PS1013: INTRODUCTORY METHODS AND APPLICATIONS IN PSYCHOLOGY I (DISTANCE) (2014-2015)

Course Aims: - Advance understanding of methods and applications in Psychology - Develop understanding of the history of Psychology - Develop understanding of scientific methods in Psychology - Develop understanding of the academic publication process in Psychology - Develop understanding of accreditation and regulation of applied psychological professions in the UK - Develop appreciation of the roles performed by different types of applied psychologist Main Learning Outcomes: - Understand what psychology is and the many fields it encompasses - Understand the major theoretical schools of psychology - Understand the evolution of theory and methods in psychology - Understand the different methods that can be used to study different aspects of psychology - To be able to give examples of studies that use different methods - Understand the concepts of reliability and validity - Understand the basics of what makes 'good science' and 'bad science' - Understand the importance of critical thinking - Understand the recent fraud scandals that have affected psychology - Understand the academic publication process and the issue of publication bias - Understand the role played by the British Psychological Society and the Health and Care Professions Council - Understand which professions in psychology require statutory regulation - Understand the difference between accredited and non-accredited qualifications in psychology - Understand the role of a Clinical Psychologist - Understand the role of a Forensic Psychologist - Understand the role of an Educational Psychologist - Understand the role of an Occupational Psychologist - Understand the role of a Sports Psychologist Content: The course will be a distance learning version of existing course PS1011 Introductory Psychology: Methods and Applications I. Content will be based around five teaching modules: History of Psychology; Scientific Methods in Psychology; The Academic Publication process; Applied Psychology in the UK; Applications of Psychology. Specific topics will comprise: Week 1: Course induction and SONA research participation Week 2: History of Psychology Week 3: Scientific methods in Psychology Week 4: Reliability and Validity Week 5: Academic Publication Process Week 6: Accreditation and Regulation of Psychology in the UK Week 7: Clinical Psychology Week 8: Forensic Psychology Week 9: Educational Psychology Week 10: Occupational Psychology Week 11: Sports Psychology

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

View PS1013 Timetable

More Information about Week Numbers

1st Attempt: Lecture material will be assessed by a Multiple-Choice Exam which will contribute 30% to the final course grade. Coursework will contribute 70% and will include written coursework (annotated bibliography, experimental critical assessment, 1500 word literature review), online 'ZAPS' experimental demonstrations, online interactive activities and discussions (including use of Blackboard Collaborate). Resit: 50% from MCQ resit examination, 50% from resubmitted coursework elements.

There are no assessments for this course.

Students will receive written feedback to all written coursework they submit. Oral feedback is given to students' contributions to Blackboard Collaboration discussions. The MCQ exam results will be made available to students as a mark, with the option for students to see the correct answer to their incorrectly answered questions.

None.