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

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

Course Coordinator: James Collett

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2750

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

Course Coordinator Location: 12.07.016


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

System Enforced Pre-requisites (Enforced by SAMS)


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.


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.


Overview of Learning Resources

The learning resources associated with this course will include targeted readings taken from a range of both primary and secondary sources. You will be expected to access a range of data analysis textbooks, web-based resources and primary journal articles using on-line and other sources.


Overview of Assessment

This course has no hurdle requirements.

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