Overview
Evidence-based practice is an integral component of practicing as a psychologist, and aligns with the scientist-practitioner model. It is essential that you establish and evaluate your professional practice work based on scientific research. This unit will equip you with knowledge and skills related to the conduct of research evaluation in a professional practice context.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Unit evaluations (SUTE)
Some students felt that assessments were too complicated.
Review assessment requirements to see where tasks and instructions could be streamlined.
Feedback from Unit evaluations (SUTE)
Some students felt that too much jargon related to research evaluation was used in teaching materials.
Review teaching materials to see where content can be explained more clearly, particularly terminology and concepts related to research evaluation.
- Communicate research in a manner that is professional, ethical, and culturally appropriate, and critically considers prior literature relevant to the professional practice of psychology.
- Plan and produce a substantive individual research evaluation report relevant to the practice of psychology.
Learning outcomes are related to core competencies specified by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), program of study criteria as stated by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and specifications for study at level 9 as indicated by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
This unit addresses Professional Competencies as specified by the Australian Psychology Accrediation Council (APAC). This unit specifically aligns to the following APAC competencies:
3.2 Apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsive ways.
3.3 Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.
3.8 Interpret and communicate findings in oral and written formats, including formal psychological reports, using culturally appropriate language.
3.10 Demonstrate respect for the skills and contribution of other professionals.
3.15 Evaluate the effectiveness of their professional practice, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes where needed.
3.16 Critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
3.17 Investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | |
| 1 - Research Proposal - 0% | ||
| 2 - Self assessment - 0% | ||
| 3 - Report - 100% | ||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||
| 2 - Communication | ||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||
| 4 - Research | ||
| 5 - Self-management | ||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||
| 7 - Leadership | ||
| 8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.filgueirasgoncalves@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Research Evaluation
- Getting started in Evaluation Research
- Types of Evaluation and Evaluation Approaches
- Evaluation questions
Chapter
Required and recommended readings, and additional resources will be available through the Unit e-reading list and the Unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Developing a research question
- Methods in Evaluation Research
- Question formulation approaches
- Writing your evaluation plan
- Tools for Evaluation Research
Chapter
Required and recommended readings, and additional resources will be available through the Unit e-reading list and the Unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Systematic Reviews
- Finalising your evaluation question and evaluation plan
- Gold-standard systematic review framework -- PRISMA
- Tools for systematic search -- Covidence & Library Organisers
Chapter
Required and recommended readings, and additional resources will be available through the Unit e-reading list and the Unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Data Analysis in Systematic Reviews
- Different types of data
- Data presentation and analysis
- Data interpretations and discussing your data
Chapter
Required and recommended readings, and additional resources will be available through the Unit e-reading list and the Unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
No class this week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Catch up and Q&A
- Group catch up and Q&A
- Individual Sessions (see Moodle for availabilities)
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Submission of the Evaluation Plan - 31/08/2025 - 11.59pm
Evaluation Plan Due: Week 6 Friday (29 Aug 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Catch up and Q&A
- Group catch up and Q&A
- Individual Sessions (see Moodle for availabilities)
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Catch up and Q&A
- Group catch up and Q&A
- Individual Sessions (see Moodle for availabilities)
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Submission of the Progress Report - 14/09/2025 - 11.59pm
Progress Report Due: Week 8 Friday (12 Sept 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Individual Sessions (see Moodle for availabilities)
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Individual Sessions (see Moodle for availabilities)
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Individual Sessions (see Moodle for availabilities)
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Individual Sessions (see Moodle for availabilities)
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Submission of the Research Evaluation - 19/10/2025 - 11.59pm
Research Evaluation Report Due: Review/Exam Week Friday (17 Oct 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Research Proposal
Requirements:
You will be required to submit a completed evaluation plan, which will include:
- A proposed evaluation question
- An outline of the proposed evaluation method and justification for this approach
- A summary of the planned evaluation analysis
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 3: You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any AI-generated content you use.
Week 6 Friday (29 Aug 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 7 Friday (5 Sept 2025)
A marking rubric and example template for the evaluation plan will be made available on Moodle.
You will be given a mark of pass, fail or amendments required.
