturally appropriate language.
- Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
- Investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.
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Introduction to Ethics
Philosophical underpinnings of ethics and classical ethical dilemmas.
SLOs included
- Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
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Legal Frameworks Relevant for Psychological Practice
Introduction to the Australian legal system, Mental Health Act, Privacy Act and Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act.
SLOs included
- Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.
- Interpret and communicate findings in written formats, including formal psychological reports, using culturally appropriate language.
- Knowledge of how to practice effectively with a range of professional and support staff in the workplace and communicate and collaborate effectively, within the bounds of ethical and legal requirements.
- Operate within the boundaries of their professional competence, consult with peers or other relevant sources where appropriate, and refer on to relevant other practitioners where appropriate.
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of their professional practice, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes where needed.
- Knowledge of the requirements of regulatory and statutory authorities.
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of the principles of inter-professional learning and practice.
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Professional Codes and Ethical Decision Making
APS Code and Guidelines (key points of consent, boundaries, competence, confidentiality, and risk management)
SLOs included
- Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.
- Interpret and communicate findings in written formats, including formal psychological reports, using culturally appropriate language.
- Knowledge of how to practice effectively with a range of professional and support staff in the workplace and communicate and collaborate effectively, within the bounds of ethical and legal requirements.
- Operate within the boundaries of their professional competence, consult with peers or other relevant sources where appropriate, and refer on to relevant other practitioners where appropriate.
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of their professional practice, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes where needed.
- Knowledge of the requirements of regulatory and statutory authorities.
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of the principles of inter-professional learning and practice.
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Cultural Awareness
Introduction to social and emotional wellbeing and cross- cultural engagement.
SLOs included
- Apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsive ways.
- Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.
- Interpret and communicate findings in written formats, including formal psychological reports, using culturally appropriate language.
- Knowledge of how to practice effectively with a range of professional and support staff in the workplace and communicate and collaborate effectively, within the bounds of ethical and legal requirements.
- Operate within the boundaries of their professional competence, consult with peers or other relevant sources where appropriate, and refer on to relevant other practitioners where appropriate.
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of their professional practice, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes where needed.
- Competence in the evaluation and application of research.
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of the principles of inter-professional learning and practice.
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Publishing Clinical Psychological Research
Theory and practice of publishing research.
SLOs included
- Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
- Competence in the evaluation and application of research.
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Research Ethics
History, current legal framework, and practical aspects of ethical conduct in human research.
SLOs included
- Apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsive ways.
- Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.
- Interpret and communicate findings in written formats, including formal psychological reports, using culturally appropriate language.
- Knowledge of how to practice effectively with a range of professional and support staff in the workplace and communicate and collaborate effectively, within the bounds of ethical and legal requirements.
- Operate within the boundaries of their professional competence, consult with peers or other relevant sources where appropriate, and refer on to relevant other practitioners where appropriate.
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of their professional practice, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes where needed.
- Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
- Knowledge of the requirements of regulatory and statutory authorities.
- Competence in the evaluation and application of research.
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of cultural responsiveness, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
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Clinical Research Design & Research Funding
Pro & Cons of different research designs, and strategies to fund research.
SLOs included
- Apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsive ways.
- Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
- Competence in the evaluation and application of research.
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Qualitative Research Methods
Introduction to the different methods and theories in qualitative research.
SLOs included
- Apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsive ways.
- Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.
- Interpret and communicate findings in written formats, including formal psychological reports, using culturally appropriate language.
- Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
- Competence in the evaluation and application of research.
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Programs and Program Evaluation
Design and evaluation of psychological public health programs.
SLOs included
- Apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsive ways.
- Interpret and communicate findings in written formats, including formal psychological reports, using culturally appropriate language.
- Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
- Competence in the evaluation and application of research.
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Working in Private Practice
Overview of the opportunities and pitfalls of working in private practice: Different models of setting up a private practice, unethical employment contracts, Medicare benefits for psychologists, overview of other health professions, professional support and self-care.
SLOs included
- Knowledge of how to practice effectively with a range of professional and support staff in the workplace and communicate and collaborate effectively, within the bounds of ethical and legal requirements.
- Operate within the boundaries of their professional competence, consult with peers or other relevant sources where appropriate, and refer on to relevant other practitioners where appropriate.
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of their professional practice, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes where needed.
- Knowledge of the requirements of regulatory and statutory authorities.
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Review and Exam Preparation
Review of lecture content and practice exam.
SLOs included
- Apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsive ways.
- Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures.
- Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
- Knowledge of the requirements of regulatory and statutory authorities.
- Investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.