This assessment is designed to help you reflect on your skills, explore career possibilities, and understand how your psychology degree supports your future goals. You will craft a personal portfolio that tells the story of your academic and professional development.

The portfolio will be made up of several sections, outlined below. Think of this portfolio as your ‘career blueprint’—a chance to reflect, plan, and present the best version of yourself and your future as a graduate of psychology. Use real experiences, insights, and creativity as much as possible. 

Much of the contents may be useful for your personal career planning, but also for job applications during your degree or after.

1. Your psychology story (100-300 words)  

Imagine you’re introducing yourself at a psychology networking event. How would you describe your journey into psychology?

What are you currently doing?

• What have you done, and where have you come from?
• What inspired you to study psychology?
• What excites you most about the field?
• Where do you hope to go from here (aspirations for the future)?

 Suggestion: You could present this as a short personal essay, a letter to your future self, or even a mini blog post.

 2. Your skills inventory (100-300 words)

 Think about your strengths and growth areas. If you were designing a "Psychologist Starter Pack" for yourself, what skills would you include? 

• Identify at least two key skills you already have that will help you in psychology.
• Identify at least two skills you want to develop further.

 These can be soft skills (e.g., communication, empathy) or technical skills (e.g., statistics).

 Suggestion: Consider adding or presenting this in a visual way (e.g. use a chart, table, or skills ‘progress bar’ to track where you are and where you want to be).

 3. Your psychology toolkit: Education and learning

 Imagine explaining your psychology degree to a friend who knows nothing about it. 

• List your degree name and course code (e.g., Bachelor of Psychological Science - CC43).
• Summarise all of the degree learning outcomes (from the CQU handbook).
• List at least one unit you have taken (e.g., PSYC11011).
• Include the unit name, a short description, and key learning outcomes.

 Suggestion: Draw a flowchart showing the units the make up the degree, or how these units will connect to your future career.

 4. Work experience, volunteering, or accomplishments

 Every job, volunteer experience, or personal project teaches you something.

 Choose at least one of the following:

• A job experience
• A volunteer role
• A major personal achievement

 Describe what you did, when you did it, what you learned, and how it relates to psychology.

 Suggestion: Try and tell a short story rather than just listing tasks, describe a memorable moment. Pictures, and other visuals will likely enhance this.

 5. Showcasing your work (100-300 words)

Imagine you’re applying for a research assistant role, and they ask you to “Show us something that demonstrates your skills”.

Include in this document or attach to this document, one academic piece, or personal project or paid work that highlights psychology-related skills. You can include an academic assessment, a personal project, or even a draft of something you're working on. If you don’t have a completed project, describe a task that demonstrates key psychology-related skills.

Explain:

• What the task was
• What skills it demonstrated
• What you learned

Suggestion: Make a mini case study so that you can show rather than just tell.

 6. Mapping your career pathway (100-300 words) 

 Let’s time-travel to your graduation day. You’re thinking about what’s next. 

• What psychology-related careers interest you?
• What steps will you need to take (education, experience, certifications)?
• What professional organisations, internships, volunteering, or networks will help you get there?

 Suggestion: Draw a "Career Roadmap" with milestones.

 7. Professional insight- Learning from a psychologist (100-300 words)

For this task, I want you to research a practicing psychologist working in the career you identified in part 6 (if you don’t have a clear career goal, please pick an area/career that you would like to explore a bit further). This task is aimed at growing your understanding about how to get where you want to go, and what the job is really like! 

• Search for a psychologist working in your desired field (e.g., clinical, forensic, sports, neuropsychology).
• Summarise their career pathway: What qualifications did they need? What extra training did they do?
• Describe the types of clients they typically see, and the work they do with them.

 Where to find psychologists?

• Do a web search, search LinkedIn, utilise the APS (Australian Psychological Society) website (use the 'find a psychologist' feature), or browse the websites of psychology clinics’.
• Please don’t engage with/contact any professionals for the purposes of this task. Simply rely on what you can find online. But if you know a psychologist personally (e.g., a guest lecturer, family friend), you could ask them directly.
• If you cannot find a specific psychologist, or sufficient details about their career path, you may research and describe a general career pathway and their work instead.

