Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Psychology School
Qualitative and quantitative research methods and their application in applied contexts are covered. Enables students to develop their research methods knowledge and skills, as well as develop science communication skills for both academic and practitioner audiences.
The course will provide a brief overview of research methods in applied psychology and focus on specific topics of relevance to the design and implementation of research in organisational settings. More specifically, the course should assist students in the consideration of methodological (i.e. measurement and design) issues related to applied research projects, as well as how to best communicate about these issues with both academic and practitioner audiences.
Course requirements
Restrictions
MPsychOrg, MPsychBus or with permission of Director of Organisational Psychology programs
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The aims of this course are to a) gain an understanding of the process involved in conducting research within organisational settings, b) gain an understanding of the measurement and design issues associated with quantitative and qualitative research methods which are applicable to organisational settings, and c) gain an appreciation of how to “sell” a research project to stakeholder groups (in the form of an oral research proposal).
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge regarding the research process within organisational settings.
LO2.
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge regarding measurement and design issues associated with methods used in organisational research.
LO3.
Demonstrate communication skills in pitching research to relevant stakeholder groups.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | CBOP Research Seminar Review and Critique | 20% |
3/09/2024 4:00 pm |
| Presentation | Group Case Study Research Proposal | 40% |
3/10/2024 9:00 am
Students will present during the scheduled class time |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Individual Case Study Analysis | 40% |
4/11/2024 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
CBOP Research Seminar Review and Critique
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
3/09/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Attend (or review a recording) of a CBOP Research Seminar - identify the key aims and scope of the research and then evaluate the merits - theoretically, methodologically, and practically.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Group Case Study Research Proposal
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
3/10/2024 9:00 am
Students will present during the scheduled class time
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
In groups of 5-6 deliver an oral presentation in the form of a research proposal on the organisational problem outlined in the case study provided (worth 30 marks). You will imagine that the lecturer and other students are the stakeholders who will decide whether or not to fund your proposed research project. Therefore, you are required to communicate the background research, unique focus, and proposed methodology of your project in a manner appropriate for your stakeholder group (e.g., community group members, school principal and teachers, company director, or a senior management team, etc., depending on the case study assigned). You will also be required to complete peer assessment on your other group members (worth 10 marks).
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Students unable to present at the scheduled time should contact their course coordinator directly.
Individual Case Study Analysis
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
4/11/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Via a Blackboard, students will gain access to a case study involving applied research. Students will have a ~ two week period during which they can access the case study and then submit their responses via Blackboard by the due date.
Submission guidelines
Via Blackboard link.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
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| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Workshop |
Workshop 1: Planning and Communicating Research Course overview, introduction to scientific methods, as well as science communication and ethical considerations in applied research. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Workshop |
Workshop 2: Designing Applied Research 1 Research models for science and practice, sampling theory, and measurement issues. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Workshop |
Workshop 3: Designing Applied Research 2 Experimental & quasi experimental approaches versus survey/observational approaches Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Workshop |
Workshop 4: Analytic Strategies Qualitative and Quantitative Methods (including multilevel research) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Workshop |
Workshop 5: Group Research Proposals Due (40%) Students present their case study analysis and research proposals within their groups in class, in person. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Workshop |
Workshop 6: Example Case Study Analysis Bringing it altogether - a case study analysis example and assignment consultation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
- Fitness to Practise
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: