HMPYC80/101/0/2025

Tutorial Letter 101/0/2025

Research Methodology
HMPYC80

Year Module(s)

Department of Psychology

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please register on myUnisa, activate your myLife e-mail account and
make sure that you have regular access to the myUnisa module
website, HMPYC80-25-Y, as well as your group website.

Note: This is a fully online module. It is, therefore, available only on myUnisa.

BARCODE
 CONTENTS

Page

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 4
2 OVERVIEW OF HMPYC80 ........................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 5
2.2 Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................... 5
3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION ........................................................................................... 6
4 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS................................................................................... 7
4.1 Lecturer(s) .................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Department ................................................................................................................................... 8
4.3 University ...................................................................................................................................... 8
5 RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................... 9
5.1 Prescribed book(s) ........................................................................................................................ 9
5.2 Recommended book(s) ................................................................................................................. 9
5.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves)................................................................................................ 10
5.4 Library services and resources ................................................................................................. 10
6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES .............................................................................................. 10
6.1 The Unisa First-Year Experience Programme ............................................................................. 11
6.2 Using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to apply for module credit within a qualification. ....... 12
7. STUDY PLAN ............................................................................................................................. 15
8 HOW TO STUDY ONLINE .......................................................................................................... 15
8.1 What does it mean to study fully online? ..................................................................................... 15
9. ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................................................... 15
9.1 Assessment criteria..................................................................................................................... 15
9.2 Assessment plan ........................................................................................................................ 16
9.3 Assessment/assignment due dates............................................................................................. 16
9.4 Submission of assessments/assignments ................................................................................... 17
9.4.1 Types of assignments and descriptions ......................................................................................... 18
9.5 The assessments/assignments ................................................................................................... 18
9.6 Other assessment methods ........................................................................................................ 19
9.7 The examination ......................................................................................................................... 19
9.7.1 Invigilation/proctoring .................................................................................................................. 19
10. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY ........................................................................................................ 20
10.1 Plagiarism ................................................................................................................................... 20

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10.2 Cheating ..................................................................................................................................... 20

10.3 For more information about plagiarism, follow the link below: ..................................................... 20
11. STUDENTS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES .................................................................................. 21
12. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........................................................................................ 21
13. SOURCES CONSULTED ........................................................................................................... 23
14. IN CLOSING ............................................................................................................................... 23

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1 INTRODUCTION
Dear Student

Welcome to the module Research Methodology (HMPYC80). Your teaching team is an

energetic group of people, and we promise you a fruitful year with us. Although you may have
some fears about research, especially because it involves scientific methodological processes
which require rigorous investigation, we will do our best to make things as clear and as easy as
possible for you. We are looking forward to spending this year with you.

A tutorial letter is our way of communicating with you about teaching, learning and assessment.
During this year you will receive several tutorial letters. These tutorial letters are allocated
unique numbers. For example, the tutorial letter you are reading now is numbered 101 for the
research methodology module (HMPYC80).

Tutorial Letter 101 contains important information regarding the module content and the
resources you will need to consult when working through the module content. We urge you to
read this tutorial letter carefully and to keep it at hand when working through the study material,
preparing the assignments, and addressing questions to your lecturers.

You will find information regarding the assignments, assessment criteria and instructions for
the preparation and submission of the assignments. This tutorial letter also provides all the
information you need regarding the prescribed study material and other resources you might
need and how to obtain them. Please study this information carefully and make sure that you
obtain the prescribed material as soon as possible.

We have also included certain general and administrative information about this module in this
tutorial letter. Please read this section of the tutorial letter carefully.

Unisa is a comprehensive open distance e-learning (CODeL) higher education institution. Our
comprehensive curricula encapsulate a range of offerings, from strictly vocational to strictly
academic certificates, diplomas and degrees. Unisa's "openness" and its distance eLearning
character result in many students who may not previously have had an opportunity to enrol in
higher education registering at the university. Our CODeL character implies that our
programmes are carefully planned and structured to ensure success for students, ranging from
the under-prepared but with potential to those who are sufficiently prepared.

Teaching and learning in a CODeL context involves multiple modes of delivery, ranging from
blended to fully online learning. As a default position, all post-graduate programmes are offered
fully online with no printed study materials, while undergraduate programmes are offered using
a blended mode of delivery where printed study materials are augmented with online teaching
and learning via the learner management system, myUnisa. In some instances, undergraduate
programmes are offered fully online as well.

