Overview
In this unit you will focus on the professional ethics and standards that must be met as a registered psychologist. This unit will examine requirements for initial, and ongoing registration, and legal aspects of psychological practice and research. Opportunities for critical analysis, ethical decision making, and preliminary preparation for your internship will be provided.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Students must be enrolled in the Master of Professional Psychology
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 1 - 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 evaluation
Students recommend the ethics lecture be delivered earlier in the day as they are tired and ethics requires some reflection.
Discuss timetable flexibility with Head of Course to explore delivering this unit earlier in the day.
Feedback from Student evaluation
Assessment requirements and marking rubrics need to be clearer and available earlier.
Suggest further and detailed review of all assessment items and marking rubrics, and that these assessment tasks and reviews be completed before the start of term.
Feedback from Student evaluation
Additonal time spent on explanation of assessments.
Recommend embedding specific times within the unit content early in the term to allow dedicated time for discussion and clarification of assessments.
Feedback from Student evaluation
Technology often delayed the lecture.
In communication with the IT department, set aside preparation time to support smooth and timely technology operations for the weekly delivery of online lectures.
- Evaluate and apply relevant legislation related to psychological practice
- Apply the ethical principles and standards endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia
- Articulate models and approaches for continuing professional development and research.
Learning outcomes are related to core competencies stated by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsychBA), program of study criteria as stated by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and specifications for study at level 9 as indicated by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 30% | |||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||
| 3 - Online Test - 40% | |||
| 4 - Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books - 10% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 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 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||||||
| 3 - Online Test - 40% | ||||||||
| 4 - Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books - 10% | ||||||||
Textbooks
Ethical practice in applied psychology
(2014)
Authors: Boyle, C., & Gamble N.
Oxford University Press
Melbourne Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
ISBN: 978-1-1955-2310-2
Binding: Paperback
Publication manual of the American Psychological Association
Edition: Seventh (2019)
Authors: American Psychological Association
American Psychological Association
Washington Washington , DC , United States
ISBN: 978-1-4338-3216-1
Binding: Paperback
Additional Textbook Information
Publication manual of the American Psychological Association is available in hardcover (ISBN: 978-1-4338-3215-4), paperback (ISBN: 978-1-4338-3216-1) or spiral ringed (ISBN: 978-1-4338-3217-8) book.
There will be a grace period in changeover from sixth edition.
Copies are available for purchase at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
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.
d.canoy@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Ethical Decision Making
Chapter
READ
Boyle & Gamble (2014) - Chapter 3
Please refer to Moodle for a list of readings this week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecturer: Doreen Canoy
Module/Topic
- 5 + 1 Internship Program
- Professional and collegial behaviour
Chapter
Refer to the Psychology Board of Australia website:
- Guidelines for the 5 + 1 Internship Program
- Guidelines for the National Psychology Examination
- National Psychology Examination Recommended Readings
- National Psychology Examination Curriculum
- Policy and Procedure for Candidates who fail the exam three times
- Ethical Guidelines for Supervision
- Ethical guidelines for managing professional boundaries and multiple relationships
- Ethical guidelines on the prohibition of sexual activity with clients
- Ethical guidelines for psychological practice in rural and remote settings
- Ethical guidelines for working with and in the media
Please refer to Moodle for any additional readings this week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecturer: Doreen Canoy
Module/Topic
- Clients who pose risk to self and/or others
- Duty to report and protect
Chapter
READ
Boyle & Gamble (2014) - Chapters 7 & 8
Refer to APS Ethical Guidelines:
- Ethical guidelines for working with clients when there is a risk of serious harm to others
- Ethical guidelines relating to clients at risk of suicide
Refer to APS Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines on reporting abuse and neglect, and criminal activity.
Please refer to Moodle for any additional readings this week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecturer: Tom DePauw
Module/Topic
- Keeping and Accessing Records
- Legislation and Government Funding
Chapter
READ
Boyd & Gamble (2014) - Chapter 11
Refer to APS Code of Ethics and Ethical guidelines
- Ethical guidelines on record keeping
- Ethical guidelines for psychological practice in forensic context
Refer to the following also:
- Medicare rebates for psychological services (APS website)
- Health Practitioner Regulation National Law
- Department of Veteran Affairs (mental health)
- Equal Opportunity Act 2010
- Anti-discrimination Act 1991
- Mental Health Act
Please refer to Moodle for any additional readings this week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecturer: Helen Mason
Module/Topic
Working with Diversity
Chapter
READ
Boyd & Gamble (2014) - Chapter 6
Refer to APS Ethical Guidelines:
- Ethical guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- Ethical guidelines for psychological practice with lesbian, gay and bisexual clients
- Ethical guidelines on working with sex and/or gender diverse clients
- Ethical guidelines for psychological practice with clients with an intellectual disability
- Ethical guidelines for psychological services involving multiple clients
- Ethical guidelines for psychological practice in forensic contexts
Psychology Board of Australia policy for the management of notifications about single court appointed expert psychologists in family law court proceedings.
Please refer to Moodle for any additional readings this week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecturer: Tom DePauw
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Developing as a Professional
Chapter
Refer to APS Guidelines:
- Ethical guidelines on supervision
Refer to Psychology Board of Australia website:
- Guidelines for mandatory notifications
- Guideline on professional indemnity insurance for psychologists
- Guidelines for continuing professional development
- Guideline - Informing a National board about where you practise
- Guidelines for advertising regulated health services
Please refer to Moodle for any additional readings this week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecturer: Helen Mason
Module/Topic
Ethical Research and Practice
Chapter
READ
Boyd & Gamble (2014) - Chapter 9
Refer to:
- National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
- Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018
Please refer to Moodle for any additional readings this week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecturer: Professor Tania Signal
Preparation for Internship Program Plan Due: Week 7 Monday (27 Apr 2020) 9:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Evidence based practice / What is a systematic review?
