512-320 Research Methods 3

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

512-220 (or equivalent)

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject extends the discussion of quantitative aspects of psychology in two major respects: first, by presenting a detailed account of the theory and practice of psychological testing; and, second, by elaborating more complex research designs and methods for their analysis. The subject comprises two units.

Psychological measurement covers the theory and practice of psychological testing. It aims to provide basic knowledge of testing in a variety of contexts of psychological assessment, for example, in clinical, educational, neuropsychological and organisational settings. Aspects of testing include test administration; use of norms; the interpretation of test scores; evaluating test reliability and validity; test evaluation; the construction of tests; and theories of test scores.

Design and analysis aims to allow students to acquire design and analysis skills that are required to undertake psychological research studies of realistic complexity. Topics include multifactorial design strategies; general (mixed model) analysis of variance; planned and post hoc comparisons; the analysis of trend; follow-up strategies in the analysis of designed experiments, including interaction comparisons and the analysis of simple effects; statistical power and effect size; quasi-experimental designs; the analysis of covariance; and an introduction to multiple regression.

Assessment

Two 90-minute examinations (one for each unit).

Attendance at 80% or more of the laboratory classes is a hurdle requirement. (In case of failure to meet the hurdle requirement, additional work will be required before a passing grade can be awarded.)