EDF5727 · Evidence-based practice in educational and developmental psychology

This unit provides you with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate your capabilities as a scientist‑practitioner in psychology. Contemporary evidence‑based practice (EBP) extends beyond the application of research evidence to incorporate practitioner expertise, clinical judgement, and the needs, values, and context of clients. In this unit, you will engage in supported learning activities to strengthen your research literacy, critical thinking, and capacity to implement and evaluate interventions in applied settings. You will learn to formulate practice‑relevant, answerable research questions, systematically locate and evaluate empirical evidence, and apply this knowledge to inform ethical and effective decision‑making in psychological practice at individual, group, and systems levels. Drawing on principles of implementation science, you will also examine how evidence‑based interventions can be effectively translated, adapted, and sustained within real‑world service systems. The unit emphasises reflexivity, encouraging you to critically reflect on your assumptions about “best practice,” your decision‑making processes, and your role in evidence implementation. You will plan and conduct an independent research evaluation in an area of professional interest and consider the ethical implications of your work. These skills will prepare you for ongoing, client‑centred, safe, and evidence‑informed psychological practice.

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items, but there may still be one.

1. Applied evidence review (2000 words or equivalent)

   Written

   50%

2. Program evaluation proposal (2000 words or equivalent)

   Written

   50%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

1. demonstrate the ability to formulate and justify practice‑relevant research questions that address issues in educational and developmental psychology across individual, group, and systems contexts;
2. critically evaluate and synthesise empirical evidence to inform decision‑making and guide evidence‑based psychological practice with consideration of the needs of diverse clients;
3. apply implementation science principles to analyse, adapt, and evaluate the translation of evidence‑based interventions;
4. design and conduct an ethical research evaluation project, demonstrating methodological rigour, critical analysis, and consideration of professional and ethical standards;
5. demonstrate professional reflexivity and effective communication skills to critically appraise your own evidence‑based practice and constructively engage with the perspectives of others.

Research activities

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester.

Listed as the Handbook publishes them. Your unit's Moodle page has the current reading list.

Credit points

6

Level

Level 5

Faculty

Faculty of Education

School

Faculty of Education

Student contribution band

Band 4

Study abroad

Not available

Handbook version

2027.01

These are students' own experiences, not official rules. Go by the Handbook.