Contemporary Issues in Psychology
| Module title | Contemporary Issues in Psychology |
|---|---|
| Module code | PSY3403 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Hazel Mycroft (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 280 |
|---|
Module description
In this module you will explore current research topics in psychology and animal behaviour. A series of research seminars delivered by leading researchers, in addition to coursework development workshops and lectures, allows you to learn about cutting edge research in psychology, engage in a critical appraisal of these seminars, and develop key skills in developing and communicating your own ideas and responses to current research.
Module aims - intentions of the module
In this module, we will sample and learn from a wide range of examples of current research topics within Psychology and Animal Behaviour by hearing about cutting edge research being conducted by academics within Psychology. You will develop a critical awareness of the broad range of methods available in research in the context of discussion of, and reflection on, larger issues of scientific method. It aims to develop expertise in critical analysis and research design and in the communication of ideas in a concise and engaging manner.
Through attending the research seminar presentations, coursework development workshops and lectures, and through completing the assessments, you will work towards developing the following academic and professional skills:
- problem solving (linking theory to practice, developing your own ideas with confidence, being able to respond to novel and unfamiliar problems)
- managing structure (identifying key demands of the task, setting clearly defined goals, developing strategies to ensure individual and group success)
- time management (managing time effectively individually and within a group)
- collaboration (respecting the views and values of others, taking initiative and leading others, supporting others in their work, maintaining group cohesiveness and purpose), and
- audience awareness (presenting ideas effectively in multiple formats, persuading others of the importance and relevance of your views, responding positively and effectively to questions).
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Acquire and demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge about current research topics in psychology
- 2. Communicate your own thoughts and ideas in response to the ideas of others in a succinct and engaging way
- 3. Work effectively and supportively in groups to respond adaptively to unfamiliar problems and situations
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Acquire detailed, systematic and comprehensive knowledge within the discipline, with in-depth specialisation at the forefront of the discipline in certain areas, and demonstrate advanced critical understanding of this knowledge and of the limits and provisional nature of this knowledge
- 5. Review and critically evaluate research and identify the strengths and weaknesses of this work
- 6. Address systematically complex problems which may be framed within unpredictable contexts, think critically, creatively and independently, and fully appreciate the complexities of the issues
- 7. Understand and apply essential principles in designing novel research, and critically evaluate and analyse empirical evidence, and assess the reliability of empirical evidence using a range of defined techniques at an advanced level
- 8. Illustrate the wider ethical issues relating to the subject and its application at an advanced level
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 9. Manage your own learning using the full range of resources of the discipline and with minimum guidance
- 10. Engage effectively in debate in a professional manner and produce detailed and coherent written work; identify complex problems and apply appropriate knowledge and methods for their solution with confidence and flexibility
Syllabus plan
The early sessions of the module will be spent preparing you for the assessments and outlining the skills and attributes you have gained from the overall degree programme and also, specifically, from this module. You will be expected to attend research talks in the following weeks that provide you with an opportunity to hear about and discuss research projects in progress. In the lectures and coursework development workshops, you will be involved in group activities that allow you to engage in an in-depth discussion and critical analysis of the research. The exact academic content will vary from year-to-year reflecting the current research interests of academic staff and to allow the opportunity to involve visiting specialists.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 8 | Research seminar |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 8 | Coursework development workshops |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 6 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | 40 | Preparation for workshops (i.e., background research, group meetings outside workshop sessions) |
| Guided Independent Study | 88 | Preparation of coursework |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation in discussion sessions | 1 hour | All | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thought paper 1 | 50 | 750 words | 1-2, 4-10 | Written |
| Output 2 (leaflet or magazine article) | 50 | 1000-1500 words | 1-2, 4-10 | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thought paper 1 | Thought paper 1 | 1-2, 4-10 | August Ref/Def |
| Output 2 (magazine or leaflet)Thought paper 2 | Output 2 (magazine or leaflet) | 1-2, 4-10 | August Ref/Def |
Re-assessment notes
Two assessments are required for this module and the reassessment will be the same as the original assessment. Where you have been referred/deferred in the elements of this module you will have the opportunity to resubmit work in the August/September re-assessment period. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%; deferred marks are not capped.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Core readings will be assigned for each week and will be available on the ELE module homepage.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/02/2014 |
| Last revision date | 18/08/2020 |
