Science as a Human Endeavour Assessment

Assessment

Introduction and Purpose of Task

In this task you will investigate a contemporary example of how science interacts with society. This may focus on one or more of the key concepts of science as a human endeavour (SHE). The context of your investigation should be related to the science understandings being studied in Stage 2 Psychology. You will access information from different sources, select relevant information, analyse your findings, and explain the connection to science as a human endeavour. 

Description of Task

You will prepare a scientific text, which must include the use of scientific terminology. The scientific text could take the form of a report, article, or multimodal presentation.

Your report should:

• Identify the key concepts
• Explain the context through relevant science understanding
• Expand upon science understanding through the context
• Explore the interactivity of the science understanding with one or more of the key concepts of SHE in Psychology: communication and collaboration, development and application, and influence

The report should be a maximum of 1500 words if written, or a maximum of 9 minutes for an oral presentation, or the equivalent in multimodal form.

Assessment Conditions

Initially, you will be given some class time to do your initial research and planning. Subsequently, much of the research and report preparation will be completed out of class time, over a period of one month. 

• You will be expected to check your topic with your teacher before doing further research.
• You will also be expected to submit a plan of your report for feedback.
• You may submit one draft of your completed scientific report for feedback.

Part A: Information Search and Planning

• Use the internet and other sources of information to do an initial search related to a contemporary topic in psychology that is of interest to you. Areas could include new practices promoting mental wellbeing, organizational psychology, or the use of personality assessments for different purposes. Consider the technology, ethics, benefit to humans, costs, environmental concerns etc of this topic of interest.
• In a table, make a list of possible topics and related questions or contexts for your scientific communication.
• Search for articles, data or other information that you could use to support your discussion. Record the resources in a reference list for future reference. This will assist you in your selection of your final focus.
• Possible starting points for the investigation could include, for example:
  • A media release
  • A discovery in the field of psychology
  • Government policy
  • Trends in big data in psychology
  • Peer-reviewed research and publication
  • Public concern or debate about an issue that has societal implications
  • Changes in government funding for psychology-related purposes, e.g. the mental health impacts of Covid-19 restrictions
  • Innovative directions in research
• Choose the focus of your work for the scientific communication. For example, the use of ‘Hersey and Blanchard Leadership Style’ theory and the impacts of it being used in workplaces, or The use of Myers-Briggs Type Indicators by organizations.
• Link your chosen focus to at least one of the key concepts of SHE (the SHE concepts and their elaborates and summarised on page 4).
• Check the focus you have chosen with your teacher before you proceed. You need to clearly show you have completed the following:
  • Identified the key psychology ideas relating to your topic
  • Identified which aspect/s of SHE will be addressed
  • Written a guiding question for your task
  • Provided three sources of information that are relevant to your investigation

Part B: Refinement of information for your chosen focus

Search for further information that will enable you to provide a comprehensive and detailed report, with highly relevant psychology as determined by your plan from Part A.

• This will also assist you in being able to draw a conclusion.
• Record your resources in a reference list using Harvard Referencing.

Part C: Scientific Report

Use the information and data gathered to write a scientific text with a maximum length of 1500 words. Your scientific text could take the form of, for example:

• A report
• An article
• A multimodal presentation

Your report must include the following:

• An introduction, to identify the focus of the investigation and the key concept(s) of science as a human endeavour that it links to
• Relevant psychology concepts or background (this should support your report but not be the focus)
• An explanation of how the focus of the investigation illustrates the interaction between science and society
• A discussion of the purpose, potential impact or application of the focus of the investigation – for example, further development, effect on quality of life, environmental implications, economic and/or social impact, influence on human activities, etc.
• A conclusion
• Referencing

Assessment Summary

This assessment requires students to investigate a contemporary example of how science interacts with society, specifically within the context of Stage 2 Psychology. The task focuses on Science as a Human Endeavour (SHE) concepts, such as communication and collaboration, development and application, and influence. Students are required to produce a scientific text—either a written report, article, or multimodal presentation—using scientific terminology and appropriate psychology concepts.

Key pointers to be covered:

• Identify the key psychology concepts relevant to the topic
• Explain the context through scientific understanding
• Expand upon the science understanding through the chosen context
• Explore the interaction between the topic and SHE concepts
• Use evidence from credible sources to support the investigation
• Include an introduction, detailed discussion, and a conclusion
• Properly reference all sources using Harvard Referencing
• Word limit: 1500 words (or equivalent 9-minute presentation)

The assessment is divided into three parts:

1. Information Search and Planning – Identify potential topics, formulate a guiding question, and collect initial sources.
2. Refinement of Information – Conduct further research to develop detailed understanding and evidence.
3. Scientific Report Preparation – Compile the research into a coherent scientific text showing the interaction between science and society.

Approach Taken by the Academic Mentor

The Academic Mentor guided the student through the assessment in a structured, step-by-step manner:

Step 1: Topic Selection and Planning

• The mentor helped the student brainstorm contemporary psychology topics (e.g., leadership style theories in workplaces, personality assessment tools like Myers-Briggs).
• The student created a table listing potential topics, questions, and societal contexts.
• Mentor emphasized linking the chosen topic to one or more SHE concepts.
• A guiding question was formulated to provide a clear focus for the investigation.
• Initial sources were identified to support the topic, ensuring relevance and credibility.

Step 2: Research Refinement

• Mentor instructed the student to conduct more targeted research based on the chosen topic.
• The student gathered peer-reviewed articles, media releases, and data supporting the investigation.
• Mentor guided the student in organizing the references in Harvard style and assessing the reliability and relevance of each source.
• Emphasis was placed on identifying both the societal and scientific impacts of the topic.

Step 3: Scientific Report Development

• Mentor guided the student in structuring the report with a clear introduction, background, discussion, and conclusion.
• Each section was explained:
  • Introduction: State the investigation focus and SHE concept connection.
  • Background: Present relevant psychology concepts underpinning the topic.
  • Discussion: Analyze the interaction between science and society, exploring purpose, impact, and applications.
  • Conclusion: Summarize key findings and insights.
• Mentor ensured that the student used scientific terminology appropriately and maintained logical flow.
• Draft feedback was provided to improve clarity, depth, and alignment with SHE principles.

Outcome and Learning Objectives Achieved

Outcome:
The student produced a comprehensive, well-referenced scientific report demonstrating a clear understanding of the interaction between science and society within a psychology context. The final work successfully linked the chosen topic to SHE concepts, discussed societal implications, and presented evidence-based insights.

Learning Objectives Covered:

• Develop skills in researching and evaluating scientific information
• Apply psychology concepts in real-world contexts
• Demonstrate understanding of Science as a Human Endeavour (SHE) principles
• Communicate scientific ideas effectively using accurate terminology
• Integrate and analyze multiple sources to draw evidence-based conclusions
• Practice academic integrity and proper referencing techniques

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