The evaluation plan will be assessed according to the following elements:
- Inclusion of a clear statement of the research question in a specified formulation approach
- Clear literature search strategy
- Describes the rationale for the evaluation in the context of what is already known about the topic area
- Provides a clear overview of the chosen method/approach
- Describes all proposed data/information sources
- Identifies potential ethical considerations
- Provides a clear plan for analysis of evaluation outcomes.
- Communicate research in a manner that is professional, ethical, and culturally appropriate, and critically considers prior literature relevant to the professional practice of psychology.
- Plan and produce a substantive individual research evaluation report relevant to the practice of psychology.
2 Self assessment
Requirements:
Students will be required to provide a self-assessment of their progress on their evaluation reports.
A template and form will be provided on Moodle.
This should be used as an opportunity to flag any concerns regarding progress with the Unit Coordinator.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 3: You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any AI-generated content you use.
Week 8 Friday (12 Sept 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Please submit via the assessment portal on Moodle.
Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025)
As this is a self-assessment task, formal feedback will not be provided. The Unit Coordinator will follow up individually with each student as needed.
As this is a self-assessment task there are no formal assessment criteria. Students must submit this progress report to ensure appropriate progress is being made.
Completion and Submission of the progress report is compulsory, insufficient completion or non-submission will result in a Fail grade being awarded.
- Communicate research in a manner that is professional, ethical, and culturally appropriate, and critically considers prior literature relevant to the professional practice of psychology.
3 Report
Requirements:
Building on your Research Plan, you are required to develop, conduct, and write a Research Evaluation on your chosen topic area, utilising existing data sources.
Your Research Evaluation Report should be 4000 - 6000 words in length and should include sections typical of a professional psychology evaluation report (i.e. Introduction, Methods/Approach, Results, Discussion/Recommendations). You may like to follow the Author Guidelines from a reputable journal to assist with your format. If author guidelines are chosen, please ensure this is stated at the beginning of the report, and a copy of the guidelines is provided as an Appendix to the submitted evaluation report.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 3: You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any AI-generated content you use.
Review/Exam Week Friday (17 Oct 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Please submit via the assessment portal on Moodle.
Exam Week Friday (24 Oct 2025)
Grades and feedback provided on Friday October 24
A detailed rubric will be available on Moodle.
Students will be assessed on the following:
Process: 75 marks
Title
Identifies the type of report and key variables.
The title is appropriate and representative of the topic area
Abstract
Provides a succinct summary of the evaluations, including, as applicable: background; objectives; data sources; study eligibility criteria, participants/populations, interventions/areas of professional practice; study appraisal and synthesis methods; results; limitations; conclusions and implications of key findings.
Introduction
Provides a clear overview of relevant and appropriate literature and research evidence.
Describes the rationale for the review in the context of what is already known about the topic area.
Provides an explicit statement of questions being addressed with reference to relevant details such as participants/population, intervention/area of professional practice, comparisons, outcomes, study design/approach.
Methods
Provides a clear statement of the evaluation methodology, including method of data/study selection/collection/extraction and any processes for obtaining and confirming data from investigators/repositories.
All variables and study/report characteristics, including any assumptions and simplifications made are clearly defined and outlined.
Describe all data/information sources (e.g., type of data utilised, databases with dates of coverage, contact with study authors to identify additional studies) in detail.
Appropriate detail is included for replication, including a detailed search strategy (if appropriate).
Appropriate ethical considerations are identified and discussed.
Results
Results are presented clearly and accurately and include all relevant details.
The analyses/methods chosen logically align directly the research question/s being examined.
Discussion
Begins with a summary of the main findings with a review of the questions being evaluated, and provides an appropriate interpretation of the results in the context of other evidence.
Recommendations are logical and appropriate given the findings and context; consider their relevance to key groups (e.g., healthcare providers, users/populations, policy makers).
Discuss limitations of the study and implications for future professional practice and/or research.
Writing: 25 marks
The report is logical and coherent throughout, from describing the topic area, framing the question/s, providing a method of analysis and evaluation, and then interpreting findings and making recommendations.
Adherence to APA or specified journal format.
- Communicate research in a manner that is professional, ethical, and culturally appropriate, and critically considers prior literature relevant to the professional practice of psychology.
- Plan and produce a substantive individual research evaluation report relevant to the practice of psychology.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
