Research Methods in Psychology

Study Course Description

Course Description Statuss:Approved

Course Description Version:10.00

Study Course Accepted:13.08.2024 12:55:15

Study Course Information
Course Code:		VPUPK_182		LQF level:		Level 7
Credit Points:		4.00		ECTS:		6.00
Branch of Science:		Psychology; General Psychology		Target Audience:		Psychology
Study Course Supervisor
Course Supervisor:		Zane Gulbe
Study Course Implementer
Structural Unit:		Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
The Head of Structural Unit:
Contacts:		Riga, 5 J. Asara Street, vppkrsu[pnkts]lv, +37167061587
Study Course Planning
Full-Time - Semester No.1
Lectures (count)		12	Lecture Length (academic hours)		2	Total Contact Hours of Lectures		24
Classes (count)		12	Class Length (academic hours)		2	Total Contact Hours of Classes		24
Total Contact Hours								48
Study course description
Preliminary Knowledge:
Bachelor's study courses – psychometrics, general psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, personality psychology, pathopsychology, clinical psychology, psychiatry.
Objective:
Extend knowledge of psychological assessment methods, applicability and limitations, respecting professional ethics of a psychologist. Promote undergraduate students' understanding and ability to make psychological assessment (evaluation), using scientifically based methods for children and adults on the personality traits, intellectual abilities, etc.
Topic Layout (Full-Time)
No.	Topic			Type of Implementation		Number	Venue
1	Study course requirements and evaluation criteria			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
2	Psychological assessment in children.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
3	Assessment methods of cognitive processes in children.			Lectures		3.00	auditorium
				Classes		3.00	auditorium
4	Assessment methods of cognitive processes in children – case studies.			Classes		2.00	auditorium
5	Emotional sphere assessment methods for children – case studies.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
				Classes		1.00	auditorium
6	Assessment methods of cognitive processes in adults.			Lectures		4.00	auditorium
				Classes		2.00	auditorium
7	Assessment methods of cognitive processes in adults – case studies.			Classes		1.00	auditorium
8	Personality assessment methods.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
				Classes		1.00	auditorium
9	Intelligence assessment.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
				Classes		1.00	auditorium
10	Preparation of a report.			Classes		1.00	auditorium
Assessment
Unaided Work:
1. Students independently prepare for practical classes, describing the case studies. 2. To create a work set "Psychological assessment methods for children and adults". 3. To study the documentation of psychologists (State Education Quality Service, for psychologists).
Assessment Criteria:
1. A set of work "Psychological assessment methods for children and adults" has been created (20%). 2. Preparation of reports (two reports must be written on the previously prepared study case, format – Word) (60%) • Correctly describes the client's / patient's needs and problems in order to plan future professional activities. • Sets achievable psychological assessment goals according to the client's / patient's needs and order. • To plan the process of psychological assessment, choosing the most appropriate assessment methods. • Correctly analyzes the information collected in the process of psychological assessment. • Correct conclusions have been drawn. • Correctly prepares an opinion on the results of psychological assessment, in accordance with the purpose of psychological assessment. • Terminology is used accordingly. 3. At the end of the study course, provide feedback (fill in the questionnaire) about the study course.
Final Examination (Full-Time):		Exam (Written)
Final Examination (Part-Time):
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:		Names and describes scientifically based psychological assessment methods and describes the specifics of the work with children and adults. Describes the process of psychological assessment. Describes the principles for preparing a report.
Skills:		Sets achievable psychological assessment goals and plans a psychological assessment process. Chooses the most appropriate psychological assessment methods. Carries out psychological assessment in accordance with the planned psychological assessment process. Evaluates the progress of psychological assessment process integrating information gathered and makes conclusions. Prepares a report on the results of the psychological assessment in accordance with the purpose of the psychological assessment. Prepares a cooperation report and other documents.
Competencies:		Students independently conduct psychological assessment (adult or child), choosing the most appropriate assessment methods, analyse and interpret them, giving a written report and recommendations (case studies).
Bibliography
No.	Reference
Required Reading
1	Wright, A. J. (Ed.). (2019). Essentials of psychological assessment supervision. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.
Additional Reading
1	Butcher, J. N., Hooley, J. M., Mineka, S. M., & Nock, M. K. (2017). Abnormal Psychology. Pearson Higher Ed USA.
2	Mārtinsone un B. Girgensone (red.). (2018). Psihologu profesionālā darbība Latvijā: saturs, organizācija, regulējums. Psihologu likuma komentāri. Rīga: Tiesu namu aģentūra.
3	Psihologu ētikas kodekss izdots saskaņā ar Psihologu likuma 7.panta ceturtās daļas 3.punktu.
4	Tuokko, H. & Smatr C. M. (2018). Neuropsychology of cognitive decline: a developmental approach to assessment and intervention. New York : The Guilford Press
Other Information Sources
1	Izglītības kvalitātes valsts dienests. Psihologa atzinuma par personas psiholoģisko izpēti vadlīnijas.
2	Izglītības kvalitātes valsts dienests. Vadlīnijas sadarbības pārskata veidošanai.
3	Ministru kabineta noteikumi Nr. 301. Psihologu noteikumi. Publicēts: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 106, 31.05.2018. OP numurs: 2018/106.3.
4	Saeima ir pieņēmusi un Valsts prezidents izsludina šādu likumu: Psihologu likums. Publicēts: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 75, 12.04.2017. OP numurs: 2017/75.1