Research Methods Content:

[lazaward]

Hi guys,
My school uses the jacaranda 3&4 book. I’m currently making notes on the first chapter (research methods), which is mostly familiar however there is some things I’m unsure if I need to know for year 12 psych this year.
• definition of psychology
• steps in research 
• theory vs. model
• primary vs. secondary data
• objective vs. subjective data
• descriptive statistics
• inferential statistics
• central tendency
• standard deviation
• internal/external validity
• national statement (on ethical conduct in human research)
• roles of ethics committees
• Australian privacy principles

Also, is it a waste of time reading the green boxes since that’s the extension stuff?

[Dr. Nick]

Hi

Have a look at the VCE Psychology study design http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/documents/vce/psychology/psychologysd-2016.pdf
 which outlines the key things that you will be assessed on for units 3+4  in the exam 

For research methods we're assessed on the VCE Psychology Units 1-4 key science skills:
which are these:

Key science skill VCE Psychology Units 1–4 skills
Analyse and evaluate
data, methods and
scientific models
•    process quantitative data using appropriate mathematical relationships and units
•    organise, present and interpret data using tables, bar charts, line graphs, percentages,
calculations of mean as a measure of central tendency and understanding of standard
deviation as a measure of variation around the mean
•    recognise the difference between statistics that describe a specific sample and the use of
statistics to make inferences about the population from which the data were drawn
•    use basic principles of reliability and validity in evaluating research investigations undertaken
•    explain the merit of replicating procedures and the effects of sample sizes in obtaining
reliable data
•    evaluate investigative procedures and possible sources of bias, and suggest improvements,
with reference to identification of potential extraneous and confounding variables including
individual participant differences, non-standardised instructions and procedures, order
effects, experimenter effect and placebo effects
•    explain how models are used to organise and understand observed phenomena and
concepts related to psychology, identifying limitations of the models
•    distinguish between scientific and non-scientific ideas
Draw evidence-based
conclusions
•    determine to what extent evidence from an investigation supports the purpose of the
investigation, and make recommendations, as appropriate, for modifying or extending the
investigation
•    draw conclusions consistent with evidence and relevant to the question under investigation
•    identify, describe and explain the limitations of conclusions, including identification of
further evidence required
•    critically evaluate various types of information related to psychology from journal articles,
mass media and opinions presented in the public domain
•    discuss the implications of research findings and proposals
Communicate and explain
scientific ideas
•    use appropriate psychological terminology, representations and conventions for reporting
research, including standard abbreviations, graphing conventions and the components of
a scientific report with reference to inclusion of an abstract, an introduction and sections
for method, results and discussion
•    discuss relevant psychological information, ideas, concepts, theories and models and the
connections between them
•    identify and explain formal psychological terminology about investigations and concepts
•    use clear, coherent and concise expression
•    acknowledge sources of information and use standard scientific referencing conventions



Look at all these dotpoints and evaluate whether or not you know these things, any thing else thats not part of these dot points  (for example australian privacy principles) will not be assessed.

[dashnog]

Have a read in my 'Research Methods' and 'Important VCE Knowledge' section in the attached notes. This document is still a work in progress, but I got an A in my first SAC for it. Everything in here is from notes that I've taken from my teacher, the Jacaranda book and key points from Sparknotes.com.