Course Title: Philosophy and Methodology of Psychology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Philosophy and Methodology of Psychology

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
BESC1437	City Campus	Undergraduate	150H Health Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 1 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 1 2014, Sem 1 2015
BESC1437	City Campus	Undergraduate	173H School of Health and Biomed	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2018, Sem 1 2019, Sem 1 2020, Sem 1 2021, Sem 1 2022, Sem 1 2023, Sem 1 2024
BESC1438	Bundoora Campus	Undergraduate	150H Health Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 1 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 1 2014
BESC1439	Bundoora Campus	Postgraduate	150H Health Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 1 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 1 2014
BESC1440	City Campus	Postgraduate	150H Health Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 1 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 1 2014, Sem 1 2015
BESC1536	RMIT University Vietnam	Undergraduate	173H School of Health and Biomed	Face-to-Face	Viet2 2023, Viet2 2024
BESC1553	RMIT Vietnam Hanoi Campus	Undergraduate	173H School of Health and Biomed	Face-to-Face	Viet2 2024

Course Coordinator: Dr. James Collett

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: james.collett@rmit.edu.au

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None

Course Description

This course is split into two components. The first component covers advanced statistical methods, with a focus on factor analysis. These statistical concepts will be taught in concert with the practical skills required to analyse data using SPSS data analysis software package. The second component covers the history and philosophy underlying psychology. Important historical and philosophical influences in psychology will be traced, as well as more recent trends in thinking. Broader issues in the history and philosophy of science will be examined in this context. This course is a third-year psychology course that forms part of the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) approved psychology major.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the development of the following Program Learning Outcomes for BP154 Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology):

PLO 1:  Understand appropriate and relevant fundamental and applied evidence based knowledge and undertake lifelong learning to improve personal and professional practice 
PLO 2: Demonstrate a capacity to employ a variety of approaches and procedures to research to permit judgements and decisions to be supported by appropriate evidence that places practice within a global and local context.
PLO 3:  Applies knowledge to diagnose and solve problems in a wide range of diverse situations, with an ability to work independently or with others and incorporate the analysis of evidence based scientific literature to solve psychological problems.
PLO 4: Engage in dialogue with a diverse range of people and communicate in a broad range of forms (written, electronic, graphic, oral) to meet the circumstances of the situation and the capabilities of the audience.
PLO 5: Maintains tolerance and respect for individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds, holding diverse values, adhering to professional expectations and demonstrating ethical behaviour.

On successful completion of this course you should be able to:

1. Describe the historical roots of modern psychology and identify the main influences.
2. Identify and elaborate several important philosophical principles underlying psychological research and theory.
3. Discuss the main ethical issues and dilemmas that face modern researchers and practitioners of psychology.
4. Review the guiding principles of psychological research as a scientific discipline.
5. Explain the main research designs used in psychology and apply a range of data analysis techniques using SPSS.
6. Demonstrate interpersonal skills and teamwork by collaborating with peers to produce a desired professional outcome 

Overview of Learning Activities

A weekly lecture or the equivalent will present students with the theories and concepts underlying statistical and methodological as well as historical and philosophical issues. In weekly tutorial classes, practical demonstrations will explain use of SPSS data analysis software to conduct data analysis. Later tutorials will adopt a seminar format where students will have the opportunity to discuss a range of issues of ethical, philosophical, and historical interest, and will be supported to engage in group-based presentation and debate.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.

Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.

Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Factor Analysis Report
Weighting 45%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4

Assessment Task 2: Critical Philosophy Presentation
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs 4 & 5

Assessment Task 3: Formative Online Quizzes
Weighting 15%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.