CQUniversity Unit Profile
PSYC20038 Positive Psychology: Research Methods
Positive Psychology: Research Methods
All details in this unit profile for PSYC20038 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit will introduce you to the various methodological approaches to research and evaluation as they relate to positive psychology. You will develop a critical understanding of the research process, and gain knowledge of the theoretical and empirical traditions in positive psychology research and assessment. The unit will help you to become familiar with valid and ethical processes for collecting and analysing data, the importance of data-driven decision making, and measuring the impact of interventions, and evaluating programs, using a range of methods specific to positive psychology research. In this unit you will be encouraged to question why and how research contributes to best practice (and vice versa). You will learn the skills of engaging with research in a critical manner, and consider the ways research can be used to guide design and procedure for interventions. There will be an overarching focus on being a critical consumer and user of research - to inform the formulation of research questions and intervention designs - whilst also recognising the key research foci, drivers, and interests in this domain.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 8
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

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 - 2019

Online

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).

Class and Assessment Overview

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

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Research Assignment
Weighting: 25%
2. Essay
Weighting: 20%
3. Online Test
Weighting: 5%
4. Critical Review
Weighting: 50%

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.

Previous Student Feedback

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 (emails and in class).

Feedback

A number of students stated that they felt engaged with the assessment tasks, which allowed them to choose an area of interest on which to focus.

Recommendation

This format will continue for the unit.

Feedback from Student feedback (evaluations).

Feedback

Two students were concerned about Moodle navigation, with one student indicating they would like a downloadable workbook so that reading could be completed offline.

Recommendation

The course team will evaluate the Moodle site to ensure smooth navigation for students, with a downloadable workbook made available.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Contrast instruments to evaluate the effectiveness of a range of relevant positive psychology, resilience, and wellbeing interventions
  2. Evaluate ethical methods in conducting research and evaluation of positive psychology, resilience, and wellbeing interventions
  3. Locate appropriate peer-reviewed and industry-based empirical research relevant to the positive psychology, resilience, and wellbeing domains
  4. Interpret contemporary research literature relevant to positive psychology, resilience, and wellbeing
  5. Critique current research literature, including why and how this knowledge can inform best practice
  6. Discern and communicate research gaps, future directions, and strategies, to enhance the body of knowledge in the positive psychology, resilience, and wellbeing domains.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Research Assignment - 25%
2 - Essay - 20%
3 - Online Test - 5%
4 - Critical Review - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - 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
1 - Research Assignment - 25%
2 - Essay - 20%
3 - Online Test - 5%
4 - Critical Review - 50%
Textbooks and Resources

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

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Lauren Miller-Lewis Unit Coordinator
l.miller-lewis@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 15 Jul 2019

Module/Topic

What is research, and what is a researcher?

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 22 Jul 2019

Module/Topic

What is research, and what is a researcher? (Continued)

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom Tutorial: Week 2 Wednesday 24 July 2019, 6:30-7:30pm AEST.

Week 3 Begin Date: 29 Jul 2019

Module/Topic

What is research, and what is a researcher? (Continued)

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 (Part A)

Research Assignment - Written Assessment

Due: Week 3 Monday 29 July 2019, 9:00am AEST

Week 4 Begin Date: 05 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Understanding and personalising research.

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 12 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Understanding and personalising research. (Continued)

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom Tutorial: Week 5 Wednesday 14 August 2019, 6:30-7:30pm AEST.

Vacation Week Begin Date: 19 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

No modules/topic this week.

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 (Part B)


Research Assignment - Written Assessment Due: Vacation Week Monday (19 Aug 2019) 9:00 am AEST
Week 6 Begin Date: 26 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Understanding and personalising research. (Continued)

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 02 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Asking questions and doing research.

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 09 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Asking questions and doing research. (Continued)

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom Tutorial: Week 8 Wednesday 11 September 2019, 6:30-7:30pm AEST.

Week 9 Begin Date: 16 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Asking questions and doing research. (Continued)

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2


Essay: Developing Research Questions Due: Week 9 Monday (16 Sept 2019) 9:00 am AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 23 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Asking questions and doing research. (Continued)

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 3


Online Test: Ethics Due: Week 10 Monday (23 Sept 2019) 9:00 am AEST
Week 11 Begin Date: 30 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Asking questions and doing research. (Continued)

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 07 Oct 2019

Module/Topic

Bringing it all together.

