Overview
In this unit you will focus on the professional ethics and standards that must be met as a registered psychologist and develop your skills as an evidence-based practitioner. This unit will examine requirements for initial, and ongoing registration, and legal aspects of psychological practice and research. Opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration, critical analysis, ethical decision making, and preliminary preparation for your internship will be provided. You will also begin to research an area of applied practice in psychology and develop a research plan for an evaluation project to be completed in Term 2.
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 - 2022
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 Have Your Say feedback
Students appreciate working through real ethical dilemma in a class environment. Several students commented that they enjoyed the variety of solutions or views on ethical dilemmas common in the psychological field
Lectures will continue to include "real life" ethical dilemmas as they occur in the field of psychology.
Feedback from Have Your Say Feedback
Students enjoyed the focus of the Rapid Critical Review (assessment 3) on clinical work and practical applications in the field. Positive comments focused on the collaborative tutorial style of lectures surrounding the Rapid Critical Review.
The lectures regarding the Rapid Critical Review will continue to focus on practical applications and be delivered as a collaborative tutorial, working through students' questions in the online class room.
Feedback from Have Your Say Feedback
Based on students' effort and input of time, students suggested to increase the weight of the Rapid Critical Review (Assessment 3) and decrease the weight of the online Test (Assessment 2)
Assessment tasks and weightings will be reviewed by the Master of Professional Psychology teaching team.
- Evaluate and apply relevant legislation and ethical principles related to psychological practice, including those endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia
- Critically evaluate the contemporary scientific literature to develop an appropriate plan for evidence-based practice, including research
- Articulate and apply models and approaches for the professional and ethical practice of psychology
- Communicate effectively with a range of client, specialist, and nonspecialist audiences
Learning outcomes are drawn from specifications for study at level 9 as indicated by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), program of study criteria as stated by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsychBA), and the following core competencies stated by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC):
- 3.1 Demonstrate successful (prior or concurrent) achievement of pre-professional competencies,
- 3.10 Demonstrate respect for the skills and contribution of other professionals,
- 3.11 Work effectively with a range of professional and support staff in the workplace and communicate and collaborate effectively, within the bounds of ethical and legal requirements,
- 3.12 Operate within the boundaries of their professional competence, consult with peers or other relevant sources where appropriate, and refer on to relevant other practitioners where appropriate,
- 3.13 Rigorously apply professional practice policies and procedures, including as they relate to referral management and record-keeping, across a range of workplace settings and with recognition of different organisational cultures and practices,
- 3.14 Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result,
- 3.15 Evaluate the effectiveness of their professional practice, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes where needed, and
- 3.16 Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice (APAC, 2019, p.13-14).
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Professional Practice Plans (learning plans) - 40% | ||||
| 2 - Research Proposal - 20% | ||||
| 3 - Online Test - 40% | ||||
| 4 - Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books - 0% | ||||
| 5 - Written Assessment - 0% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 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 | ||||
Textbooks
Ethical Practice in Applied Psychology
- first edition (2014)
- Authors: Christopher Boyle & Nicholas Gamble
- Oxford University Press
- Melbourne Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
- ISBN: 9780195523102
- Binding: Paperback
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.
t.depauw@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 07 Mar 2022Module/Topic
Ethical Decision Making
Chapter
READ
Please refer to Moodle for a list of readings this week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2
Begin Date: 14 Mar 2022Module/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
Week 3
Begin Date: 21 Mar 2022Module/Topic
- Keeping and Accessing Records
- Legislation and Government Funding
Chapter
READ
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
Week 4
Begin Date: 28 Mar 2022Module/Topic
- Developing as a Professional
- Telehealth
- Reflective Practice
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
Week 5
Begin Date: 04 Apr 2022Module/Topic
- Clients who pose risk to self and/or others
- Duty to report and protect
Chapter
READ
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
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 11 Apr 2022Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 18 Apr 2022Module/Topic
Working with Diversity
Chapter
READ
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
Week 7
Begin Date: 25 Apr 2022Module/Topic
Working with diversity - First Nations Peoples
Chapter
READ
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
Week 8
Begin Date: 02 May 2022Module/Topic
Online Test
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 09 May 2022Module/Topic
Introduction Evidence Based Practice (EBP)
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10
Begin Date: 16 May 2022Module/Topic
- Developing a research question
- Introduction types of evaluations
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11
Begin Date: 23 May 2022Module/Topic
Types of evaluations
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12
Begin Date: 30 May 2022Module/Topic
Methods and approaches
Chapter
Refer to Moodle for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Review/Exam Week
Begin Date: 06 Jun 2022Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 13 Jun 2022Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Professional Practice Plans (learning plans)
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 Friday (29 Apr 2022) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 9 Friday (13 May 2022)
A detailed marking Rubric will be placed on Moodle, prior to week 1, under the tab Assessments.
- Evaluate and apply relevant legislation and ethical principles related to psychological practice, including those endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia
2 Research Proposal
You will be required to submit a completed Research Plan which will include:
- A proposed research question
- An information source/literature search strategy
- An outline of the proposed evaluation method and approach being applied
A template and marking rubric will be provided on Moodle under the Assessment tab.
Review/Exam Week Friday (10 June 2022) 5:00 pm AEST
Feedback will be returned on 24/06/2022
A detailed marking Rubric will be placed on Moodle, prior to week 1, under the tab Assessments.
- Critically evaluate the contemporary scientific literature to develop an appropriate plan for evidence-based practice, including research
- Communicate effectively with a range of client, specialist, and nonspecialist audiences
3 Online Test
Your online test will be completed during class time in week 8 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).
The test contains 20 multiple choice questions.
Week 8 Wednesday (4 May 2022) 3:00 pm AEST
Week 10 Wednesday (18 May 2022)
A detailed marking Rubric will be placed on Moodle, prior to week 1, under the tab Assessments.
- Evaluate and apply relevant legislation and ethical principles related to psychological practice, including those endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia
4 Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books
You are required to complete your electronic logbook regularly throughout the term. Your logbook will be checked during individual supervision sessions.
You must email a copy of your electronic logbook to the Unit Coordinator by the due date. How to use and record information in your electronic logbook will be discussed at length during week 1.
Week 12 Friday (3 June 2022) 5:00 pm AEST
Exam Week Friday (17 June 2022)
No Assessment Criteria
No submission method provided.
- Critically evaluate the contemporary scientific literature to develop an appropriate plan for evidence-based practice, including research
- Articulate and apply models and approaches for the professional and ethical practice of psychology
- Communicate effectively with a range of client, specialist, and nonspecialist audiences
5 Written Assessment
Interprofessional Education (IPE) involves the collaboration between different health professions to learn about, from and with other disciplines, to enhance treatment and improve health outcomes for patient/client care. The IPE process will involve collaboration across the disciplines of Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology to provide assessment and intervention recommendations for a mutual patient/client. how to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team to enhance patient/client care.
As a psychologist, you will work in an interdisciplinary team to develop:
1. An assessment plan for you client
2. An intervention plan for your client
Week 10 Friday (20 May 2022) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 12 Friday (3 June 2022)
You will be guided by the Inter Professional Education for Health Practitioners Moodle page, which will include the details for your assessments.
- Articulate and apply models and approaches for the professional and ethical practice of psychology
- Communicate effectively with a range of client, specialist, and nonspecialist audiences
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?
