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Course Outline

PSY400 Research Methods and Analysis 4

Course Coordinator:Joshua Adie (jadie1@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Psychology

2026Trimester 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 unisc.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 develops advanced knowledge in multivariate research designs and statistical techniques that can be applied to the psychological sciences. Statistical techniques in this course include data cleaning, assumption testing, power and effect size, MANOVA, advanced regression models, classification models, and factor analysis. This course also provides intermediate knowledge and applied experience in conducting qualitative research using thematic analysis. This course prepares you to undertake research in your honours thesis, in higher degree research programs, and in professional research contexts.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Whole of class workshop covering design and methodology 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – Lab based workshop focusing on skills of statistical analysis using multiple platforms. 2hrs Week 1 12 times
Learning materials – 7 hour asynchronous learning materials including assessment preparation and revision 7hrs Week 1 12 times

Course Topics

  • Issues in research design and analysis: sample size, power and effect size
  • Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate research design principles
  • Creating psychometrically sound measures – Factor Analysis (Confirmatory and Exploratory)
  • Data cleaning: missing values, skewed data and use/misuse of data transformation
  • Comparing multiple groups and DVs: MANOVA/MANCOVA
  • Multiple predictor designs:  Multiple/Hierarchical Regression and Logistic Regression
  • Classification techniques: Sensitivity, specificity and receiver operating curves
  • Exploring multivariate relationships using Mediation/Moderation
  • Qualitative research design and thematic analysis
  • Data visualisation & science communcation

What level is this course?

400 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 Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Australian Psychology Accreditation Council
1 Demonstrate knowledge of a range of advanced research designs and methodologies used in psychological research. Knowledgeable 
2, 2.1, 2.5
2 Demonstrate appropriate use of multivariate statistical techniques for the analysis of psychological data. Creative and critical thinker
Empowered 
2, 2.5
3 Apply multivariate quantitative techniques and qualitative techniques and to the analysis of psychological data. Creative and critical thinker
Empowered 
2, 2.5
4 Write and present complex research findings in a scientific fashion. Empowered 
2, 2.1, 2.5
5 Demonstrate competence in the use of appropriate statistical programs for analysis of psychological data. Empowered 
2, 2.1, 2.5
6 Demonstrate knowledge and application of Bayes theorem and statistical techniques in psychological research 
2, 2.5

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council
2 PRE-PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES: Graduates of programs at this level have basic knowledge and skills in the professional practice of psychology and the independent conduct and evaluation of scientific research. Programs for pre-professional competencies are typically a Bachelor Honours Degree or Graduate Diploma (if the graduate competencies in research can be met).
2.1 Taking into account broad diversity, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically demonstrate successful (prior or concurrent) achievement of foundational competencies.
2.5 Taking into account broad diversity, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.

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

Enrolled in program SC407 or AR403 or (AR405 and PSY300, PSY301, PSY302, PSY303, PSY304, PSY305, PSY306 AND PSY307)

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

Microcredential Information

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

Weekly practice quizzes will be provided.

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 40% 
90 minutes
 Week 6 In Class
All 2 Portfolio Individual 40% 
2500 words maximum
 Week 10 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 20% 
2 hours with 10 minutes reading time
 Exam Period Online Test (Quiz)
All - Assessment Task 1:Mid-Trimester Practical Quiz
Goal: 
Demonstrate applied understanding of content from weeks 1-5. This assessment involves an in-class practical test to be undertaken mid-trimester. The test will be taken in the computer laboratory and involve performing data analytical techniques using provided data sets. Students will be assessed on their ability to select appropriate statistical tests, conduct specified analyses (including assumption checks), and interpret outputs in SPSS.
Product: Quiz/zes
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
As students need to use UniSC statistical software, the test will only be available during the scheduled tutorial times (110 minutes) and students must attend their allocated tutorial in order to sit the test. The test will be open-book/lecture notes.

This assessment task will be due between weeks 6 - 8 of the teaching trimester. 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 trimester. Please refer to your course Canvas site at the commencement of the teaching trimester to confirm the due date for this assessment task.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstrated understanding of appropriate statistical analyses including their idenification/selection and application in SPSS.
 1 2 3
2 
Correct interpretation of statistical results
 4
3 
Correct APA formatting of results
 4
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Applying technologies
All - Assessment Task 2:Research Portfolio
Goal: 
The goal of this assessment is for students to gain applied experience in conducting and reflecting on qualaitive research using thematic analysis, demonstrating understanding of how ontological, epistemological, and axiological assumptions shape qualitative research practice.
Product: Portfolio
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
Portfolio via Cadmus/Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Effective presentation of a clear and concise position statement outlining their ontological, epistemological, and axiological assumptions, and explain how these inform their approach to thematic analysis.
 1 3 4
2 
Demonstrate systematic engagement with the provided data through detailed familiarisation, generation of meaningful codes, and development of coherent, well-defined themes.
 1 3 4 5
3 
Demonstrate reflexive awareness of their own assumptions, values, and influence throughout all stages of the analysis including critical reflection on interpretive choices in relation to the researcher's position.
 1 4
Generic Skills: 

                        

                    

                

                

                    

                        

                            
                                All - Assessment Task 3:Final Exam
                            
                        

                        

                            Goal:
                            
You will demonstrate understanding of multivariate research design and the use and interpretation of advanced research analytic techniques covered in the course between weeks 1-12.

                        

                        

                            Product:
                            Examination - Centrally Scheduled
                        

                        

                            Authorship Statement:
                            
                        

                        

                            Format:
                            
Open book, multiple choice and short answer format examination.

                        

                        

                            Criteria:
                            
                                

                                    
                                        

                                            No.
                                            
                                            Learning Outcome assessed
                                        

                                    
                                    
                                            

                                                1
                                                
Identification of appropriate statistical analyses and research designs

                                                
                                                        1
                                                        2
                                                        3
                                                        5
                                                        6
                                                
                                            

                                            

                                                2
                                                
Correct interpretation of statistical results

                                                
                                                        2
                                                        3
                                                        5
                                                        6
                                                
                                            

                                            

                                                3
                                                
Correct APA formatting of results

                                                
                                                        4
                                                
                                            

                                    
                                

                            		
                        

                        

                            Generic Skills:
                            
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation

                        

                    

                

        

    

    

        

            

                
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

                    

                        You need regular access to the resource(s) below. Many texts are available as ebooks through the Library at no additional cost.
                    

                    

                        
                            

                                Required?
                                Author
                                Year
                                Title
                                Edition
                                Publisher
                            

                        
                        
                                

                                    Required
                                    Andy Field
                                    2018
                                    Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics
                                    5th
                                    SAGE Publications Limited
                                

                        
                    

            

        


        

            

                
Specific requirements

                    
Access to UniSC computer laboratory for IBM SPSS Statistics, IBM SPSS AMOS, and NVIVO; and/or access to a stable internet connection to access UniSC's virtual machine environment (which then accesses SPSS and NVIVO remotely)

            

        

    


    

        

            
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

            

        


        

            

                
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

                
For course-specific questions, contact your teaching staff or Course Coordinator.  
For other enquiries or to access support, please contact Student Central: 

            

        

    







    

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