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 4


Critical Review Due: Week 12 Monday (7 Oct 2019) 9:00 am AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 14 Oct 2019

Module/Topic

There are no examinations for this unit.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 21 Oct 2019

Module/Topic

There are no examinations for this unit.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

The Unit Coordinator for Positive Psychology: Research Methods PSYC20038 (2019 Term 2) is Dr Lauren Miller-Lewis.

Assessment Tasks

1 Research Assignment

Assessment Title
Research Assignment - Written Assessment

Task Description

In this task, you will begin the process of engaging with peer-reviewed literature in an area that interests you within the domain of Positive Psychology/wellbeing and resilience.

This assessment is in two parts, with requirements detailed below.

Part A. Post in a discussion forum on Moodle

For this part of the assessment, you will identify a research interest relating to an area of passion/strong interest for you in the field of Positive Psychology/wellbeing and resilience. In week 3, in the allocated Moodle discussion forum, you will state your chosen area of research interest, provide a brief description of why this area is of interest, and justify the importance of the topic to positive psychology.

Maximum 300 words for the post

Part B. Source three relevant journal articles and write a report

For Part B, you will be required to:

1) Conduct a peer-reviewed journal article search through the CQUniversity library, and source three peer-reviewed articles relevant to the research interest you identified in your week 3 post.

2) Write a brief (250-300 words per article) overview of each of the three articles including:

  • Why specifically each of the three journal articles were chosen
  • The researcher(s) research question of interest
  • Each article's significance to the area of interest
  • The key findings in each article

The maximum word count for Part B of this assessment task is 900 words (not including the Reference list).

Further information will be provided in the Unit and Assessment Guide on the unit Moodle site.


Assessment Due Date

Vacation Week Monday (19 Aug 2019) 9:00 am AEST

The Moodle discussion post (Part A) is due Week 3 Monday (29 Jul 2019) 9:00am AEST. The written report (Part B) is due Vacation Week Monday (19 August 2019) 9:00am AEST.


Return Date to Students

Week 7 Monday (2 Sept 2019)

Feedback and grade for each part will be provided within 2 weeks of each submission.


Weighting
25%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

This assignment will be assessed via a rubric, which will be available on the unit Moodle site.
You will be assessed on:
  • Fulfilling the requirements of posting on the allocated discussion thread
  • The quality and thoughtful effort demonstrated in the post
  • Detailing in the written report the methodology used to source appropriate peer-reviewed journal articles through the CQUniversity library
  • The relevance of the chosen peer-reviewed articles to the identified area of interest
  • The quality and accuracy of the reported overview and key findings of each of the chosen journal articles
  • The quality and clarity of written communication, including appropriate APA referencing.

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.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
This assessment will be submitted online through Moodle. Part A will be submitted on the Moodle discussion forum. Part B will be submitted through a submission portal in the Assessment section of the unit Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Locate appropriate peer-reviewed and industry-based empirical research relevant to the positive psychology, resilience, and wellbeing domains


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Research
  • Self-management

2 Essay

Assessment Title
Essay: Developing Research Questions

Task Description

Drawing on the three articles selected for Assessment 1, you will explore and summarise the key ‘gaps’ in the literature that could be addressed by further research. This should not be a repetition of the limitations or future directions the articles may identify. Rather, this summary should represent a cohesive consideration of all three articles, and what these articles reveal about future research options or needs. You may include additional articles that support/guide comments, but this is not a compulsory requirement.

Your submission will include:

  • Detailing the area of interest.
  • An analysis and critique of the ‘gaps’ in the literature that could be further explored in research, and why this suggested future research would be worthwhile.
  • Formulation of at least one research question, using the guiding principles of the PICO (Population, Intervention/Exposure, Comparison, and Outcomes) framework.
  • In-text citations, and a reference list (APA style).

The maximum word count for this assessment task is 850 words (not including the Reference list).

Further information will be provided in the Unit and Assessment Guide on the unit Moodle site.