Furthermore, our programmes are aligned with the vision, mission and values of the University.
Unisa's commitment to serving humanity and shaping futures – combined with a clear
appreciation of our location on the African continent – means that Unisa's graduates have
distinctive graduate qualities, which include:

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• being independent, resilient, responsible and caring citizens able to fulfil and serve in
multiple roles in their immediate and future local, national and global communities

• having a critical understanding of their location on the African continent and taking
account of its histories, challenges and potential in relation to globally diverse contexts

• the ability to critically analyse and evaluate the credibility and usefulness of information
and data from multiple sources in a globalised world with ever-increasing information
and data flows and competing worldviews

• how to apply their discipline-specific knowledges competently, ethically and creatively

to solve real-life problems

• an awareness of their own learning and developmental needs and future potential

In this module, we follow the online approach to teaching and learning. The online services are
provided on our virtual campus called myUnisa. This is an online system that is used to
administer, document and deliver educational material to you and support engagement with you.
Look out for information from your lecturers as well as other Unisa platforms to determine how
to access the virtual myUnisa module site. Information on the tools that will be available to
engage with the lecturers and fellow students to support your learning will also be
communicated via various platforms.

You will therefore see that all your study material, assessments and engagements with your
lecturers and fellow students will take place online. Your tutorial letters will not be printed and
can only be accessed online via the myUnisa platform. All assignments must be submitted
online via the electronic assignment submission system on myUnisa. This tutorial letter is
intended to offer you some guidance in this regard.

We will also send email announcements to your myLife email when any updates are made on
the myUnisa site of this module. You are also encouraged to log into the module site HMPYC80-
2025-Y on myUnisa regularly (that is, at least once per week).

We wish you every success with your studies!

2 OVERVIEW OF HMPYC80
2.1 Purpose

Students who complete the module can demonstrate knowledge about the design,
implementation of a small research study, application of ethical principles and objectively
assess the application of various qualitative and quantitative designs and methodologies in
terms of fitness for purpose and context. The knowledge, skills and values required for
successful completion of the module are fundamental to studying research literature and
delivering research outputs in social science

2.2 Outcomes

For this module, you will have to master several outcomes:

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• Outcome 1: Students are able to select appropriate research designs.
• Outcome 2: Students are able to select appropriate methods of information gathering in a
study.
• Outcome 3: Students are able to apply methods of analysis for qualitative and quantitative
data.

• Outcome 4: Students are able to evaluate research studies.

The assessments are designed to evaluate your competence in the following:

Outcome 1 The learner is competent to select research designs if evidence shows that:
1.1 The selection of the research design is technically correct.
1.2 The selected research design is fit for purpose.
1.3 The practical implications of implementing the research design are
understood.
Outcome 2 The learner is competent to select methods of information gathering if
evidence shows that:
2.1 The selection of the method of information gathering is technically correct.
2.2 The selected method of information gathering is fit for purpose.
2.3 The inherent strengths and limitations of the method of information gathering
are understood.
2.4 The correct implementation of the information gathering method is
understood.

Outcome 3 The learner is competent to select methods of analysis for qualitative and
quantitative data if evidence shows that:
3.1 The selected method of information analysis is technically correct.
3.2 The selected method of information analysis is fit for the purpose.
3.3 The inherent strengths and limitations of the method of information analysis
are understood.
3.4 The correct implementation of the method of information analysis is
understood.
Outcome 4 The learner is competent to evaluate research studies if evidence shows that:
4.1 The technical correctness of the study is understood.
4.2 The fitness for the purpose of the study is understood.
4.3 The technical correctness of the presentation of the study is understood.
4.4 The linguistic correctness of the presentation of the study is understood.
4.5 The technical correctness of the referencing style and conventions embedded
in the presentation of the study is understood.
4.6 The ethical correctness of the study is understood.

3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION
Unisa has implemented a transformation charter that places curriculum transformation high on
the teaching and learning agenda. Curriculum transformation includes student-centred
scholarship, the pedagogical renewal of teaching and assessment practices, the scholarship of
teaching and learning, and the infusion of African epistemologies and philosophies. All of these
are being phased in at both programme and module levels. As a result of this, you will notice a

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marked change in the teaching and learning strategy implemented by Unisa, together with the
way in which the content is conceptualised in your modules. We encourage you to embrace these
changes during your studies at Unisa, responsively and within the framework of transformation.

4 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS

4.1 Lecturer(s)

The lecturers for this module are:

Dr Khuze Skhosana email: hmpyc80@unisa.ac.za
(Module Leader)

Ms Nonhlanhla Khumalo email: hmpyc80@unisa.ac.za

Ms Joy Hlokwe email: hmpyc80@unisa.ac.za

The secretariat for this module is:

Ms Germinah Phuthi email: hmpyc80@unisa.ac.za Tel: 012-429-8309

Lecturers are available between 08:00 and 16:00 on weekdays. They can be contacted for
discussions and appointments on the module e-mail address: hmpyc80@unisa.ac.za.
Please use the module e-mail address hmpyc80@unisa.ac.za to communicate with the lecturers.
Your e-mail will be answered within 48 hours. If not, please resend it. This e-mail address
hmpyc80@unisa.ac.za will be continuously monitored by the module secretariat.
The ability to communicate professionally is an important aspect of graduateness. Graduateness
involves the generic qualities that are expected of a person who holds a tertiary degree.
Professional communication means:

• to know exactly what your enquiry is about.

