PSY1SFP - Is There a Difference Between Wellbeing in Students in Different Learning Environments Assignment?

Why are we doing this Assignment?

The application of research methods and quantitative literacy is are core capabilities that distinguish science graduates from others in the workplace. In the case of psychology graduates, the ability to apply psychology research methods is particularly valuable, as it means we can collect or be given data, analyse it, and interpret the information for those (often our employers) who lack these skills. Through the process of learning how to analyse and interpret data, you develop a skill set that many employers value very highly.

These skills include the ability to:

• Design instruments (surveys and experiments) for data collection
• Create, manage, and maintain datasets (spreadsheets)
• Extract key information accurately and effectively
• Communicate such information in a relevant and meaningful manner
• Critically interpret data presented from other sources (e.g., journal articles, business reports)

The aim of the Lab Report is to consolidate the psychology research methods and quantitative literacy skills developed in PSY1SFP, and extend your ability to utilise such skills in an applied manner. Thus, in this assignment, we will focus on using your knowledge to analyse and interpret data in a way that is relevant to a University setting, where academics and colleagues might rely on your expertise in research methods to make informed decisions about best practice and policy direction.

 For the full write-up of the Laboratory Report, we are expecting students to engage with peer reviewed literature, develop an aim and hypothesis that is consistent with this literature, and test this hypothesis using a reasoned methodological approach. We will then write up results and a discussion based on the outcome of this analysis.  You can use the skills and knowledge gained from completing the DDP assignment to guide you in this task.

The following sections of this document provide detailed advice on each section of the lab report for PSY1SFP. In the table below is a list of resources available on LMS to provide further assistance with this task.

Allowable AI for this Assignment: Students may utilise Studiosity for assistance in writing for this report.

• Students must not use AI to write any section of the report, generate statistical analyses, or references for this assignment. The aim of this assignment is for students to not only gain proficiency in critical thinking in research and scientific communication, but also to master fundamental skills in data processing and analysis

Topic Brief:

The notion of well-being is a broad concept that encompasses many aspects of physical and mental health and is a construct that is influenced by many different factors.  In the university context, well-being can have a major impact on student performance and outcomes during their degree and future career pathways.  Therefore, universities such as La Trobe aim to provide a variety of services to help promote positive student wellbeing and enhance student engagement and success. If a university can successfully achieve this, this has a flow-on effect to better retention, increased course popularity, employer satisfaction, and university ranking (and more dollar bucks for the budget!). 

Therefore, La Trobe wants to know how to help promote positive student wellbeing and enhance student engagement and success in both face to face and online learning modes.