In this course, you will extend your theoretical knowledge and skills in psychological assessments.
The course has a strong applied emphasis and you will learn how to select, administer and interpret the results of major standardised tests. You will also acquire advanced skills in interviewing, assessment of risk and the use of taxonomies.
You will learn how to communicate assessment findings, synthesise information from multiple sources and develop formulations that are culturally, socially and developmentally appropriate and which inform intervention planning.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of theory, research and ethical practice in psychological assessment and testing.
- Reflect critically on psychological assessment, including cultural, social and developmental considerations.
- Select, administer, score and interpret major standardised tests and assessment techniques commonly used in professional psychology.
- Communicate findings appropriately in oral and written formats suitable for professional and service user audiences.
Work Integrated Learning
Other
This is a coursework component of the Master of Professional Psychology degree. No work-integrated learning option is available outside of simulation-based activities undertaken with supervision in class time as related to psychological assessment.
Other Information
This course is assessed on a Course Requirement Satisfied (CRS) or Fail basis. Students must satisfactorily complete all assessment tasks in order to pass the course.
Indicative Assessment
- Written report (hurdle) (30) [LO 2,3,4]
- Reflective tasks (hurdle) (20) [LO 1,2]
- Simulated psychological evaluations (hurdle) (50) [LO 3]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 3 hours of face-to-face activities including lectures and/or workshops per week.
- Approximately 94 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Please note that this course, as part of the Master of Professional Psychology program, may be delivered in more intensive formats where pedagogically appropriate. Students should ensure they are familiar with timetabling for each semester to plan accordingly.
Inherent Requirements
In this course, students must participate in role-plays that simulate interactions between a psychologist and client as well as other in class activities such as analysis of case studies, discussion of relevant research and presenting their ideas to peers. These activities support the development and assessment of core professional competencies. Developing these competencies requires students to be able to:
- Communicate effectively in English, including understanding and conveying nuance and adapting their communication style to suit the preferences and needs of others.
- Use cues other than the literal meaning of spoken words to interpret the thoughts, emotions and motivations of others.
- Reflect on how their verbal and non-verbal communication is interpreted by others and use these insights to develop positive professional relationships.
- Monitor, reflect on and take responsibility for their own mental wellbeing, assumptions, beliefs and reactions to ensure they have the capacity to provide effective psychology services to clients.
- Work professionally with staff and fellow students and learn effectively from supervisor feedback.
In addition, students must:
- Hold provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia, including meeting standards for criminal history and English language skills.
Students who cannot meet these requirements will not be able to pass the course and will therefore be unable to complete their degree.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the School of Medicine and Psychology to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
None specified
Assumed Knowledge
basic knowledge and skills in psychological assessment acquired in the 1st year of this program or its equivalent at another institution.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3005 | 19 Feb 2024 | 26 Feb 2024 | 05 Apr 2024 | 24 May 2024 | In Person | View |