• to make an effort to ensure you contact the right person.
• to communicate in a formal, friendly and courteous manner.
For example: "Dear Lecturer, as a student in HMPYC80 I would like to inquire about ……
Regards. Ms Emily Makoena (student number 345345317)".

• to indicate the module in the "subject line" of your e-mail, for example:
"HMPYC80". Also indicate what your inquiry is about, for example: "Assignment 01".

• that all registered students are required to communicate with all Unisa staff via Unisa
myLife e-mail address.
• that you include your student number in all correspondence.
All assignments have to be submitted online, and not to the Department of Psychology. Do not e-
mail any assignments to the lecturers. Lecturers are not allowed to submit assignments on behalf
of students.

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When you submit an e-mail message, please indicate the enquiry category in the subject line of
your e-mail. Write the following in the subject line: "HMPYC80 Assignment 01". The subject line
is used to route your e-mail to the proper person for quick attentioniscussions and appointments
at the module e-mail address: hmpyc80@unisa.ac.za

4.2 Department

You can contact the Department of Psychology as follows:

Telephone number: 012-429-6934

Ms. Molepo Kgomotso. E-mail: machomm@unisa.ac.za

Physical address: Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Building, 5th floor, Room 5-49. Muckleneuk
Campus, Pretoria.

Please note that the lecturers are not always working from the main Unisa campus in
Muckleneuk. Access to the campus is strictly controlled. If you need to access any Unisa
campus, you must make a booking in advance with the relevant person. No student will be
allowed access to any campus without a booking. Rather consider telephonic or video
conferencing with the lecturers to address all your questions.

4.3 University

During this year you will regularly receive posts from Unisa, and Unisa surely will hear from
you. It is important that you address your communications correctly when you phone or e-mail
the university. Always consult the Study @ Unisa for information about correct procedures (see
section 6). Always have your student number at hand when you contact the University.

Do not contact the Psychology department when you have enquiries for other departments.
The Psychology department can help you only with specific information about your psychology
modules. Consult the Study @ Unisa to find the right department to contact if you have general
enquiries about your studies.

Administrative enquiries about module registration, cancellation, fees, etcetera, should be

addressed to Student Admissions and Registrations.

Contact addresses for the various departments are contained in the Study @ Unisa brochure.
Please note that there are different ways to communicate with the University – by telephone or
e- mail and via myUnisa. myUnisa is an Internet facility offered free of charge to all registered
Unisa students. With the aid of myUnisa, students will ultimately be able to perform all study-
related functions on the Internet, which used to be performed by posted mail or personal visits
to the campus in the past.

Please ensure that you contact the correct section or department for each enquiry as this will
result in a speedy resolution of your enquiry.
Contact addresses of the various administrative departments appear on the Unisa website:
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Contact-us/Student-enquiries.

Other means of contacting the University are:

Physical address: University of

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South Africa
Preller Street
Muckleneuk
Pretoria
City of Tshwane

Postal address: University of

South Africa
PO Box 392
UNISA
0003

Telephone number 080-000-1870 or 012-429-3111

Online address: http://my.unisa.ac.za

Unisa website: http://www.unisa.ac.za

Examinations: exams@unisa.ac.za

Aegrotat and special examinations: aegrotats@unisa.ac.za

Please write a separate e-mail to each department and do not combine different requests in
one e-mail. Please include your student number in all correspondence.

All assignments must be submitted online via the myUnisa assignments submission platform for
multiple-choice assignments. (Postal assignment submissions will not be processed.)

Please include your student number in all correspondence.

5 RESOURCES
5.1 Prescribed book(s)

The prescribed book for this module is

Fouché, C. B., Strydom, H., & Roestenburg, W. J. H. (2021). Research at grass roots: For the social
sciences and human service professions (5th Edition). Van Schaik.

ISBN: 978-0-627-03821-1 ePub ISBN: 978-0-627-03822-8

Students are advised to use the 5th edition only since this edition of the textbook has been
significantly updated and includes various new chapters. The downloadable e-book is available
for purchase worldwide from various booksellers.
See https://www.vanschaiknet.com/book/view/509 for the publisher’s details of the 5th
edition of the prescribed textbook.

5.2 Recommended book(s)

There are no recommended books in this module.

