GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY - 2020/1

Module Overview

This module explores a range of myths across the discipline of psychology with a focus on scientific evidence, methodological robustness, theoretical frameworks, and the interface between scientific research and their representation in the media.

This module also represents an opportunity for students to develop advanced critical thinking skills, and synthesise their study of psychology to date. In particular the module will explore areas of research relating to areas such learning styles, the impact of social media, environmental psychology, aging and loneliness,  sexuality and gender and left brain right brain differentiation.   Each lecture will address a specific area of research and encourage critical thinking in terms of methods, measurement, theory and the discipline of psychology.  It will also evaluate the ways in which research evidence is adopted by the media and lay literature in the context of strategies of persuasion. The module will also take a historical approach, considering the context in which the myth developed, and the status of the myth in light of contemporary research and approaches in psychology and will conclude with an analysis of the notion of scientific truth.

Module provider

Psychology

Module Leader

OGDEN Jane (Psychology)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

BSc Psychology Levels 4 and 5 or equivalent

Module content

Indicative key topics will include:

An overview to critical thinking and the role of persuasive strategies

Learning styles

Left brain / right brain

Sexuality and gender

Environmental psychology

the impact of social media

Aging and loneliness

Scientific truth

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A Students must pass each unit of assessment to pass the module

Assessment Strategy

The summative assessment for this module consists of:

Short essay (4 pages, 50%)

Each student will be able to choose any area of interest and will be asked to identify a scientific research paper containing research evidence together with an associated media report.  They will be asked to provide a brief nugget describing the research in terms of aims / methods / results / conclusions using the language of research methods (ie design / IV / DV etc).  They will then be asked to write a bulleted critical analysis of the research using the terms from the critical tool kit (80%).  They will then be asked to briefly describe the media paper and provide a bulleted analysis of the media article using the critical tool kit (20%). 

Seen examination (1 hour, 50%)

The seen exam will involve answering 1 question to offer a critical analysis of one research paper and one associated media report using the critical tool kit.

Justification for assessment methods

Both assessments will address all learning outcomes.  

Module aims

• Describe a number of areas of psychology across all domains that have been adopted by the lay literature as ‘truths'
• Develop students' skills in advanced critical thinking
• Critically evaluate the evidence for these areas with a focus on methods, measurement, theory and the disciplinary focus
• Explore how each area is located within its historical context, and its status in the light of contemporary research
• Explore how each area has been adopted by the lay literature with a focus on theories of persuasion.
• Encourage students to adopt a holistic view of psychology as a scientific discipline

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching methods include:

11 x 2 hour lectures, 2 x 1 hour optional drop in sessions and 128 hours of independent study, which involve:

Week 1 -  Lecture setting the scene for the module with a general overview of critical thinking

Weeks 2-10  – lectures presenting information regarding a specific myth with time for small group tasks and class discussion

Weeks 3 and 4 – hour long optional drop in sessions to resolve queries on the coursework essay assessment.

Week 11 – A revision overview to consider key ideas, areas of critical thinking, skills and theories. 

Formative feedback will be given each week.

Dedicated SurreyLearn page including space to discuss readings and the week’s critical questions.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PSY3095

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.