Programs & Courses 2008
Student Handbook Home: Edition 2

PSYC14023 Advanced Studies in Psychology

Course details

This course comprises two modules and is worth 12 credit points. Both modules will run in Term 1. Module I is called Advanced Psychological Assessment. Module II is called Advanced Data Analysis and has been designed to expose students to various multivariate statistical techniques. Both modules are weighted equally, that is, each contributes 50% to the course's overall grade. Students must pass BOTH modules in order to gain a pass in the course.
Module 1: Advanced Psychological Assessment
The aim of this component of the course is to provide theoretical, empirical, and practice frameworks required to conduct a psychological assessment. This includes acquiring knowledge concerning theory, practice, and research.
The four major aspects of this process are:
1. Understanding psychological assessment including the role of the relationship, assessment processes and methods; understanding the relationship between assessment and therapy; understanding the role of research and the scientific method in assessment practice;
2. Knowledge of the role of interviewing & attending skills in assessment;
3. Understanding of the links between information gathering & theoretical and case conceptualisation, along with treatment planning; and
4. The role of psychological reports.
Various forms of assessment will be studied with an emphasis on the role of the interview within a functional assessment and relationship-based, process framework. In the case of the relationship factors, a specific focus on humanistic principles as embodied in current theory and practice frameworks will be emphasised in readings, particularly in one of the assigned texts. Additionally, a major portion of this component will build upon the conceptual foundations of assessing through interview for psychotherapy. Readings from both assigned texts are aimed to facilitate this basic process that occurs within all psychological contacts and regardless of therapeutic orientation.
The general expectations of this course are the ability to demonstrate both theoretical and practical/working knowledge of interview and assessment frameworks. The models of focus will emphasise aspects of both relationship-process and functional models intended to maximise understanding of the interpersonal and specific assessment processes involved in both assessment and therapy contexts. As part of the assessment process, case-based formulation, treatment planning and report writing will also be covered.
Module 2: Advanced Data Analysis
This module extends the statistical techniques introduced in the course PSYC 13015 (Advanced Methods in Psychology). In addition, it introduces students to the powerful and relatively new technique of Structural Equation Modelling. The aim of this course is to provide the necessary background for students who will do research as part of their graduate or professional careers. The goal of this module is to provide students with the skills to tackle complex research designs, to understand the nature of parametric techniques, and to be aware of the range of methodologies available. The use of SPSS for Windows and AMOS programs will be heavily emphasised.


Course at a glance
Career: Undergraduate
Credit points: 12
Requisites: Prerequisite: Minimum of 36 Units in Level 3 Psychology Courses and PSYC 13015
Student Contribution Band: 1
EFTSL: 0.25000
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Course availability
Term Campus
This course is not offered for this handbook year
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Course evaluation reports

Course evaluation results may be accessed using the Course Evaluation application in the My.CQU Portal at http://my.cqu.edu.au

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