NZQA registered unit standard
27254 version 1
Page 1 of 3
Title
Demonstrate understanding of the scientific method used in
psychological research
Level
1
Credits
4
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate
understanding of the scientific method used in psychological
research.
Classification
Social Science Studies > Psychology
Available grade
Achieved, Merit, and Excellence
Criteria for Merit
The candidate must demonstrate detailed understanding of the
scientific method used in psychological research.
Criteria for Excellence
The candidate must demonstrate in-depth understanding of the
scientific method used in psychological research.
Explanatory notes
1
Definitions
Appropriateness refers to the choice of the data gathering method used and/or
possible ethical issues.
Research methods include observation, survey, interviews, experiment, correlation,
case study.
The scientific method consists of a series of steps that are used in psychological
research. The steps are – identifying the problem, establishing hypothesis and/or
aim, choosing research method, gathering data, analysing data, stating
conclusion(s), relating findings to original hypothesis or theory.
2
Demonstrate understanding will involve the student summarising the scientific
method by identifying data gathering methods using examples from selected studies;
and, using one study, identifying the research steps followed.
3
Demonstrate detailed understanding will involve the student describing the reasons
for the choice of research method in the selected study; and describing with reasons
any possible ethical issues of the study, from a contemporary perspective.
4
Demonstrate in-depth understanding will involve the student describing the
contribution of the study to psychological knowledge; and identifying how they would
improve the study.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
27254 version 1
Page 2 of 3
5
Teachers will provide a range of selected studies relating to a psychological setting
and/or from academic research. These may include summaries or extracts of
psychological research.
6
Demonstration can be conveyed using written, oral, or audio-visual presentation in
response to a given assignment.
7
Teaching and learning guidelines that inform psychology as it is taught in New
Zealand can be found at http://seniorsecondary.tki.org.nz/Socialsciences/Psychology. Assessment support material for these standards can be
found at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz.
8
Information on psychology as it is practiced in New Zealand is available from the
New Zealand Psychological Society, http://www.psychology.org.nz.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Demonstrate understanding of the scientific method used in psychological research.
Range
evidence of three research methods is required.
Evidence requirements
1.1
The scientific method is described using examples from selected studies.
Replacement information
This unit standard replaced unit standard 19247.
Planned review date
31 December 2016
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
21 July 2011
N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0226
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
27254 version 1
Page 3 of 3
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMRs). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact NZQA National Qualifications Services nqs@nzqa.govt.nz if you wish to
suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016