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5.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves)

There are no electronic reserves in this module.

5.4 Library services and resources

The Unisa Library offers a range of information services and resources and has made
numerous library guides available at http://libguides.unisa.ac.za

Recommended guides:

• For brief information on the library, go to https://www.unisa.ac.za/library/libatglance

• For more detailed library information, go to
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library
• For Frequently Asked Questions, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Frequently-Asked-Questions
• For research support and services such as the Personal Librarian service and the
Information Search Librarian's Literature Search Request (on your research topic)
service, go to http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-
services/Research-support
• For library training for undergraduate students, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-services/Training
• For Lending Services, go
to https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-services/Lending-
services
• For Services for Postgraduate students, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Services-for-Postgraduates
• For Support and Services for students with disabilities, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Services-for-students-with-
special-needs
• For Library Technology Support, go to https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/techsupport
• For information on finding and using library resources and tools, go to
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/Research_skills
• For an A–Z list of library databases, go to https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/az.php

Important contact information:

• Technical problems encountered in accessing library online services: Lib-
help@unisa.ac.za
• General library-related queries: Library-enquiries@unisa.ac.za
• Queries related to library fines and payments: Library-fines@unisa.ac.za
• Interlibrary loan service for postgraduate students: libr-ill@unisa.ac.za
• Literature Search Service: Lib-search@unisa.ac.za
• Social media channels: Facebook: UnisaLibrary and X Twitter: @UnisaLibrary

To view the Library orientation video – please click here : Unisa Library and Information
Services Video_1_1 (2).mp4

6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The Study @ Unisa brochure is available on myUnisa at www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies

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This brochure contains important information and guidelines for successful studies through Unisa.

If you need assistance concerning the myModules system, you are welcome to use the following
contact details:

• Toll-free landline: 0800 00 1870 (Select option 07 for myModules)

• E-mail: mymodule22@unisa.ac.za or myUnisaHelp@unisa.ac.za

You can access and view short videos on topics such as how to view your calendar, how to
access module content, how to view announcements for modules, how to submit assessments
and how to participate in forum activities by visiting https://dtls-
qa.unisa.ac.za/course/view.php?id=32130

Registered Unisa students receive a free myLife e-mail account. Important information, notices
and updates are sent exclusively to this account.

Please claim your e-mail account immediately after registering at Unisa by following this link:
https://www.unisa.ac.za/static/myunisa/Content/Announcements/Documents/Claim-myUnisa-
myLife-Nov-2017.pdf
Note that it can take up to 24 hours for your account to be activated after you have claimed it.

Your myLife account is the only e-mail account recognised by Unisa for official correspondence
between you and the University and it will remain your official primary e-mail address on record
at Unisa.

You remain responsible for the management of this e-mail account.

6.1 The Unisa First-Year Experience Programme

Many students find the transition from school education to tertiary education stressful and this is often true
for students enrolling at Unisa for the first time. Unisa is a dedicated open distance and e-learning
institution and is very different from face-to-face/contact institutions. It is a mega university and all its
programmes are offered through either blended learning or fully online learning. For these reasons, we
offer first-time students additional/extended support to help them navigate the Unisa teaching and learning
journey seamlessly and with little difficulty and few barriers.

Unisa’s First-Year Experience (FYE) Programme has been specially designed to provide you with prompt
and helpful information about the services that the institution offers.

The following FYE services are currently available:

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 FYE Website Email Support

www.unisa.ac.za/FYE fye@unisa.ac.za

FYE1500
Post-
myUnisa; Study
Registration Skills; Academic &
Orientation Referrals to
Digital Literacies;
other support
etc
services
e.g. Counselling;
Reading & Writing
workshops

To ensure that you do not miss out on important academic and support communication from the SRU,
please check your myLife inbox regularly.

6.2 Using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to apply for module credit within a
qualification.
Now that you are a registered student, you are advised to familiarise yourself with the learning outcomes
of the module or modules you have chosen. If you have been exposed to those learning outcomes for
three years or more – either through work experience or other involvement – you can apply to be exempted
from completing assignments and writing examinations. As part of your application for this exemption, you
will be required to compile a portfolio of evidence substantiating how your experience is equivalent to the
learning outcomes. The diagram below shows the steps involved in obtaining recognition of prior learning
(RPL) for module credit. For more information on the process, RPL fees, and the contact details of your
college RPL coordinator, visit the Unisa website: www.unisa.ac.za/rpl

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Study skills, personal development, employability and career development

The Unisa Directorate: Counselling and Career Development (DCCD) have a website with
resources dedicated to:

(a) study orientation and study skills,

(b) personal development,
(c) employability and career development. The "Psychology @ Unisa" document
provides detailed information on career planning and careers in Psychology -- we
highly recommend that you download and study this resource.