You may use artificial intelligence (AI) to support your work, such as improving clarity, refining ideas, and enhancing the quality of your writing. However, as this is a personal reflection, ensure that the text retains your own voice and insights. While you do not need to specify AI-generated content, you are responsible for ensuring accuracy, originality, and adherence to academic integrity guidelines.

This assessment will be graded out of 20 marks. Marks will be allocated according to each of the following criteria:

1. Psychology Story (Personal Statement) - 3 marks
2. Skills Inventory- 3 marks
3. Education & Learning Outcomes- 3 marks
4. Work/Volunteer Experience or Accomplishments- 2 marks
5. Personal or Academic Project Showcase- 3 marks
6. Career Pathway Exploration- 3 marks
7. Professional Insight: Learning from a Psychologist- 3 marks

A more detailed marking criteria is provided on Moodle.

Unit Learning Outcome 4 of this unit is only assessed by this assessment. As such, to meet the learning outcomes, a minimum mark of 10/20 (50%) has been set for this task. That is, to pass the unit, you must achieve this minimum mark. Should you achieve less than 10/20, you may be permitted to re-attempt this task.

In this assessment, you will use AI tools to assist in researching and summarising academic articles in psychology. You will create an annotated bibliography of 3 peer-reviewed journal articles, discussing and synthesising their content in relation to your selected topic, and then reflect on the role of AI in your research process.

The objective of this task is to explore the impact and applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in psychology and how these advancements are shaping research, therapy, and our understanding of human behaviour. You are encouraged to select a research question relevant to your career aspirations (e.g., if you intend to work as a clinical psychologist, select a research question relevant to that APS area of endorsement).

Completing this task as an annotated bibliography provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate your research skills by:

• Developing a research question
• Locating current and relevant peer-reviewed journal articles
• Discussing their application to psychology
• Applying APA referencing style 

To complete this assessment, you will:

1. Identify three (3) peer-reviewed journal articles related to your research question.
2. Provide a correct APA 7th edition citation for each article.
3. Write a 150–250 word annotation (per article) summarising the key points and discussing its relevance to your chosen question.
4. Synthesise the three articles from your annotated bibliography, and write a short summary (e.g., a short paragraph between 150-400 words) describing the key findings from the three articles, and explaining their collective significance to your research question.
5. Write a 150–500 word reflection on your experience using AI in the research process.

Clear step-by-step instructions for completing the task will be provided on Moodle.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an integral part of this assessment and should be used to assist with the research and summarisation of academic articles. You are encouraged to use AI tools to help locate, summarise, and synthesise peer-reviewed literature. However, you remain responsible for ensuring the accuracy, relevance, and proper interpretation of AI-generated content.

Since this task involves reflecting on your experience using AI, you do not need to cite AI tools when using them for research support. However, your reflection should critically evaluate how AI influenced your research process, its advantages and limitations, and its impact on your learning. The annotations and summary must be your own work, demonstrating critical thinking and synthesis of the literature. AI can support structuring and refining your writing, but the final submission must reflect your analysis and academic voice.

This assessment will be graded out of 30 marks. Marks will be allocated according to each of the following criteria:

Annotations (20 marks)

• Topic and research question (1 mark)
• APA citation and formatting (1 mark)
• Selection of 3 relevant, peer-reviewed articles (3 marks)
• Summary of each journal article (6 marks)
• Discussion of AI's role in psychological practice (6 marks)
• Short summary of findings (2 marks)

AI Reflection (10 marks)

• Identification of AI tools (2 mark)
• Utilisation of AI in research process (2 marks)
• Evaluation of AIs role in psychological research (4 marks)
• Clarity, coherence and word count (2 marks)

A more detailed marking rubric and instructions will be provided on Moodle.

The group task is a major component of this unit and represents 50% of the overall assessment. There are three elements to this task, one is a group project (3A) and the other two are tasks to be completed independently (3b and 3C):

Part 3A: Group podcast (20/50)

In your small groups, which will be allocated in week 2, you must work together to prepare a podcast exploring a topic or answering a research question of your groups choosing.

As a group, you must select one of the APS discipline areas that the group would like to investigate further. After deciding on the discipline area, you will then work together to decide on a specific research topic or question related to the group’s chosen 'area of practice endorsement'. 

