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. Compare and evaluate various theoretical approaches used to explain human behaviour
• 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the key debates in psychology and how the approaches are positioned in these debates
• 3. Research a given topic in depth with tutor support
• 4. Demonstrate an understanding of several key topics and classic studies in psychology
• 5. Evaluate ethical and methodological issues in specific case studies
• 6. Develop an understanding of aspects of abnormal psychology and possible courses of treatment

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 7. Demonstrate some awareness of ethical issues relating to psychological knowledge
• 8. Demonstrate some awareness of methodological issues relating to psychological research
• 9. Develop ideas and evidence in the written format within the limits of your knowledge of the discipline

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

• 10. Communicate effectively in the written form
• 11. Use evidence to support your ideas
• 12. Evaluate your performance in the light of feedback on formative tasks

Syllabus plan

Syllabus plan

Core content

1. Changing ideas of psychology through time
2. Perspectives in psychology (including biological, psychodynamic, behaviourist, cognitive)
3. Key debates in psychology
4. Evaluation of different types of research method
5. Exploration of research ethics

Topics taken from the following

6. Social psychology – Research focus: Social Influence.

7. Cognitive psychology -Research focus: Memory and eye-witness testimony

8. Clinical Psychology – Research focus: Mood disorders

9. Cross-cultural psychology – Research focus: Concepts of the self

10. Biological psychology – Research focus: Neurological syndromes

11. Clinical psychology – Research focus: Recognizing and treating abnormality

12. Sports psychology – Research focus: Motivation

13. Developmental psychology – Research focus: IQ tests

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

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for reasons judged legitimate by the Mitigation Committee, the applicable assessment will normally be deferred. See ‘Details of reassessment’ for the form that assessment usually takes. When deferral occurs there is ordinarily no change to the overall weighting of that assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to take a re-sit exam. Only your performance in this exam will count towards your final module grade. A grade of 40% will be awarded if the examination is passed.

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

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

Access to internet resources including websites, databases, videos, and audio files will be supplied during the course.

For independent reading try:

The Psychologist magazine: www.thepsychologist.org.uk

The Mind section of the New Scientist: https://www.newscientist.com/subject/mind/

Noba project which contains articles for self-study on a range of psychological topics: https://nobaproject.com/browse-content

Module has an active ELE page

Key words search

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