PC3002 - The psychology of everyday life (2021/22)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2021/22 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | The psychology of everyday life | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Foundation (03) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 30 | ||||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 300 | ||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2021/22(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The aims of this module are to allow students to:
(1) understand how psychology and psychological processes influence different aspects of everyday life (e.g. online, in the supermarket, on campus)
(2) learn to think critically about ‘common sense’ explanations of everyday behaviour
(3) understand and interpret everyday behaviour from different perspectives (e.g. social media use, racial discrimination, purchasing choices)
(4) understand how everyday behaviour can be investigated using different research methods
(5) be aware of ethical issues associated with research into human behaviour inside and outside the laboratory
In sum, the module allows students to develop a critical understanding of how psychology permeates all aspects of everyday life, how research into different aspects of behaviour is conducted, and an understanding of the ethical issues associated with such research. The aims of the module align with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Syllabus
Topics will be drawn from: consumer behaviour; psychology and fashion; psychology and social media; psychology in the media; social influences on behaviour; prejudice and discrimination; psychology and health; interpersonal relationships; researching everyday behaviour; ethics in psychological research.
Learning Outcomes LO 1 - 5
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The module is delivered through a combination of group and individual activities which will take place within a framework of lectures, seminars, and workshops. Supplementary guided learning via weblearn and self-managed private study will be provided when appropriate. Students will receive different types of feedback from formative and summative assessments to facilitate learning and reflection on their understanding and progress.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
(1) critically evaluate ‘common sense’ and lay explanations of everyday behaviour
(2) be aware of different approaches and methods of researching everyday behaviour
(3) interpret and understand everyday behaviour from multiple perspectives in psychology
(4) be aware of ethical issues associated with research in different domains of everyday life
Assessment strategy
The summative assessment for this module consists of (1) an essay of 750 words (excluding references) on a core branch of psychology as applied to everyday life; and (2) an infographic to demonstrate how complex ideas can be accessibly presented. Formative assessment throughout the module will be via web-based exercises and seminar work. Students must obtain a minimum average grade of 40% across both assessments to pass the module.
Bibliography
British Psychological Society (2014). Code of human research ethics. Leicester: British Psychological Society. https://www.bps.org.uk/sites/bps.org.uk/files/Policy%20-%20Files/BPS%20Code%20of%20Human%20Research%20Ethics.pdf
Martin, G. N., Carlson, N. R., & Buskist, W. (2019). Psychology (6th ed.). New York: Pearson [Core]