Your podcast must have a clear identity. This includes:

• A podcast name (e.g., "The Mind Matters Show")
• A format (e.g., interview-style, narrative, panel discussion)
• A target audience (e.g., university students, parents, mental health professionals)
• Branding elements (e.g., an intro jingle, podcast cover image)
• A short episode summary (this must be submitted with your transcript)
   

The podcast episode must demonstrate your science communication skills, including a clear podcast identity and summary, structured content, research-based credibility, engaging delivery, high-quality audio, and strong group collaboration. These elements are directly assessed in the marking rubric.

You can record your podcast using Zoom, MS Teams, your mobile phone/s, webcam, specialised recording software (e.g. Quicktime, iMovie, Audacity), or using PowerPoint. A list of free and suitable methods for recording and editing your podcast will be provided. You are not expected to purchase any equipment/or spend any money on the production of this presentation.

In your podcast, your group will need to use language that is clear and appropriate for the intended audience, present your topic in a way that is engaging, shows a clear ‘narrative’ (and structure), and enhances the audience’s understanding and knowledge of the topic.

You must utilise information from at least five (5) peer-reviewed scientific sources to support your discussion. These sources should be used to provide background information, discuss psychological interventions, and support your arguments.

Your script must include in-text citations and a reference list to properly acknowledge these sources. This ensures that your podcast is evidence-based while maintaining a natural conversational style.

As a result, you do not need to spend time explaining or citing references, sources, or studies during the podcast (although it may be appropriate to do so at times). This will make the conversations more realistic and natural.

ALL members of the group need to be featured in the podcast in some way. It is expected that all group members should make a valuable (and equal) contribution to the final product (e.g., background research, scriptwriting, filming, editing, and graphic design). Group contributions will be assessed as part of Assessment 3B.

Groups work best when all members understand and agree to expectations. As such, groups will be encouraged to complete a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or group charter before beginning their group work to clearly articulate the aim of the project, the role of members, a communication plan, a code of conduct (e.g., plagiarism), and timelines. The MoU does not need to be submitted formally but will be checked by the unit coordinator in one of the group check-ins. It may also be something you reflect upon in your individual reflection piece. An MOU template is provided on the ‘Assessment 3’ Tile on Moodle. This should be adapted as required, or your group may wish to design your own (there are many exemplars online).

There will be several 'group check-ins' scheduled throughout the term, where the unit coordinator will contact groups to offer support, guidance, check suitability of topic, answer questions, check MoU, ensure group members are participating, and resolve conflicts. However, if any issues arise outside of these check-ins, it is important to let the unit coordinator know.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to assist with specific tasks in this assessment, such as literature searches, summarising research, refining scripts, and designing promotional materials. However, all content must reflect your group's critical thinking and originality. AI should not replace human creativity in structuring the podcast, formulating arguments, or engaging in discussion. Any substantial AI-generated content must be acknowledged appropriately (e.g., "Case study developed with the assistance of [AI tool]"). The final product must demonstrate authentic group collaboration and academic integrity. Groups remain responsible for fact-checking AI-generated content and ensuring that sources are properly cited.

Further details and guides for completing this task (including the APS areas of endorsement, deciding upon a research question, developing podcasts, and a step-by-step guide) are provided in an assessment handout on Moodle.

The podcast is to be completed and submitted as a group. 

Part 3B: Group work self- and peer-evaluation (15/50)

Your ability to work in a group setting (communication, collaboration, commitment) will be assessed by yourself and your peers (group members). This will enable your group work skills to be evaluated and help ensure accountability relating to your role and contribution to the group task. This feedback will be used to evaluate teamwork skills and the eligibility of group members to pass the unit. As such, it is important to be as fair and honest as possible in your assessment. An evaluation form assessing five criteria will be made available on Moodle for completing this task.

The evaluation form is to be completed and submitted independently from the group. Individual evaluations will remain anonymous to the group.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not needed for this assessment, and its use is not recommended. Since this task involves rating your group members’ contributions based on specific criteria, the evaluation should reflect your own observations and judgment. The use of AI to generate or modify evaluations is unnecessary and may compromise the integrity of the process. Please ensure that your ratings are fair, honest, and based on your genuine experience working with your group.

