Download PDF

Course Outline

PSY300 Advanced Methods in Psychology

Course Coordinator:Daniel Fassnacht (dfassnacht@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Psychology

2025Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course acquaints you with a range of advanced statistical techniques used in psychological research, including analysis of variance and covariance, correlation, and simple and hierarchical regression. You will be required to formulate null and alternative hypotheses, identify and describe appropriate statistical techniques and correctly interpret statistical results, including identifying violation of appropriate assumptions and understanding choices for alternative statistical tests or data manipulation strategies. Statistical computing using the SPSS statistical package is an essential part of the course.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – 1 hour online learning materials 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – 2 hour on campus computer workshop 2hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), Linear Regression, Assumptions, Effect Sizes

What level is this course?

300 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Demonstrate knowledge of a range of statistical techniques used in psychological research. Knowledgeable
2 Demonstrate knowledge and competence of SPSS. Knowledgeable
Empowered
3 Select and apply statistical techniques appropriate for the analysis of specific psychological data. Creative and critical thinker
4 Justify the selection and use of appropriate statistical techniques. Knowledgeable
Empowered
5 Write and present research findings in a scientific fashion. Empowered

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

PSY200 and PSY201 OR PSY207

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Early feedback will be provided in week 3 following the first online quiz. Please use this feedback to seek additional supports if necessary.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Quiz/zes Individual 20% 
5 x online quizzes, 20 multiple choice questions each.
 Refer to Format Online Test (Quiz)
All 2 Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece Individual 40% 
Data analysis and short answer questions (provide the correct statistical result), interpretation through correct response choice.
 Refer to Format Online Submission
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 40% 
2 hours
 Exam Period Exam Venue
All - Assessment Task 1:Quizzes
Goal: 
Demonstrate an understanding of hypothesis testing, statistical techniques and interpretation of statistical results. The quizzes are designed as summative assessments to continuously test students’ knowledge and understanding of the learning material.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format: 
This assessment task will be due between weeks 2 - 12 of the teaching semester. The final dates of submission for the quizzes will be determined once public holidays and the course timetable have been published prior to the commencement of semester. Please refer to your course Canvas site at the commencement of the teaching semester to confirm the due date for this assessment task.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Correct formulation of null and alternative hypotheses.
 1 4
2 
Identification of appropriate statistical techniques.
 1
3 
Correct interpretation of statistical results.
 4
Generic Skills: 
Problem solving, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Data Analysis Assignment
Goal: 
Demonstrate the ability to conduct data analysis using SPSS and interpret the findings
Product: Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece
Format: 
You will be provided with a data set and instructions via Canvas and required to answer structured questions. Some of the questions/sub-questions will require you to analyse data, provide answers in correct APA format and to interpret the results appropriately.
This assessment task will be due between weeks 8 - 11 of the teaching semester. The final date of submission for this task will be determined once public holidays and the course timetable have been published prior to the commencement of semester. Please refer to your course Canvas site at the commencement of the teaching semester to confirm the due date for this assessment task.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Selection of the correct statistical analyses.
 1
2 
Correct application of analyses chosen.
 2 3
3 
Correct interpretation of the results of the analyses.
 4 5
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Final examination
Goal: 
Demonstrate the ability to select appropriate statistical techniques to data types; demonstrate the ability to interpret statistical output provided. The exam will require the selection of appropriate statistical techniques for analysing different types of data, and the interpretation of statistical output. The examination will cover material drawn from all lectures and workshops.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Format: 
You will sit a 2 hour examination during the end-of-semester examination period.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Selection of the correct statistical analyses.
 1 4
2 
Correct interpretation of the results of the analyses.
 3 4
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Applying technologies, Information literacy

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Andy Field 2024 Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics 6th Sage Publications Limited

Specific requirements

Access to UniSC laboratories to use SPSS or access to a stable internet connection to use the online laboratory to access SPSS from outside UniSC

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.
The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
Download PDF