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PSYC71-403: Principles of Psychological Assessment

Description

This subject provides students with an introduction to the principles of psychological assessment. The subject examines the rationale for psychological assessment and covers topics such as test norms, reliability, validity, test development, and test item analysis. The subject provides an overview and critical evaluation of various tests currently used within applied areas of psychology, with an emphasis on personality and cognitive assessment. The tutorial program and assessment are designed to assist students' understanding of the content covered in the lectures and to give students an appreciation of the issues and difficulties surrounding test construction.

Subject details

Type: Postgraduate Subject
Code: PSYC71-403
EFTSL: 0.125
Faculty: Faculty of Society and Design
Semesters offered:
  • January 2024 [Standard Offering]
  • May 2024 [Standard Offering]
  • January 2025 [Standard Offering]
Credit: 10
Study areas:
  • Psychology, Criminology, and Social Sciences
Subject fees:
  • Commencing in 2023: $5,300.00
  • Commencing in 2024: $5,410.00
  • Commencing in 2025: $5,520.00
  • Commencing in 2023: $5,710.00
  • Commencing in 2024: $6,060.00
  • Commencing in 2025: $6,340.00

Learning outcomes

  1. Explain how the science and practice of psychology is influenced by social, historical, professional and cultural contexts, and evaluate psychologists' behaviour in relation to ethics and the "National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce".
  2. Write a standard research report using APA structure and formatting conventions.
  3. Demonstrate comprehension and application of a broad and coherent body of knowledge of Psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach.
  4. Demonstrate basic assessment strategies in situations appropriate to psychological practice and knowledge of psychometric theory and principles of the construction, cultural considerations, implementation and interpretation of some of the more widely used standardised psychological test instruments.
  5. Cultural responsiveness applied to psychological assessment, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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: This subject is not available to
  • Study Abroad Students

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) and Master of Professional Psychology programs are accredited pathways towards registration as a Psychologist. Entry into these programs is based on a calculated GPA derived from a completed four year sequence of study in Psychology as accredited by APAC as well as invitation into the degree. As such, this subject can only be taken by those students successfully admitted to the degree.

This subject is not available as a general elective. To be eligible for enrolment, the subject must be specified in the students’ program structure.

Subject dates

  • Standard Offering
    Enrolment opens: 12/11/2023
    Semester start: 15/01/2024
    Subject start: 15/01/2024
    Last enrolment: 28/01/2024
    Teaching census: 09/02/2024
    Withdraw - Financial: 10/02/2024
    Withdraw - Academic: 02/03/2024
  • Standard Offering
    Enrolment opens: 17/03/2024
    Semester start: 13/05/2024
    Subject start: 13/05/2024
    Last enrolment: 26/05/2024
    Teaching census: 07/06/2024
    Withdraw - Financial: 08/06/2024
    Withdraw - Academic: 29/06/2024
  • Standard Offering
    Enrolment opens: 10/11/2024
    Semester start: 20/01/2025
    Subject start: 20/01/2025
    Last enrolment: 02/02/2025
    Teaching census: 14/02/2025
    Withdraw - Financial: 15/02/2025
    Withdraw - Academic: 08/03/2025
Standard Offering
Enrolment opens: 12/11/2023
Semester start: 15/01/2024
Subject start: 15/01/2024
Last enrolment: 28/01/2024
Teaching census: 09/02/2024
Withdraw - Financial: 10/02/2024
Withdraw - Academic: 02/03/2024