UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

This unit is taught by a series of lectures and integrated lab classes focused on a novel, problem-based research project. Research streams will be offered in areas of staff expertise and students will work closely with academic staff and tutors on a project within the stream that they are allocated to. Students will learn about the research process and scientific communication in a series of common lectures, and the theoretical context of their research topic and the research methodologies used in stream specific lectures. The research project will actively engage students in formulating and implementing an experimental approach to a research question. The unit gives students the opportunity to explore issues of contemporary psychology in-depth and to acquire skills in areas such as research design and written communication that prepare them for advanced study in psychology.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Details for undergraduate courses

• Level 3 core unit in the Psychology major sequence
• Level 3 elective

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) acquire an understanding of the research process and in-depth knowledge of current research in an area of contemporary psychology; (2) develop a logical rationale for their research question; (3) describe appropriate methodology and analyses to address their research question; (4) develop an awareness of ethical issues in psychological research; (5) collaborate with others in a team; (6) analyse and interpret data; and (7) communicate the results of scientific research in writing.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) group work (research proposal, ethics application, group work-log); (2) mid-semester test; and (3) research report. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Simon Li

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Successful completion of

three Unit(s) PSYC1101 Psychology: Mind and Brain
and Unit(s) PSYC1102 Psychology: Behaviour in Context
and Unit(s) PSYC2203 Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Psychology

Contact hours

Lectures: 24 x 1 hour
labs: 6 x 2 hour
approximately 30 hours of project work outside of seminar/labs

Note

Enrolled students can access unit material via the LMS (Learning Management System).

Students are exposed to topics in psychology units that may cause some discomfort or distress in certain individuals (e.g. depression, suicide, trauma, eating disorders). They are required to demonstrate skills across a variety of different formats and contexts (e.g. written assessments, participation in practical work, contribution to group discussions, oral presentations, examinations), and so it is important to carefully consider whether they are able to cope with the demands of studying psychology and whether there is anything that would impact upon their ability to complete the requirements of the unit. Refer to individual unit outlines for more detailed unit information.

PSYC3310 is a research-intensive capstone unit that is designed to be run face to face, with extensive hands-on work in research methods. However, we recognise the challenges to students who are studying online due to travel restrictions in progressing at this point to graduate at the end of 2021, and have exceptionally agreed to make this unit available in an online restricted mode on a case-by-case basis (in line with criteria specified by UWA). The online restricted mode will not give students the exact same experience as those enrolled face to face, but will allow students to meet the learning outcomes for the unit. Please contact your Student Advising Office to discuss eligibility for enrolment in the online restricted mode.

Texts

Readings as outlined by the lecturers.