James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

PY5405 - Major Project

Subject Description

In this subject, students will plan and execute a substantial research-based piece of scholarship and will present the scholarly output orally and in a written report. At the conclusion of the subject, students will have developed their skills in critiquing relevant literature to plan relevant research questions, to execute the design of a research-based project to address an industry-specific issue, and to convey the project via oral and written communications. Each student will independently undertake a review of the relevant scientific literature, formulate a research question or questions, design an appropriate rigorous scientific method for investigating the question(s), and execute the piece of scholarship. The scholarly output will incorporate a critical review of the literature, and execution of the project will be based on the design of one of the following: a program or service evaluation study; a study based on experimental single case design; a systematic review or meta-analysis; a qualitative or quantitative study using primary or secondary data analyses, or a traditional empirical research project.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically analyse literature to independently plan a research-based project
• Apply discipline-specific knowledge and knowledge of research methodology to execute a design for undertaking a substantial research-based project linked to a field of work
• Communicate and justify the project through advanced oral and written communication to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Apply creative and strategic thinking skills, initiative and professional judgement to identify and solve novel or complex problems in professional and community-based settings

Subject Assessment

• Oral > Presentation 1 - Individual
• Written > Project report
• Oral > Presentation 2 - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Achieve a cumulative score of at least 50% after the application of any penalties, and attempt and submit all assessments, and pass the major project presentation and the written project report.

Assumed Knowledge:  Foundational knowledge and skills in psychology

Availabilities