Overview
In this unit you will learn how the fundamental principles and theories of positive psychology can be applied to the design, development and measurement of evidence-based interventions for enhancing the wellbeing and resilience of individuals and groups across a range of settings such as education, health, youth, and organisations. The exploration of practical applications will include designing and implementing a positive psychology intervention, examining determinants of change, and developing ways to measure and monitor efficacy and change processes.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2020
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student feedback (evaluations).
Students were pleased with the comprehensiveness and structure of the weekly materials.
Retain the comprehensive content and structure of the unit material.
Feedback from Student feedback (evaluations).
Students found the inclusion of guest speakers in the tutorial program useful.
Continue inclusion of guest speakers in the unit.
Feedback from Student feedback (evaluations).
Students indicated that they were pleased with the practical content of the assessment pieces.
Continue the practical focus of assessment pieces.
Feedback from Student feedback (evaluations).
Some students were concerned about the relatively large weighting given to the group assessment piece.
The teaching team should review the contribution to students' final grades of each assessment item, ensuring weightings reflect work required and learning outcomes assessed for individual pieces.
- Apply effective decision making and problem solving to the application of positive psychology tools in real-world situations
- Design a protocol for appropriately administering and measuring an applied Positive Psychology intervention
- Apply and evaluate behaviour change processes for self-administered positive psychology interventions
- Utilise a behaviour change diary to monitor a behaviour change process over time
- Develop and apply reflective-practice skills, to reflect on your ongoing development of knowledge and practitioner skills in the positive psychology/wellbeing domain, and also reflect on your personal development during the Unit.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||
| 2 - Practical Assessment - 50% | |||||
| 3 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 10% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | |||||
| 2 - Communication | |||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||||
| 4 - Research | |||||
| 5 - Self-management | |||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||||
| 7 - Leadership | |||||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | |||||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||||||
| 2 - Practical Assessment - 50% | |||||||||
| 3 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 10% | |||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
Additional Textbook Information
There are no prescribed textbooks for this unit. Readings will be supplied as part of the coursework.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.gerace@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2020Module/Topic
Introduction to Applied Positive Psychology
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Week 1 Monday (13 July 2020) 6:30-7:30 pm AEST
Week 2
Begin Date: 20 Jul 2020Module/Topic
Measuring processes of change and outcomes of positive psychology interventions
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2020Module/Topic
Designing and implementing positive psychology interventions
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Week 3 Monday (27 July 2020) 6:30-7:30 pm AEST
Assessment 3 - Reflective Practice Assignment: Journal entry 1 Due: Week 3 Monday (27 Jul 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 4
Begin Date: 03 Aug 2020Module/Topic
Types of positive psychology interventions
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5
Begin Date: 10 Aug 2020Module/Topic
Multicultural and Indigenous perspectives in intervention
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2020Module/Topic
No module/topics this week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1
Assessment of positive psychology interventions Due: Vacation Week Monday (17 Aug 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 6
Begin Date: 24 Aug 2020Module/Topic
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 3 - Reflective Practice Assignment: Journal entry 2 Due: Week 6 Monday (24 Aug 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 7
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2020Module/Topic
Positive psychology interventions for friends, couples, and families
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial: Week 7 Monday (31 August 2020) 6:30-7:30 pm AEST
Week 8
Begin Date: 07 Sep 2020Module/Topic
Positive interventions across the lifespan: Part 1
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2020Module/Topic
Group interventions - Schools
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 3 - Reflective Practice Assignment: Journal entry 3 Due: Week 9 Monday (14 Sep 2019) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 10
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2020Module/Topic
Positive interventions across the lifespan: Part 2
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2020Module/Topic
Working with assistance animals
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2
Presentations will occur over a series of consecutive evenings during Week 11 (28 Sep-4 Oct 2020) commencing at 6:30 pm AEST using Zoom.
Students may hand in any materials they would like considered for grading (e.g. their PowerPoint presentation) by the end of Week 11.
Intervention implementation and group presentation Due: Week 11 Friday (2 Oct 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 12
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2020Module/Topic
Bringing it all together and developing a positive psychology intervention 'toolkit'
Chapter
Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 3 - Reflective Practice Assignment: Journal entry 4 Due: Week 12 Tuesday (6 Oct 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2020Module/Topic
There are no examinations for this unit
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2020Module/Topic
There are no examinations for this unit
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
In Assessment 1, you will choose an applied real-world setting – for example, the workplace, older persons’ residential care, a school – and choose and detail the implementation of two positive psychology interventions, for example, gratitude practice, increasing self-compassion, in that setting.
You will examine contextual factors involved in implementing the interventions and ways to measure and document change in participants and the setting in which the intervention is applied.
You will consider:
- What is the evidence to support the efficacy of the two chosen interventions?
- Why are these interventions a good fit for your target audience and setting?
- What would you be aiming for in terms of outcomes by introducing the interventions?
- How would you administer the interventions?
- Are there any practical issues you need to consider when implementing the interventions in your chosen setting?
- What specific scales (quantitative approach) or evaluation (qualitative approach) could you implement to determine whether positive changes have occurred?
Maximum word count: 2500 words (+/- 10%). This word limit includes in-text citations but excludes any reference section. Meeting the word count is included as a part of the marking criteria in your marking rubric on Moodle. See the Psychology Word Count Information document on Moodle for a rationale for using this type of word limit restriction.
Further task details will be available on the unit Moodle site.
Vacation Week Monday (17 Aug 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 7 Monday (31 Aug 2020)
Feedback and grade for this assessment will be provided within 2 weeks of submission.
