HPS201 - Psychology Research Methods (Introductory)
Unit details
| Year | 2025 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Community Based Delivery (CBD)*, Warrnambool, Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 2: Pam Barhoun Trimester 3: Ian Fuelscher |
| Previously: | Research Methods in Psychology A |
| Prerequisite: | Any two of HPS111, HPS121, HPS104 and HPS105 |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | HPS671, HPS771 |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | 1 x 1 hour online lecture per week |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment: | 1 x 1 hour online lecture per week |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site. |
Note:*National Indigenous Knowledges, Education, Research and Innovation (NIKERI) Institute students only. Drop-in Q&A online sessions will be scheduled throughout the trimester; see the unit cloud site for more details. | |
Content
This unit will introduce students to a variety of parametric univariate statistics commonly used in psychology. The focus is on both a conceptual and analytical understanding, rather than strict computational problem solving. The unit progresses from a discussion of descriptive statistics and the foundation of hypothesis testing to the introduction of specific statistical tests such as the t-test, chi-square, Analysis of Variance, Correlation and Regression. An important focus of the unit is on understanding the logic underlying the various statistical analyses covered. The unit also emphasises links between specific statistical analyses and common study designs used in psychology. Students will be taught to analyse data primarily through definitional formulae, as well as a computer-based statistical package.
Learning Outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Understand the purpose of statistical analysis in Psychology. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Understand the logic and calculation underlying various methods of statistical analysis. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO3 | Apply statistical knowledge to real-world research questions. | GLO4: Critical thinking |
| ULO4 | Determine the appropriate method of analysis depending on the data and the research question to be answered. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO5 | Interpret output from analyses using a statistical software program. | GLO3: Digital literacy |
| ULO6 | Construct the results section of a research report for Psychology. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
Assessment
Trimester 2 and Trimester 3:| Assessment description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Short answer assignment | 2000 words | 50% |
|
| Assessment 2: Research Design Challenge | 1000 words | 30% |
|
| Assessment 3: End-of-Unit Assessment | 90 minutes | 20% |
|
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning resource
The texts and reading list for HPS201 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Unit Fee Information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.