PSY4051 Psychological inquiry: Theory, methods, and practice 1
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
PSY4051 Psychological inquiry: Theory, methods, and practice 1 is a level 4, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. It isn't offered in 2026. It needs PSY4122 and PSY4111 and unlocks 5 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Other periods
- Monash Online
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before PSY4051
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After PSY4051
5 units list PSY4051 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Overview
This unit expands upon topics in psychological inquiry initially presented in the foundational psychology units. You will further develop your understanding of the different theoretical perspectives on research and how these relate to the research process. You will develop your knowledge and skill in using some of the most common methods of research and statistical analysis. Specific topics include; theories of knowledge and research, parametric and nonparametric procedures to compare two or more independent or matched samples; correlation and linear regression; planned and post hoc comparison techniques; power and sample size considerations; interpretation of output; experimental, quasi-experimental, and correlational research strategies; between- and within-subjects designs; and research ethics. There is a strong practical component to the unit, including authentic assessments and regular hands-on tutorial experiences, designed to advance your competency in applying a range of common research techniques and analyses.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching period 1 | Monash Online | Mo |
| Teaching period 3 | Monash Online | Mo |
| Teaching period 5 | Monash Online | Mo |
Assessment
- Critical appraisal (1,000 words plus output from statistical software in appendix)Written30%
- Applied research design task (2,400 words)Written40%
- Secure online tests (Each test will contain 20 MCQs to be completed within 40 mins)Quiz / Test30%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the theoretical, methodological, and ethical issues associated with designing, conducting, and evaluating psychological research.
- 2
Generate research questions and develop a research plan to systematically address the research questions.
- 3
Perform appropriate statistical analyses on basic data using statistical software.
- 4
Interpret results from basic statistical analyses.
- 5
Effectively communicate scientific ideas and findings to diverse audiences in a variety of formats.
- 6
Outline the strengths and limitations of various research approaches.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials6 hours
You should expect to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week on this unit to achieve the learning outcomes.
This time will cover:
a) video lecture materials;
b) synchronous & asynchronous discussion;
c) synchronous web-based 'class-time' for skills-based activities;
d) weekly readings;
e) weekly skills-based assessment tasks; and
f) content-based assessment, including revision and formative assessment.
Each week there will be a one hour ‘Live class’, facilitated by your instructor. This will be followed by a live office hour, where you can ask questions and chat with your classmates and instructor about anything to do with the unit or psychology in general. There is also a 1 hour live chat with the Senior Instructor that you can attend each week for additional discussion and guidance.
Learning resources
Required resources
See Moodle for details about required resources.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Jessica Michael
- Unit Coordinators
- Zach Ginns
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PSY4051?
You need PSY4122 and PSY4111 before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.
What can I take after PSY4051?
PSY4051 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 5 units, including PSY4032, PSY4041, PSY4062, PSY4081 and PSY4151.
When is PSY4051 offered?
PSY4051 has no offerings listed in the 2026 handbook.
Does PSY4051 have an exam?
No. PSY4051 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.