You will be assessed on:
- The rationale for, and relevance of, the chosen interventions
- Formulation of how the positive psychology interventions would be implemented in the chosen applied setting
- Rationale for your choice of the specific scales or evaluation approach to examine positive change
- Quality of your written communication, including correct APA referencing and adherence to word count.
Detailed information regarding assessment requirements and criteria for assessment can be found in the Unit and Assessment Guide on Moodle.
In order to pass the unit, you will need to score at least 50% in this assessment.
- Apply effective decision making and problem solving to the application of positive psychology tools in real-world situations
- Design a protocol for appropriately administering and measuring an applied Positive Psychology intervention
- Knowledge
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
2 Practical Assessment
For Assessment 2, you will complete group and individual tasks that involve choosing and implementing a self-administered positive psychology intervention.
You will:
- Join a group of 4-5 students on Moodle
- Choose a self-administered applied positive psychology intervention that all group members want to implement. The unit coordinator will help you form a group and will provide advice on the intervention chosen.
- Work with your fellow group members to choose specific scales (quantitative approach) or evaluation (qualitative approach) approaches to examine the effectiveness of the intervention
- Individually implement the chosen intervention in your own life over a period of 4-5 weeks
- Document your progress and challenges in implementing the intervention (this will help you to develop your presentation).
You will then prepare and deliver a 20-25 minute group presentation with your group members, where you discuss:
- Why did your group choose the specific intervention?
- Why did your group choose the specific approach to measure change?
- Were there any positive changes reflected in the specific scales or assessment approaches chosen to examine the intervention’s effectiveness?
- What worked for you and what were the challenges faced during implementation?
- How could this intervention be tailored for future use with individuals or groups?
It is recommended you start your intervention by Week 6 so that you have sufficient time to implement it for a 4-5 week period.
The time limit of a 20-25 minute presentation equates to roughly 5 minutes per presenter. Meeting the time limit is included as a marking criteria in your marking rubric on Moodle. See the Psychology Word Count Information document for a rationale for using this type of time limit restriction.
Further task details will be available on the unit Moodle site.
Week 11 Friday (2 Oct 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
Presentations will occur live over a series of consecutive evenings during Week 11. Students may hand in any materials they would like considered for grading (e.g. their PowerPoint presentation) by the end of Week 11.
Review/Exam Week Monday (12 Oct 2020)
Feedback and grade for this assessment will be provided within 2 weeks of submission.
You will be assessed on:
- Discussion of the rationale for the chosen intervention
- Discussion of the rationale for choice of approach to measure change
- Reflection on changes that occured as a result of the intervention - cognitive, emotions, behaviour, or wellbeing
- Reflection on the implementation process, including any challenges faced in implementation
- Discussion of how the interventions could be applied to individuals and groups
- Quality of presentation, including presentation coherence, content, style, and adherence to time limit.
- Evidence of individual contribution to the presentation
Detailed information regarding assessment requirements and criteria for assessment can be found in the Unit and Assessment Guide on Moodle.
In order to pass the unit, you will need to score at least 50% in this assessment.
- Apply effective decision making and problem solving to the application of positive psychology tools in real-world situations
- Design a protocol for appropriately administering and measuring an applied Positive Psychology intervention
- Apply and evaluate behaviour change processes for self-administered positive psychology interventions
- Utilise a behaviour change diary to monitor a behaviour change process over time
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Leadership
3 Reflective Practice Assignment
In Assessment 3, you will write a reflective journal to chronicle your reflections, insights, and ongoing development of knowledge and skills in the applied positive psychology domain. You will submit four reflective practice journal entries (500 words each +/- 10%) during the term. The first two journal entries should focus on unit content, with the final two entries focused on your reflections regarding the implementation of a self-administered positive psychology intervention for Assessment 2.
Your journals will document:
- reflections on unit content, and your growing understanding of how to design, implement, and evaluate positive psychology interventions in an applied setting (Journal entries 1 and 2)
- connections made between unit content and previous life experiences and observations (Journal entries 1 and 2)
- reflections on progress and challenges in implementing and completing a self-administered positive psychology intervention (Journals entries 3 and 4)
- evaluation of changes in perceptions, beliefs, and behaviour during the self-administered positive psychology intervention (Journal entries 3 and 4)
Maximum word count: 500 words (+/- 10%) per entry. This word limit includes in-text citations but excludes any reference section. Meeting the word count is included as a part of the marking criteria in your marking rubric on Moodle. See the Psychology Word Count Information document on Moodle for a rationale for using this type of word limit restriction.
Further task details will be available on the unit Moodle site.
Journal entries will be due in Week 3 Monday (27 July 2020) 5:00 pm AEST; Week 6 Monday (24 Aug 2020) 5:00 pm AEST; Week 9 Monday (14 Sept 2020) 5:00 pm AEST; and Week 12 Tuesday (6 Oct 20209) 5:00 pm AEST
Feedback and grade for each journal entry will be provided within 2 weeks of each submission.
You will be assessed on:
- Self-reflection and examination of your own learning
- Application of learning to previous life experiences and/or future action in response to learning
- Self-reflection on change processes, challenges, and personal development during the implementation of a positive psychology intervention
- Quality of your written communication, including correct APA referencing and adherence to word count.
Detailed information regarding assessment requirements and criteria for assessment can be found in the Unit and Assessment Guide on Moodle.
In order to pass the unit, you will need to score at least 50% in this assessment.
- Develop and apply reflective-practice skills, to reflect on your ongoing development of knowledge and practitioner skills in the positive psychology/wellbeing domain, and also reflect on your personal development during the Unit.
- Knowledge
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Self-management
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
