PSYC06033 2022 Foundations of Psychology

General Details

Full Title
Foundations of Psychology
Transcript Title
Foundations of Psychology
Code
PSYC06033
Attendance
70 %
Subject Area
PSYC - Psychology Studies
Department
SOCS - Social Sciences
Level
06 - NFQ Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Elizabeth Haran, Orla Walsh, Breda McTaggart, Brenda Feeney, Ailise McDowell, John Kane
Programme Membership
SG_HENGL_H08 202200 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English and Psychology SG_HENGL_H08 202400 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English and Psychology
Description

This module aims to introduce students to the language of psychology. It will familiarise students with the different perspectives in psychology and help them understand how psychology is applied at a simple level. Students will learn how psychology influences everyday activities and they will be provided with a broad overview of introductory topics in the discipline.

The literature on cognitive, emotional and social development will be presented and the biological aspects of behaviour will be examined. Students will gain a basic understanding of the internal and external factors that shape who we are and the psychological variables that influence the choices we make in our lives. The ethics of research will be explored and various research methods will be introduced.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Outline the historical basis of the discipline of Psychology.

2.

Demonstrate an understanding of the major theoretical perspectives in Psychology.

3.

Recognise the contribution of Abnormal Psychology to our understanding of human nature.

4.

Explain the impact of biology on our behaviour and our phenomenological world.

5.

Identify basic concepts from Social Psychology.

6.

Distinguish between classical and operant conditioning.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The module will be delivered using both lecture and tutorials.

Module Assessment Strategies

Formative assessment occurs in every tutorial by the completion of topic summary sheets.

Summative assessment is by a Psychology essay following APA referencing guidelines.

Repeat Assessments

As per department guidelines, ie developed after consideration of failed component(s).

Indicative Syllabus

LO 1: Here we look at the evolution of  the discipline of Psychology from its roots in Philosophy, Medicine and animal studies. 

LO 2: This section introduces the student to the major perspectives in Psychology. The Psychodynamic, Behaviourist, Cognitive, Humanistic, and Social learning theory. 
LO 3: Here we look at the history and main issues in Abnormal Psychology. We further focus on mood disorders, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders as examples, examining the aetiology, classifications and  treatments. 

LO 4:  Overview of the brain, neurons and synapses, neurotransmitters, genes, the biological and medical model, the Bio-psycho-social approach.

LO5:  Attachment and friendships. attachment styles,  deprivation and privation,  group socialisation theory,  Social contributions to personality development. How others facilitate and hinder us. 

LO 6:  Basic findings, explanations of classical conditioning, classical conditioning in real life. Operant conditioning, positive and negative reinforcement, positive and negative punishment, schedules of reinforcement, shaping,  learned helplessness.

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Psychology Essay Coursework Assessment Essay 70 % End of Semester 3,4,5
2 Anthology of learning Coursework Assessment Assignment 30 % End of Semester 1,2,3,4,5,6
             

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Flat Classroom Lecture/small group work 3 Weekly 3.00
Independent Learning Not Specified Independent learning 3 Weekly 3.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
2014-04-06 Introduction to Psychology Cengage Learning
ISBN 1408089025 ISBN-13 9781408089026

This thorough text, now in its 16th edition, offers a fresh and up-to-date view of the dynamic nature of contemporary psychology. The authors build a strong foundation in the fundamentals of psychology while featuring the most innovative and groundbreaking current research.

Required Reading
2003 Psychology for A2 level Hove:::: Psychology press

Psychology textbook

Required Reading
2001-07-26 Psychology for A2 Level Psychology Press
ISBN 1841692514 ISBN-13 9781841692517

Psychology for A2 Level is a highly readable textbook, which has been written for the new A2 Psychology syllabus of the AQA Specification A (formerly AEB) and is aimed specifically at students pursuing their studies in psychology beyond AS level. It is an ideal follow-up to any AS level textbook, but in particular the best-selling Psychology for AS Level by the same authors. A supporting CD-Rom of AS/A2 teaching resources is free to teachers who recommend either of these textbooks to their students.
This A2 level text, which builds on the ideas and insights explored at AS level to promote a deeper understanding of psychology, is written in an accessible, engaging style by highly experienced authors.
The areas covered are: Social Psychology, Physiological Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Comparative Psychology and Individual Differences. There are also chapters on Perspectives in Psychology and on the assessed coursework.
At this level, students select options from the range of specified topics, and each topic within the syllabus is covered in sufficient depth for the requirements of A2. The book includes a number of helpful features:
* tailored to the new AQA(A) specification so that students can easily use the text for their A2 studies
* mapped clearly and comprehensively to the requirements of three parts of the A2 assessment: Options paper; Synoptic paper; and Coursework
* careful explanations that are easy to read and enable clear understanding
* case studies of real life examples
* important key studies, each with critical evaluation and discussion points
* detailed end-of-chapter summaries
* exam-style questions to test understanding and to give exam practice
* suggested activities and self-assessment questions to stimulate thought and interpretation
* suggestions for further reading, in print and on-line
* many illustrations and humorous drawings to reinforce learning objectives
* tips and suggestions for studying, learning, choosing options and preparing for exams and coursework
* glossary of key terms.
Further information and resources related to AS and A2 level psychology can be found at the Psychology Press A-level website: www.a-levelpsychology.co.uk.

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources
Journal Resources
Other Resources
Additional Information