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Monday (16 Sept 2019) 9:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Monday (30 Sept 2019)

Feedback and grade for this assessment will be provided within 2 weeks of submission.


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

This assignment will be assessed via a rubric, which will be available on the unit Moodle site.

You will be assessed on:

  • Critical analysis and reporting of gaps/areas for further research in the chosen literature
  • Rationale as to why the identified future research would be of benefit
  • Development of a meaningful research question/s using the principles explored in the unit coursework, including the PICO (Population, Intervention/Exposure, Comparison, and Outcomes) framework.
  • The quality and conciseness of written communication and arguments
  • Correct adherence to APA style for in-text citations and the References list.

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.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
This assessment will be submitted online through Moodle. A submission portal will be provided in the Assessment section of the unit Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Locate appropriate peer-reviewed and industry-based empirical research relevant to the positive psychology, resilience, and wellbeing domains
  • Interpret contemporary research literature relevant to positive psychology, resilience, and wellbeing
  • Critique current research literature, including why and how this knowledge can inform best practice


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Research

3 Online Test

Assessment Title
Online Test: Ethics

Task Description

This assessment will be a short online quiz, designed to assess your understanding of fundamental ethics principles covered in the unit content.


Assessment Due Date

Week 10 Monday (23 Sept 2019) 9:00 am AEST

The quiz will open at least 2 weeks before the due date. You may complete the quiz anytime until the due date.


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Monday (23 Sept 2019)

The quiz is marked electronically, with a score returned once responses are submitted.


Weighting
5%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The quiz will be a multiple choice assessment. All ethics information relevant to the quiz will be covered in the unit content.

Detailed information regarding quiz requirements and scope 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.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
This assessment will be completed and submitted online through Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Evaluate ethical methods in conducting research and evaluation of positive psychology, resilience, and wellbeing interventions


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

4 Critical Review

Assessment Title
Critical Review

Task Description

In this assessment, you will source and critically evaluate three published research articles. The articles sourced will be your choice, but must be:

1. Peer-reviewed and published in a reputable journal

2. Relevant to one area of interest in the Positive Psychology/wellbeing and resilience domain, but this must be a different area of focus than the choice in Assessment 1. You will source three journal articles each reporting a study relevant to the chosen area of interest, ensuring that you have not previously critiqued these journal articles in this unit or other units in this course.

The critical review will include examination of the following:

  • What is the predominant area of interest for the researcher/s, and why is the area considered important? 
  • What are the main research questions in each article?
  • Compare and contrast the methodologies used by the researchers
  • What are the key findings in each of the publications, and do they appear to be justified?
  • What are the strengths and limitations of each of the research publications?
  • An evaluation of the suggestions made by the researcher(s) for future research
  • An evaluation of the clarity of communication in each publication

The maximum word count for this assessment task is 2500 words (not including the Reference list).

Further information will be provided in the Unit and Assessment Guide on the unit Moodle site.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Monday (7 Oct 2019) 9:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Monday (21 Oct 2019)

Feedback and grade for this assessment will be provided within 2 weeks of submission.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

This assignment will be assessed via a rubric, which will be available on the unit Moodle site.

You will be assessed on:

  • Accuracy and reporting of the predominant research area of interest, and research questions
  • Ability to interpret, critique and summarise the reported research findings
  • Quality of comparing and contrasting of the research methodologies used in the three journal articles
  • Quality and comprehensiveness of the identification of the strengths, weaknesses, and future research directions
  • Evaluation of the clarity of the writing in the articles
  • Clarity, conciseness and quality of written communication and critical thinking in the assignment
  • Correct use of APA style for in-text citations and the Reference list.

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. 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
This assessment will be submitted online through Moodle. A submission portal will be provided in the Assessment section of the unit Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Contrast instruments to evaluate the effectiveness of a range of relevant positive psychology, resilience, and wellbeing interventions
  • Interpret contemporary research literature relevant to positive psychology, resilience, and wellbeing
  • Discern and communicate research gaps, future directions, and strategies, to enhance the body of knowledge in the positive psychology, resilience, and wellbeing domains.


Graduate Attributes
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research

Academic Integrity Statement

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?