Compulsive Behaviour
| Module title | Compulsive Behaviour |
|---|---|
| Module code | PSY3427 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor Natalia Lawrence (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 35 |
|---|
Module description
Why do some people lose control over their behaviour? This seminar will examine the neural and psychological mechanisms underlying impulsive-compulsive behaviour in psychological disorders ranging from OCD and substance use to the more recently recognised behavioural ‘addictions’ (problem gambling, over-eating, sex and internet addiction). Seminars will be taught by Professor Natalia Lawrence (OCD, gambling, eating disorders) and Professor Celia Morgan (substance use and some behavioural addictions).Research findings from genetic, animal, neuroimaging and clinical studies will be discussed in order to understand the risk factors and underlying mechanisms associated with impulsive and compulsive behaviour. We will also consider the implications for the prevention and treatment of relevant disorders.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of this module is to provide you with a thorough, up-to-date understanding of the neural and psychological bases of disorders of compulsion, including knowledge and understanding of relevant theories and research methods.
Through attending the weekly seminars and completing the assessments, you will further develop the following academic and professional skills: problem solving (linking theory to practice, developing your own ideas with confidence, showing entrepreneurial awareness, being able to respond to novel and unfamiliar problems), managing structure (identifying key demands of the task, setting clearly defined goals, responding flexibly to changing priorities), 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. Describe systematically and in detail the role of impulsive-compulsive behaviour in several psychological disorders, including the risk factors involved
- 2. Illustrate the underlying neural and psychological mechanisms of impulsive-compulsive behaviours, and the implications for treatment
- 3. Evaluate the main theoretical bases, research methods, and empirical findings in research related to impulsive-compulsive behaviour
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 published work and identify the strengths and weaknesses of this work, and at an advanced level structure this literature to present logical, coherent and sustained arguments to support conclusions
- 6. Think critically, creatively, and independently, and fully appreciate the complexities of the issues
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Select and manage information, and undertake competently study tasks with minimum guidance; manage time effectively to meet deadlines
- 8. Interact effectively and supportively within a learning group and analyse and present material through small group work
- 9. Translate / apply research findings into implications for public policy and current affairs and articulate these ideas clearly
Syllabus plan
The module will cover the following ::
- Introduction to impulsive and compulsive behaviour
- Overview of key theoretical concepts and relevant psychological disorders
Classes will then focus on the role of impulsive -compulsive behaviour in each of the following disorders, including the genetic, trait (individual difference) and environmental risk factors; the underlying neural and psychological mechanisms (particularly brain mechanisms underlying reward, learning and cognitive control); and the implications for treatment:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Substance use and alcoholism
- Disordered gambling
- Eating disorders (obesity, food ‘addiction’, bulimia and binge eating disorder)
- Other behavioural addictions (e.g. sex, internet addiction)
Finally, we will bring everything together under one impulsive-compulsive behaviour framework.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | 115 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Teaching and Learning | 33 | 11 x 3 hour seminars - seminars will include lectures and active learning; working in small groups, and presenting ideas to the larger group |
| Scheduled Teaching and Learning | 2 | 2 hour revision session |
| Guided independent study | 75 | Preparation for each seminar |
| Guided independent study | 40 | Time for essay preparation and revision |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral presentation in small groups | 20 minutes | 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 60 | 2 hours | 1-7 | Generic feedback and summative grading |
| Coursework | 40 | 2000 words | 1-7, 9 | Written feedback and summative grading |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Examination | 1-7 | August assessment period |
| Coursework | Coursework | 1-7, 9 | August assessment period |
Re-assessment notes
wo assessments are required for this module. Where you have been referred/deferred in the examination you will have the opportunity to take a second examination in the August/September re-assessment period. Where you have been referred/deferred in the coursework you will be required to resubmit the coursework. 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
Wider reading:
- ‘Behavioural’ addictions: do they exist? (2001) Science, 294: 980 – 982.
- Robbins T.W. et al. (2012) Neurocognitive endophenotypes of impulsivity and compulsivity: towards dimensional psychiatry. Trends in Cognitive Sciences 16: 81-91.
- Volkow N.D. and Li Ting-Kai (2004) Drug addiction: the neurobiology of behaviour gone awry. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 5 (December): 963 – 970.
- Volkow N.D. and Wise R.A. (2005) How can drug addiction help us understand obesity? Nature Neuroscience 8:555-560.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | PSY2202 Biological Psychology II or PSY2304 Biological Basis of Behaviour, PSY2205 Personality and Individual Differences or PSY2305 Personality, Individual Differences and Mental Health |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/02/2014 |
| Last revision date | 07/08/2020 |