Part 3C: Individual critical reflection (15/50)

For this assessment, you will be required to submit a 600-word (accepted range 400-800) reflective essay relating to your experience working in a group during this task. Your experiences, insights and learnings from the group task (Assessment 3A) will need to draw upon (reference) relevant theory and evidence on group dynamics and interpersonal skills covered during the unit.

The reflection is to be completed independently from the group.

Summary of key expectations:

• Word count: 400-800 words (excluding the reference list).
• Structure: Essay-style reflection, with a brief introduction and conclusion.
• Use of personal pronouns: Allowed (e.g., "I," "we").
• Academic references: Minimum of two academic sources in APA format.
• Assessment criteria: Covers personal contribution, group experience, personal development, connection to academic concepts, and presentation.
• Submission format: Word document with APA-style formatting.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used to enhance the clarity and readability of your writing (e.g., grammar checks, sentence restructuring, improving coherence). However, AI must not generate any new content, reflections, or insights. This is a personal reflection—your thoughts, experiences, and critical analysis must be entirely your own. Over-reliance on AI that diminishes your personal voice may result in academic integrity concerns.

The individual critical reflection should be prepared as a Word document and include a cover sheet and reference list. The document needs to be presented using the guidelines for ‘student papers’ as established in the APA publication manual (7th edition). 

An appropriate APA style template has been prepared for you, and it is recommended that you use this template to complete your assessment. For further information and guidance on APA style, refer to the APA Publication Manual, or online university library guides from the world wide web. See also the content for week 8 of this unit which covers APA style.

This assessment will be graded out of 50 marks. Your overall mark for this assessment will be calculated by adding together the marks from 3A, 3B and 3C. The assessment criteria for each part are provided below, with additional instructions and details provided on Moodle.

Part 3A: Group podcast

This component will be graded out of 20 marks. You will be judged as a group. That is, all members of the group will receive the same mark. Marks will be allocated according to each of the following criteria:

Podcast identity and summary (3 marks)

Content and structure

• Introduction and conclusion (2 marks)
• Background, therapy and evaluation (3 marks)

Research and credibility

• Use of sources (2 marks)
• Integration and analysis (3 marks)

Engagement and delivery (3 marks)

Audio quality and editing (2 marks)

Group cohesion (2 marks)

Part 3B: Group work self- and peer-evaluation

This component will be graded out of 15 marks. You will evaluate each member of your group and yourself on five criteria. Each criterion is worth 3 marks and will be based on a rating scale (available on Moodle) from 0.0 to 3.0. The unit coordinator will take the self and peer scores into account, and provide a weighted score for each criterion.

Criteria:

1. Collaboration and fair contribution (How well did the member contribute to group tasks?)
2. Communication and interpersonal skills (How effectively was the member communicating and working with others?)
3. Problem-solving and conflict resolution (How did the member approach problems and conflicts within the group?)
4. Time management and reliability (How well did the member manage time and meet deadlines?)
5. Quality of work and initiative (What was the quality of the member's work, and did they take initiative?)

Part 3C: Individual critical reflection

This component will be graded out of 15 marks. Marks will be allocated according to each of the following criteria:

• Reflection on personal contribution (3 marks)
• Assessment of the group experience (3 marks)
• Evidence of personal development (3 marks)
• Connection to academic concepts (4 marks)
• Adherence to word count and presentation (2 marks)

Prepare your reflection using the APA 7th edition template for student papers and submit it as a Word document (a template will be provided to you in Moodle). This includes a cover page and reference list. Beyond this, the presentation of your reflection is flexible (e.g., the number and nature of headings/subtitles, paragraphs), so long as you are able to meet the marking criteria.

The group task (incorporating 3A, 3B and 3C) represents a must-pass item. Unit Learning Outcome 3 of this unit is only assessed by this one assessment. To ensure that you meet the learning outcome, a minimum mark of 25/50 (50%) has been set. As such, to pass the unit, you must achieve at least this mark collectively across Parts 3A, 3B and 3C. Should you achieve less than 25/50, given the nature of the task, there is no opportunity to receive a supplementary assessment (SA) for Parts 3A and 3B. However, you may be permitted to re-attempt the individual critical reflection (Part 3C).