Consult the following DCCD webpage for these resources at:

https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/myunisa/default/Learner-support-&-regions/Counselling-and-
career-development/Downloads-and-podcasts

myUnisa

The Unisa Directorate: Counselling and Career

Regular access to your Unisa e-mail address and myUnisa is very important. This is how
you receive information on all you need to know about your studies. All students must be
registered on myUnisa to be able to submit assignments, have access to the Library
functions, download study material, “chat” with their lecturers or fellow students participate
in online discussion forums, and get access to all sorts of learning resources.
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 If you have access to a computer that is linked to the internet, you can quickly access
resources and information at the University. The myUnisa learning management system
is Unisa's online campus that will help you to communicate with your lecturers, with other
students and with the administrative departments of Unisa – all through the computer and
the internet.

Please consult the publication Study @ Unisa which you received with your study material
for more information on myUnisa.

To make use of myUnisa, you will need a computer with a modem and an Internet
connection, as well as a browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer.

The following functions are available on myUnisa:

• You can contact your lecturers via e-mail.

• You can join a discussion forum (e.g., to discuss your module with other
students doing the same module).
• You can order books from the library, and search for books on the library
database.
• You can download study material placed on myUnisa.
• You can check whether your assignments have been received and marked.
• You can submit assignments via myUnisa.
• You can look up your assignment or exam marks as soon as they are
released.

How to register on myUnisa:

1. Using your browser, go to the Unisa web page, which is located on the
Internet address: http://www.unisa.ac.za.
2. On this web page, select the option “myUnisa”. If you are a first time user,
you must now click on the option “Register as myUnisa user” which will
enable you to register
online (this does not cost anything). Type in your name, student number
and a password (the password must be at least 6 characters long).

How to submit assignments via myUnisa:

1. To submit an assignment via myUnisa: Go to myUnisa.

2. Login with your student number and password.
3. Go to myModules.
4. Select the module.
5. Click on the relevant assignment or quiz in the left menu.
6. Select the assignment number you want to submit.
7. Follow the instructions.

For detailed information and requirements as far as assignments are concerned, see the
Study @ Unisa brochure, which you can download as indicated above (see section 6).

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7. STUDY PLAN
All tutorial letters will be available on myUnisa in the Official Study Material or the Additional
Resources folder for this module. There will be no printed study materials or tutorial letters. All
the tutorial letters must be downloaded on the myUnisa website for HMPYC80. The tutorial
letters are provided in Adobe Acrobat (*.pdf) format.

The coursework is structured around the processes involved in research studies. The main
goal of this module is teach students about research methods in psychology and to enable
students to critically assess the appropriateness of research methods when reading journal
articles. You will complete a series of assignments. You are expected to submit all assignments
on time as these add up to your final mark in this module. There is no examination.

A detailed study plan will be provided in together with the instructions for the assignments.

8 HOW TO STUDY ONLINE

8.1 What does it mean to study fully online?

Studying fully online modules differs completely from studying some of your other modules at
Unisa.
• All your study material and learning activities for online modules are designed to be delivered
online on myUnisa.
• All your assignments must be submitted online. This means that you will do all your activities
and submit all your assignments on myUnisa. In other words, you may NOT post your
assignments to Unisa using the South African Post Office.
• All communication between you and the University happens online. Lecturers will
communicate with you via e-mail and SMS, and use the Announcements, Discussion
Forums and the Questions and Answers tools.

9. ASSESSMENT
9.1 Assessment criteria

This module employs the alternative assessment mode. All the assessments that you
complete throughout the year will contribute towards your final mark. You will not write an
examination in this module.

We will know that a student can formulate a research problem when

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 • research problems can be formulated in terms of psychological constructs,

• research problems can be contextualised within existing psychological knowledge

• the solution to research problems can be framed in terms of their contribution to

psychological knowledge.

We will know that a student can select the most appropriate research method to address
the research problem and conduct a study based on the research method when

• the research design to collect data (i.e., empirical evidence) is valid, reliable, and
sufficient to address the research problem,

• the collected data are analysed using techniques that are appropriate and executed
correctly,

• the outcomes of the analysis address the research problem and

• the research procedures adhere to prescribed ethical guidelines.

9.2 Assessment plan

• To complete this module, you will be required to submit five (5) formative assessments
which are either MCQs or written assessments and one (1) summative assessment (i.e.
portfolio).
• All information about when and where to submit your assessments will be made available
on myModules site (HMPYC80-25-Y).
• Due dates for assessments, as well as the actual assessments are available on the
myModules site (HMPYC80-25-Y).
• The formative assignment weighting for the module is 40% (17% for Assessment 01, 17%
for Assessment 02, 17% for Assessment 03, 17% for Assessment 04 and 32% for
Assessment 05).
• The summative weighting for the module is Assessment 06 (the portfolio) which will count
60% towards the final module mark.
• Remember in this module, you do not sit for an examination, however, the portfolio
(Assessment 06) serves as the examination. You must submit the final portfolio
(Assessment 06) on or before the final due date.
9.3 Assessment/assignment due dates

• No assessment due dates are included in this tutorial letter.

