Research Project in Positive Psychology

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Pre-teaching period:

During the pre-teaching period students will be required to complete reading that will be provided via LMS.

340 hours

Admission to the Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MC-APP)

Students who have not completed EDUC90789 Positive Psychology and Organisations as a prerequisite must complete it as a corequisite.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The capstone project draws on theory, knowledge and skills gained throughout the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program. In this subject students will implement an intervention or innovation that will promote optimal functioning and well-being in a context of their choice. As part of their project, students will be expected to document planning and implementation decisions, and methods for evaluating intervention/program outcomes. The Capstone project will culminate with students presenting their research findings in a poster presentation and journal paper. A diary documenting the project process, including logistic and ethical complexities will also be completed for assessment.

• Design and conduct a research-based project
• Formulate feasible research questions
• Liaise with potential participants and/or organisations
• Collect data
• Analyze and interpret data
• Present research findings in written and verbal formats
• Identify and discuss the practical implications of the project

There are three assessment tasks:

• A 3,000-word research process and reflection diary, due midway through the subject (30%)
• A 5,000-word journal paper, due at the end of the subject (50%)
• A poster presentation (2,000 words) due at the end of the subject (20%)

Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs/online classes) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.

Gravetter, F. J., & Forzano, L. B. (2012). Research methods for the behavioral sciences (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Apply critical thinking skills
• Apply foundational research skills to address a research question
• Demonstrate planning and time management skills
• Undertake independent research
• Demonstrate a capacity to communicate research results clearly, comprehensively and persuasively for a range of different audiences (academic, policy and general public).