PSY4215 · Data Communication: From research problem to storytelling

Overview

Communicating data is fundamental to most career paths for psychology graduates. This unit aims to demystify the process of becoming adept in communication of a diverse range of psychosocial and health related data. You will learn about concepts that apply to post-analysis, including data visualisation and story-telling (i.e., how to shape analysis into an effective narrative), modern tools that can streamline research, and the open-science movement. You will learn about methods from the perspective of the researcher, following their footsteps as they solved a problem. Lessons will (1) identify what was the specific research problem that needed solving, (2) how the researcher came to choose a useful approach (and reject alternative approaches that were not suitable), (3) how they implemented the method, and (4) how they told the story. Lessons will emphasise applications and interpretations for each method – what do the methods do and why are they useful? Relevant theory will be covered, emphasising practice over abstract content, with extension resources in case you wish to pursue expertise in any of the methods.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

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

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Evaluate appropriate tools and methodological approaches for managing and reporting diverse psychological data.
2. Demonstrate the ability to collaborate in the open science movement, including accessing reproducible research, discussing diverse psychological data (e.g. variables, methods) and engage in peer feedback.
3. Create a data dashboard to communicate a diverse range of research topics to a broad audience.
4. Apply the processes of data analysis and story-telling to a real-world research question.

Workload

2 hours of seminars per week; weeks 1-9. 2 hours of lectures per week; weeks 10-12 2 hours of practical workshops eight times per semester. Up to 8 hours of self-directed study per week. Optional 1-hour online Q&A sessions each week to support students who seek additional feedback.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.