• Assessments due dates will be made available to you on the myUnisa landing page for this
module. We envisage that the due dates will be available to you upon registration.

• Please start working on your assessments as soon as you register for the module.

• Log on to the myUnisa site for this module to obtain more information on the due dates for
the submission of the assessments.
• Please keep to these dates. The MCQ assignments are automatically marked and no
extensions can be given. The due date for the submission of the portfolio serves as an
examination date; no extension can be given.

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9.4 Submission of assessments/assignments

• Unisa, as a comprehensive open distance e-learning institution (CODeL), is moving

towards becoming an online institution. You will see, therefore, that all your study material,
assessments and engagements with your lecturer and fellow students will take place
online. To facilitate this, we use myUnisa as our virtual campus.

• The myUnisa virtual campus offers students access to the myModules site, where
learning material is available online and where assessments should be completed.
Together, myUnisa and myModules form an online system that is used to administer,
document, and deliver educational material to students and support engagement between
those students and Unisa’s academics.

• The myUnisa platform can be accessed via https://my.unisa.ac.za. Click on the myModules
2025 button to access the online sites for the modules that you are registered for.

• The University undertakes to communicate clearly and as frequently as is necessary to

ensure that you obtain the greatest benefit from your use of the myModules learning
management system. Please access the Announcements on your myModules site
regularly, as this is where your lecturer will post important information to be shared with
you.

• When you access your myModules site for the module/s you are registered for, you will
see a welcome message posted by your lecturer. Below the welcome message you will
see the assessment shells for the assessments that you need to complete. Some
assessments may be multiple choice, some may be tests and others may be written
assessments/assignments, while some may be forum discussions and so on. All
assessments must be completed on the assessment shells available on the respective
module platforms.

• To complete quiz assessments, please log on to the module site where you need to
complete the assessment. Click on the relevant assessment shell (Assessment 1,
Assessment 2, etc.). There will be a date recorded there telling you when the assessment
will open for you. When the assessment is open, access the quiz online and complete it
within the time available to you. Quiz assessment questions are not included in this tutorial
letter (Tutorial Letter 101) and are made available online only. You must therefore access
and complete the quiz online where it has been created.

• It is not advisable to use a cellphone to complete quizzes and you should please use a
desktop computer, tablet or laptop for this task. Students who use cellphones find it difficult
to navigate the Online Assessment tool on the small screen and often struggle to navigate
between questions and successfully complete the quizzes. In addition, cellphones are
more vulnerable to dropped internet connections than other devices. If at all possible,
please do not use a cellphone for this assessment type.

• For written assessments/assignments, please note the due date by which your work must
be submitted. Ensure that you follow the guidelines given by your lecturer to complete the

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 assessment/assignment. Click on the submission button on the relevant assessment shell
on myModules. You will then be able to upload your written assessment to the myModules
site for the modules that you are registered for. Before you finalise the upload, double-
check that you have selected the correct file for uploading. Remember, no marks can be
allocated for incorrectly submitted assessments/assignments.

9.4.1 Types of assignments and descriptions

All assignments are defined as either optional, mandatory, compulsory, or elective.

• Elective assignments
- If not submitted, the student gets no mark for this item.
- The best of the required submissions will count.
• Mandatory assignments
- If not submitted, the student gets no mark for this item.
• Optional assignments – You are encouraged, as a student, to do optional
assignments in order to benefit your learning.

I. Elective assignments
a. The student is given a choice of which assignments within an identified group to submit
and only the best result/s, the number of which is specified in advance, will contribute
towards the year mark.
b. Elective assignments must be grouped into an elective group.
c. For the student to select which assignment to submit, the elective assignments must
be grouped together. For such an elective group, relevant information (such as how
many of the assignments must be submitted and how many of the assignment marks
should be combined into the year mark) will be supplied to you.
d. The selection criteria define how marks received for assignments in an elective group
are to be combined into the year mark. Three different criteria may be used for
calculating the year mark:
• The best mark should be used, or
• If the student submits fewer than the required number of assignments per
group, or no assignment in a group, a mark of 0% will be used.
• 0% is awarded to all non-submitted or unmarked assessments. A best mark is
then calculated from all the qualifying items submitted.