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecturer: Dr Lynne Parkinson
Module/Topic
Introducing Endnote and reference management
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecturer: Dr Lynne Parkinson
Module/Topic
Searching the literature
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecturer: Dr Lynne Parkinson
Module/Topic
Developing a systematic review research question
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecturer: Dr Lynne Parkinson
Module/Topic
Online Test
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Logbook of Practicum Hours Due: Week 12 Friday (5 June 2020) 11:59 pm AEST
Online Test Due: Week 12 Wednesday (3 June 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
This assessment provides you with the opportunity to prepare for the completion of your Internship Program Plan. The assessment will consist of two parts.
PART A requires you to respond to questions/considerations taken from the Psychology Board of Australia Guidelines for the 5+1 internship program.
PART B requires you to respond to criteria that will be found in Section F of the Internship Program Plan (INPP-76) which relates to the core competencies to be achieved throughout your internship.
Both documents can be easily located on the Psychology Board of Australia website for your reference.
A more detailed Information Sheet will be found under the Assessment tab on Moodle in week 1.
Week 7 Monday (27 Apr 2020) 9:00 am AEST
Upload through Assessment portal on Moodle
Week 9 Monday (11 May 2020)
Grades and feedback will be uploaded through Moodle
Full Marking rubric will be found under Assessment Tab on Moodle in week 1.
PART A: 45 marks
- Where am I working and what supervisory needs relate to this setting?
- What are my professional needs and goals?
- Do I have a career plan or path in mind?
- Does my career plan include ultimate specialisation in an area such as counselling, clinical or, organisational psychology?
- What types of supervision would enable me to achieve the maximum gains in learning?
- What might I expect from supervision?
- What is my preferred learning style and what am I looking for in a supervisor?
- Does my proposed supervisor have the experience and skills I need? What specific skills do I need?
- What are the payment arrangements?
- What records and other documentation need to be kept? For example, what are reporting arrangements, including those that are part of the internship plan and other required reporting (e.g. in the workplace)?
- What are the arrangements for supervision meeting times and for cancellations of supervision meetings? What is the availability of the supervisor(s)?
- If a secondary supervisor has not been selected, discussion about an appropriate secondary supervisor is desirable.
- What are expectations, rights and responsibilities of all parties?
- What are the processes for feedback?
- What are the policies for dealing with confidentiality and other ethical issues?
PART B: 55 marks
The competencies are:
- Knowledge of the discipline
- Ethical, legal and professional matters
- Psychological assessment and measurement
- Intervention strategies
- Research and evaluation
- Communication and interpersonal relationships
- Working with people from diverse groups
- Practice across the lifespan
- Evaluate and apply relevant legislation related to psychological practice
- Apply the ethical principles and standards endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
2 Written Assessment
This assessment requires you to choose one of these 5 topics:
1. Effective psychological interventions for bushfire arson.
2. Psychologists helping those with climate change anxiety.
3. Psychological benefits and downsides of growing old.
4. Psychologists helping those with eating disorders.
5. Effective psychological interventions for phobias.
Your tasks are then to:
1. Format a research question related to psychology into PICO/S format using your chosen topic.
2. Generate domains for a literature search on your research question.
3. Generate key words and a Rapid Review search strategy for your research question.
4. Undertake a Rapid Review literature search for the years 2018 and 2019 for your research question.
5. Summarise and critique the found literature and answer your research question from this sample of articles.
Week 12 Friday (5 June 2020) 11:59 pm AEST
Upload through assessment portal on Moodle
Exam Week Friday (19 June 2020)
Grades and feedback will be uploaded through Moodle
1. Format a research question related to psychology into PICO/S format using your chosen topic. (20 marks)
2. Generate domains for a literature search on your research question. (10 marks)
3. Generate key words and a Rapid Review search strategy for your research question. (20 marks)
4. Undertake a Rapid Review literature search for the years 2018 and 2019 for your research question. (20 marks)
5. Summarise and critique the found literature and answer your research question from this sample of articles. (30 marks)
- Articulate models and approaches for continuing professional development and research.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Leadership
3 Online Test
Your online test will be completed during class time in week 12 and is worth 40% of your overall unit grade.
The test will be made available and open in Moodle at 3:00pm AEST and automatically save and close once the allocated time has expired (unless you have done so yourself by finishing earlier).
Week 12 Wednesday (3 June 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
Online Test completed via Moodle
Exam Week Monday (15 June 2020)
Grades and Feedback will be posted in Moodle
The online test will include multiple choice and short answer. You will be able to use materials to assist in completing the online test if you wish. Be mindful, this will result in taking longer to answer and may place additional time pressure.
Questions will be drawn from unit readings, lectures, and discussions over the full 11 weeks.
- Evaluate and apply relevant legislation related to psychological practice
- Apply the ethical principles and standards endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia
- Knowledge
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
4 Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books
You are required to complete your electronic logbook as required throughout the term. Your logbook will be checked during individual supervision sessions throughout the term.
You must email a copy of your electronic logbook to the Unit Coordinator by Friday of Week 12.
How to use and record information in your electronic logbook will be discussed at length during week 1.
Week 12 Friday (5 June 2020) 11:59 pm AEST
Email to Unit Coordinator
Review/Exam Week Monday (8 June 2020)
Grade will be entered into Moodle.
To receive full marks for this assessment item you will be required to complete throughout the term and have available for checking at your individual supervision sessions and to email the final copy to the Unit Coordinator by Friday of Week 12.
- Articulate models and approaches for continuing professional development and research.
- Knowledge
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
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?
