Module Content

Students will be introduction to, and consider, a range of psychological research. The module will include information on the history of psychology through a consideration of core psychological studies, presenting research evidence from a variety of areas of psychology to provide a context in which to understand the current state of the discipline. Psychological concepts and theories and how they relate to one another will be considered, alongside an understanding of how they might be applied in a variety of settings.

For example:
– Historical, philosophical, theoretical, and methodological backgrounds to psychology
– Biological bases to behaviour
– Learning and the Behaviourist tradition
– Memory, Thinking and Language
– Intelligence
– Psychometric Testing
– Emotion and Motivation
– Groups and Group Processes
– Aggression
– Attitudes and Beliefs
– Skills Acquisition

For the areas covered the introduction and perspective taken will be primarily historical/classical thereby introducing students not only to the core concepts underpinning psychology but also core studies from a Psychology perspective. Thus, Behaviourism will be covered through an examination of the work of Pavlov and other eminent researchers from the field. Conscious from the perspectives of philosophers such as Descartes and Locke through to more modern work by authors such as Dennett. Memory through the early work of Ebbinghaus (1883) and core studies such as those by Chase and Simon (1973) or covering skills acquisition through studies such as Baddeley and Longman (1978). Students will be expected to be introduced to the work of prominent researchers such as Bandura (aggression), Harlow (Social isolation), MIlgram, etc. Thus students will gain not only an understanding of the scope of psychology but importantly the core research that underpins the discipline.

Teaching Methods

Teaching will be delivered by a series of two-hour lectures.

Assessment Methods

This module is assessed through an examination and an essay.