Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Clinical Psychologists preparing to contribute to the development of the profession require high level research skills. The research component of the degree needs to reflect a high standard of critical thinking, capacity for innovation and a contribution to the practice of psychology through research. This requires clinical psychologists to demonstrate originality and advanced skills in the critical evaluation, interpretation and application of research within an area of specialisation. The research thesis provides advanced skill development in these areas.

Aims

The aim of the research thesis is to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate originality and develop high-level skills in the evaluation, interpretation and application of research. It will also enable you to undertake in-depth research, a specialised area of psychology and to make a contribution to the professional literature in clinical psychology.

Objectives

At the successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:

1. conduct a competent data base search;


2. demonstrate your ability to identify issues in the research literature and generate relevant research questions and hypotheses;


3. write a critical literature review;


4. evaluate and address ethical issues which arise in clinical research;


5. demonstrate the ability to develop and utilise methodologies to investigate original research questions and hypotheses;


6. demonstrate skills in the application of statistics or rigorous qualitative methodologies.


7. demonstrate high level skills of critical analysis, which include the ability to interpret research findings, from a variety of perspectives, to integrate research findings, to apply research findings to practice, and present findings in the public domain.

Content

The content will depend on the topic in clinical psychology that you choose as the focus of your research. The final outcome (to be submitted at the end of Thesis 8) may take two alternative forms. You may choose to submit a thesis in the conventional format or you may submit a 5,000 word literature review plus two prepared articles that report your research in a form that can be submitted for publication in an appropriate scholarly journal. If you choose the conventional format, the word count for your thesis should be the equivalent of a Master¿s level research thesis. The topic of research should be aligned with your area of specialisation. The research thesis is expected to be of the same high quality as a research doctorate.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning approaches will differ according to the needs of individual students. You should meet regularly with your supervisor, usually once a fortnight and preferable face-to-face. Research supervision will take the form of regular supervision with your thesis supervisor. At the Doctoral level, an apprenticeship model is encouraged in which you may work with your supervisor and fellow Doctoral level students in an area of mutual interest.

Assessment

Your thesis, due at the end of the semester in which you enrol in the eighth thesis unit, will be assessed by two examiners external to the university. You are required to submit drafts of your work at periodic intervals, as arranged with your supervisor, so that written feedback can be given. A final draft of your thesis must be viewed by the supervisor before it is submitted for examination. (Objectives 1-7)

The standard and scope of the thesis will be equivalent to a Masters by Research thesis.

Assessment name: Thesis drafts
Relates to objectives: All
Weight: 100%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: see supervisor

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

All students and supervisors should download a copy of the Research Candidate-Supervisor Agreement of Understanding available at the Faculty of Health intranet.

You will be required to access databases and library resources extensively. Resources may also be available from your supervisor.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 13-Sep-2012