II. Mandatory assessments/assignments

a. Mandatory assessments/assignments contribute to the year mark.
b. If a student fails to submit a mandatory assignment, no mark is awarded and the year
mark is calculated accordingly. The student will therefore forfeit the marks attached to
such an assignment when the final mark for the module is calculated.

III. Optional assessments assignments – You are encouraged, as a student, to do

optional assessments/assignments in order to benefit your learning.

9.5 The assessments/assignments

As indicated in section 9.2, there are 05 assessments in this module and a portfolio. Further
details on the assessments are provided on the module website. There are no assessments
included in this tutorial letter. Assessment due dates will be made available to you on myModules
for this module. We envisage that the due dates will be available to you upon registration.

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9.6 Other assessment methods

There are no other assessment methods.

9.7 The examination

You do not sit for an examination in this module. But you are required to submit your portfolio
(i.e., Assessment 06) for the examination.
To pass, you must obtain a sub-minimum of 40% in the portfolio and a final mark
(examination mark plus year mark) of at least 50%. The year mark contributes 40%
towards the final mark, and the portfolio contributes 60%. However, if you do not obtain
the sub-minimum of 40%, the percentage obtained for the portfolio constitutes the final
mark and the yearmark will not be included.

9.7.1 Invigilation/proctoring

Since 2020, Unisa has conducted all its assessments online. Given the stringent requirements
imposed by professional bodies, as well as increased solicitation of Unisa’s students by third
parties to unlawfully assist them with the completion of assignments and examinations, the
University is obliged to assure the integrity of its assessment integrity by using various
proctoring tools: Turnitin, Moodle Proctoring, the Invigilator App and IRIS. These tools
authenticate the student’s identity and flag suspicious behaviour to assure the credibility of
their responses during assessments. The description below is for your benefit as you may
encounter any or all of these in your registered modules:

Turnitin is plagiarism software that facilitates checks for originality in students’ submissions
against internal and external sources. Turnitin assists in identifying academic fraud and
ghostwriting. Students are expected to submit typed responses when using the Turnitin
software.

The Moodle Proctoring tool is facial recognition software that authenticates students’
identities during their Quiz assessments. This tool requires access to a student’s mobile or
laptop camera. Students must ensure that their cameras are activated in their browser settings
prior to starting their assessments.

The Invigilator is a mobile application-based service that verifies the identity of an assessment
participant. The Invigilator app detects student dishonesty-by-proxy and ensures that the
assessment participant is the student registered for the module concerned. This invigilation
tool requires students to download the app from the Google Play Store (Android devices), the
Huawei AppGallery (Huawei devices) or the Apple App Store (Apple devices) on their camera-
enabled mobile devices prior to their assessment.

The IRIS Invigilation software verifies the identity of a student during assessment and
provides for both manual and automated facial verification. It can record and review a student’s
assessment session and it flags suspicious behaviour by the student for review by an academic
administrator. The IRIS software requires installation on students’ webcam-enabled laptop
devices.

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Students who are identified and flagged for suspicious or dishonest behaviour arising from the
invigilation and proctoring reports will be referred to the disciplinary office for formal
proceedings.

Please note:

Students must refer to their module assessment information on their myModule sites to
determine which proctoring or invigilation tool will be used for their formative and summative
assessments.

10. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

10.1 Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of taking the words, ideas and thoughts of others and presenting them as
your own. It is a form of theft. Plagiarism includes the following forms of academic dishonesty:

• Copying and pasting from any source without acknowledging that source.
• Not including references or deliberately inserting incorrect bibliographic information.
• Paraphrasing without acknowledging the source of the information.
We want to emphasize the utmost importance of avoiding plagiarism in all your academic
endeavours. Plagiarism occurs when you use someone else's work, ideas, or words without
proper acknowledgement and present it as your own. Such practices are strictly prohibited and
can have serious consequences.
10.2 Cheating
Cheating includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Completing assessments on behalf of another student, copying the work of another

student during an assessment, or allowing another student to copy your work.
• Using social media (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram) or other platforms to disseminate
assessment information.
• Submitting corrupt or irrelevant files. (This matter is addressed in the examination
guidelines.)
• Buying completed answers from so-called “tutors” or internet sites (contract cheating).
• purchasing answer scripts from third-party suppliers.
• Using prohibited materials
• Unethical use of Artificial Intelligence Software (e.g., ChatGPT, Jenni AI, Rytr, etc.), AI-
powered writing tools e.g., Quillbot) or online sources (e.g., course material).
* Note that it is unethical and academically dishonest to submit work that has been generated
by Artificial Intelligence Software. The use of these programs in your assignments may lead to
academic disciplinary steps taken against you and could lead to your expulsion from the
university
10.3 For more information about plagiarism, follow the link below:
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/myunisa/default/Study-@-Unisa/Student-values-and-rules
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11. STUDENTS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES

The Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD) provides an
opportunity for staff to interact with first-time and returning students with disabilities.

