PR3005 - Introduction to Psychology and Research Methods (2016/17)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2016/17 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Module status | DELETED (This module is no longer running) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Module title | Introduction to Psychology and Research Methods | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 2016/17(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
The module is an introduction to psychology and research methods. It intends to provide a general introduction to and overview of the core areas of psychology, and provide an outline of ethical issues and research methods within psychology. The module will demonstrate the role of psychology not just within the academic setting but its role in today’s society and the world. This module will be understandable and comprehensive to a person with no or little sciences background.
Prior learning requirements
None
Module aims
The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the core areas of psychology and to give students a framework for describing, designing and reporting psychological research methods, ideas and theories. It will provide an introduction to ethical issues within psychological research and encourage independent learning through primary and secondary sources. The module will help prepare students for studying psychology at level 4.
Syllabus
Topics will include introducing the core areas of psychology: developmental psychology, biological psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology. The second half of the module will be introducing psychological research methods and ethical issues.
Learning and teaching
Acquisition of knowledge of the subject matter for this module will be promoted through a combination of lecturer-led lectures and workshops (81 hours), supplementary guided learning via weblearn (104 hours) and self managed private study (115 hours).
In terms of opportunities for PDP development, students will be exposed to the full discipline of psychology. During this time, the different careers within the field of psychology will be discussed. During individual and group seminars students will have the opportunity to discuss potential careers within the area and seek advice from lecturers.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
- Describe and compare the core areas of psychology: developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, biological psychology and social psychology.
- Explain the importance of research methods and ethical issues within the field of psychology.
- Conduct a psychological experimental study and present the findings.
Assessment strategy
Summative and formative assessment will be via TWO unseen examinations of 1 hr each (25%), in addition to TWO coursework component essays of 1000 words each (25%).
Additional formative assessment will be gained from a web based test and seminar work.
To pass the module students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 40%.
| Component | Learning outcomes |
| Short answer questions | 3 |
| Research Methods Assignment | 2 |
| Exam (1) | 1 |
| Exam (2) | 1 |
Bibliography
- Davey G, Sterling C and Field A (2008). Complete Psychology. Hodder Education. Second Edition.
- Coleman AM (2009). A Dictionary of Psychology. Oxford Paperback Reference.
- Harris P (2008). Designing and Reporting Experiments in Psychology. Open University. Third Edition.
- Redman P (2011). Good Essay Writing - A Social Sciences Guide. Sage. Fourth Edition.
http://www.bps.org.uk/careers-education-training/careers-education-and-training A general website for British Psychologist including latest research, conferences and careers
http://www.careersinpsychology.co.uk/ Provides information concerning careers within psychology
http://www.apa.org/ Provides details on referencing and writing skills