BEHV 1003 Introduction to Research Methods

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101190

Coordinator Samuel Arnold Opens in new window

Description This subject covers the conceptual underpinnings of research in psychology, including methodologies such as experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental and qualitative research. Conducting ethical research will be covered, including consideration of how research participants are positioned, issues related to research with diverse populations, as well research validity. Skills for writing research proposals and reports according to the conventions of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) are developed.

School Psychology

Discipline Behavioural Science, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Learning Outcomes

  1. Define and explain basic terminology, logic and procedures used in qualitative and quantitative research (APAC Graduate Attribute 1.1i, 1.1xii, 1.3)
  2. Identify and apply appropriate criteria to evaluate research approaches and findings, including ethics and diversity considerations, including for Indigenous Australians (APAC GA 1.1xi, 1.1xii, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4)
  3. Select and explain appropriate research skills for problems under investigation in psychology (APAC GA 1.1xii, 1.3)
  4. Explain alignment of analytical procedures with research methods (APAC GA 1.1xii)
  5. Demonstrate the capacity to design basic research, individually and as part of a group (APAC GA 1.1xii, 1.5, 1.6)
  6. Demonstrate academic writing skills using the American Psychological Association (APA) structure and formatting conventions (APAC GA 1.3, 1.6)

Subject Content

  1. The scientific method and psychology: Why study research methods?
  2. Epistemology and research paradigms: Constructivism, positivism, realism
  3. Overview of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods
  4. Qualitative research I: Key approaches (e.g. grounded theory, phenomenology)
  5. Qualitative research II: Qual research design and techniques in data analysis
  6. Quantitative research I: Research hypotheses; IVs and DVs
  7. Quantitative research II: Research design; experimental and correlational
  8. Quantitative research III: Sampling and hypothesis testing
  9. Quantitative research IV: Descriptive statistics; central tendency and variance
  10. Writing research proposals and reports
  11. Research validity: Threats to internal and external validity, controlling extraneous variables
  12. Research ethics and diverse populations

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Annotated Bibliography 1,000 words 30 N Individual
Applied Project 800-1000 words 30 N Individual
Quiz 6 short online quizzes on lecture content 20 N Individual
Final Exam 2 hours 20 N Individual

WSU Online Trimester 3

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Proposal 2,000 words 50 N Individual
Quiz 6 quizzes of 6 questions each 20 N Individual
Final Exam 2 hours 30 N Individual

Teaching Periods

Spring (2023)

Bankstown City

On-site

Subject Contact Samuel Arnold Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Penrith (Kingswood)

On-site

Subject Contact Samuel Arnold Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Samuel Arnold Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

WSU Online TRI-3 (2023)

Wsu Online

Online

Subject Contact Rosalind Priestman Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Summer (2023)

Bankstown City

On-site

Subject Contact Elle Coleman Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

WSU Online TRI-2 (2024)

Wsu Online

Online

Subject Contact Samuel Arnold Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Spring (2024)

Bankstown City

On-site

Subject Contact Samuel Arnold Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Penrith (Kingswood)

On-site

Subject Contact Samuel Arnold Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Samuel Arnold Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window