If you are a student with a disability and would like additional support, or if you need additional
time for assignments/assessments, you are invited to contact , you are invited to contact the
module leader via hmpyc80@unisa.ac.za, khuman@unisa.ac.za or phuthmg@unisa.ac.za to
discuss the assistance that you need.

12. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I study Read all tutorial letters carefully.
this module? Work through the learning opportunities provided in the Tutorial Letters
Study the various resource materials that are required to complete the
activities of the various learning opportunities.
Complete and submit the assignments on time.

Can I use the No. You should not use previous editions of the textbook. The new 5th
previous edition
of the textbook? edition of the textbook has been significantly updated and includes various
new chapters. Therefore, you must use the 5th edition.
What if my local The e-book is available worldwide from various booksellers and can be
bookseller does downloaded after purchase.
not stock the
prescribed book?
Is there an You do not sit for an examination in this module. But you are required to
examination in submit your portfolio (i.e., Assessment 06) for the examination.
this module?

And, can I apply There are no supplementary examinations.

for a
supplementary
examination?
What are my For career opportunities please consult the guide provided by the Unisa
career Directorate: Counselling and Career Development. (See the URL link in
opportunities in
Psychology?
Section 6.2: Study skills, personal development, employability and career
development.)

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 Can the module We can help you if your question is about this module. Please send us an
lecturers or email with your inquiry. However, if your question is about something else,
secretariat assist
me?
please see the Study @ Unisa brochure. The Study @ Unisa brochure contains
an A-Z guide of the most relevant study information. (The link is provided in
Section 6.1: Study @Unisa).

What is myUnisa? myUnisa is an internet facility offered free of charge to all registered Unisa
students. With the aid of myUnisa students are able to perform study-related
functions on the Internet which in the past were done by letter or personal visits
to the campus. This module requires the use of myUnisa. Study tasks and
assignments are available on myUnisa. To access myUnisa you need a
computer with a modem, Internet connection, and a browser. See Study @
Unisa for further information.
Can I be exempted Assignment marks from a previous registration period cannot be transferred
from submitting to your current registration period. Students who are repeating the module
assignments?
must resubmit their assignments for their current registration period.
What happens if The final mark in this module consists of your combined assignment marks, and
my final mark is a portfolio. It is important to submit all the assignments. To pass, you must
very low? obtain a sub-minimum of 40% in the portfolio and a final mark (examination mark
plus year mark) of at least 50%. The year mark contributes 40% towards the
final mark, and the portfolio contributes 60%. However, if you do not obtain the
sub-minimum of 40%, the percentage obtained for the portfolio constitutes the
final mark.

Plagiarism will not Note that all your assignments must be your own work. If you take words, ideas
help you in any and thoughts of others and pass them off as your own you are committing an
way
act of plagiarism. Plagiarism is a form of theft that involves a number of
dishonest academic activities. Please note that plagiarism is forbidden
and there are serious consequences for submitting any plagiarised work.

For further information see: Disciplinary Code for Students. The Disciplinary
Code for Students is given to all students as part of your study materials.
Students are advised to study the Code, especially Sections 2.1.13 and 2.1.14
(pp. 3-4). Kindly also study the University’s Policy on Copyright Infringement
and Plagiarism.

Does Unisa offer Unisa does not offer any additional “study notes” or workshops nor does Unisa
additional study expect you to pay for any additional services. All the necessary and required
notes or
workshops for a study materials are included in your tuition package and are provided on
fee? myUnisa. (If you receive a notice or advertisement regarding study notes or
workshops, please ignore them as they are not authorised by Unisa.

Can I register with No. It is not possible to register as a “psychological counsellor” with the South
the Health African health Professions Council. (To do this you must also complete a
Professions
Council of South “B.Psych equivalent” programme. This includes practical counsellor training
Africa with the and involves a 6-month registered internship, after which you can apply to the
Honour’s degree at HPCSA for registration.) Unisa does not offer this qualification.
Unisa as a
registered
psychological
counsellor?

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Some students No, the work involved in all the Honour’s modules at Unisa is very extensive.
choose to enrol for Many students who register for all modules in one year tend to deregister some
all 8 modules of
the BA Psychology modules during the middle of the year, due to excessive workload. Therefore,
Honour’s degree. we encourage students to spread their studies over 2 years.
Is this
recommended?

13. SOURCES CONSULTED

No other sources were consulted.

14. IN CLOSING

The HMPYC80 Teaching Team wishes you a productive period of creative and
collaborative learning about research methodology.

©
Unisa 2025

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