Description

Introduction to Psychology

Description - summary of the module content

Module description

We explore the bases of mind and behaviour (both normal and abnormal) by looking at some of the main theories in psychology and their application in topics and classic research projects (for example: how is intelligence defined and measured? What kinds of mental illness are there, and how can these be explained and treated? What concept of the self can be found in your society?). We also focus on methods of research and the ethical problems that may arise in doing experiments with human subjects. A variety of learning opportunities and media will be used in the course (including interactive group/ pair work and web based materials).You will also be able to investigate an area of interest through a guided essay project.
You will require no prior knowledge of psychology, but should be prepared to share information about your own culture with fellow students.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module will provide a foundation in psychology for students who wish to follow a degree programme in psychology or another related academic subject in a UK university.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Recognise why psychology provides more than common sense knowledge of behaviour
• 2. Compare and assess definitions and models in various theoretical approaches used to explain human behaviour, both normal and abnormal
• 3. Demonstrate an awareness of how cultural factors influence behaviour
• 4. Undertake directed research into particular topics in psychology
• 5. Evaluate ethical and methodological issues in specific case studies
• 6. Bring knowledge of your own culture to relevant psychological topics

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. Put together ideas and evidence in a standard format for either oral or written presentation within the limits of your knowledge of the discipline
• 8. Demonstrate basic knowledge of the range and diversity of conceptual and historical issues in psychology
• 9. Show an understanding of psychology as a coherent and developing scientific discipline
• 10. Demonstrate an awareness of sub-disciplines within psychology
• 11. Show understanding of basic and essential factual and conceptual knowledge of the subject,
• 12. Demonstrate some awareness of ethical issues relating to psychological knowledge
• 13. Demonstrate some awareness of methodological issues relating to psychological research
• 14. Demonstrate some awareness of the complexities of applying scientific methods to the understanding of human behaviour

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 15. Take responsibility for your own learning and work independently;
• 16. Work cooperatively in groups;
• 17. Communicate effectively in the written or spoken form

Syllabus plan

Syllabus plan

Core content
1. What psychology is
2. Branches of psychology
3. Perspectives in psychology ( including biological, psychodynamic, behaviourist, cognitive)
4. Evaluation of different types of research method
5. Exploration of research ethics
6. Why it is difficult to explain human behaviour scientifically
Seven topics taken from the following
8. Is psychology common sense?—Research focus: detecting lying
9. Intelligence/IQ (history, definition)—Research focus: IQ tests
10. Autism—Research focus: theory of mind
11. Evolutionary psychology— Research focus: altruism
12. Abnormal psychology—Research focus: recognising insanity
13. Cross-cultural psychology— Research focus: concepts of the self
14. Decision making— Research focus: risk-taking
15. Social psychology—Research focus: obedience
16. Biological psychology( the brain)— Research focus: neurological syndromes in cognitive neuroscience

Learning and teaching

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Assessment

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Re-assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Referral will constitute a second formal examination – coursework will not be included in the re-assessment.

All summative coursework must be completed before entitlement to a referral.

The grade for the referred exam, and therefore the module grade, will be capped at 40%.

Deferred exams will not be capped and will include summative coursework marks in the final module grade.

Resources

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Butler, G. & McManus, F. (2000). Psychology: a very short introduction. Oxford: OUP.
Flanagan, C., Hartnoll, L. & Murray, R. (2009) Psychology AS – The Complete Companion for WJEC. Oxford: OUP.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

The Psychologist magazine :www.thepsychologist.org.uk

Lectures on the brain: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/reith2003/links.shtml

Comprehensive source of journal articles in psychology: http://www.apa.org/pubs/databases/psycarticles/index.aspx

 ELE : http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=2909

Module has an active ELE page

Key words search

Introduction, psychology, social psychology, intelligence, evolutionary psychology, abnormal psychology, research methods, ethics