Foundations of Modern Psychology

Course details

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The course is open to all. However, students will need sufficient fluency in written and spoken English to undertake undergraduate study and assessments. Students may wish to consider undertaking some preparatory reading, details of which are given below.

AIMS

The primary aim of this module is to introduce students to the discipline of psychology as a science. It also provides an overview of the way in which current thinking within the discipline has developed over time. British Psychological Society identifies the following as key areas for undergraduate study biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences, and social psychology.

The module gives particular attention to the theories and models within cognitive and social psychology.

OBJECTIVES

• Identity the different conceptual and historical issues within Psychology; including

• the major historical perspectives and early theories that help shaped psychology as a discipline (evolutionary psychology, behaviourism, psychoanalysis and humanistic psychology) 
• explore the development and rationale for the scientific basis of Psychology 

• Explore the major areas of study in classical and contemporary cognitive psychology

• Explore the major areas of study in classical and contemporary social psychology

• Examine the strengths and weaknesses of these different perspectives and approaches

• Give an overview of the research methods used within psychology including a basic evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of each;

• Identify the political and ethical issues when conducting research in psychology (with particular consideration of harm);

• Use this knowledge to explore key themes, issues and current debates within psychology;

• Support and develop students' study skills, including note taking and essay writing;

• Support students to take part in the assessment process;

• Build students' confidence in presenting their own ideas and in critical thinking.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

• Identify the main conceptual and historical paradigms and models that shape psychology (behaviourism, cognitive psychology, psychoanalysis, humanistic, biological psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology and individual differences)

• Identify the key assumptions within these approaches within psychology; 
• Discuss the differences between approaches within psychology; 
• Demonstrate an understanding of the development of ideas within this field; 

• Identify the main concepts, models and research that shaped classical and contemporary cognitive and social psychology

• Discuss what is means for a discipline to be a science, and debate the status of psychology as a science

• Describe, discuss and evaluate a range of research methodologies that might be appropriate to the study of psychology (identifying strengths and weaknesses of core methodologies, including both qualitative as well as quantitative approaches);

• Identify the political and ethical issues when conducting psychological research (with particular consideration of harm);

• Illustrate the practical applications of research findings;

• Debate the impact of culture on the research conducted in psychology and the theories produced

• Explore ways of integrating multiple perspectives to address various issues

• Take part in the discussion of a range of issues and debates within contemporary psychology;

• Think critically about the subjects covered;

• Present your own ideas about issues addressed on the course;

• Discuss and implement a range of strategies to support your learning;

• Successfully plan and write essays or other assignments which have been set to support your learning on this course.

CONTENT

Part 1 - Psychology as a science

In this introductory part of the course we will look at scientific status and basis of psychology. We will also look at the purpose of research in psychology including the difference between common-sense explanations and systematically acquired knowledge and between objectivity and subjectivity. We will outline the range of research methods most commonly used in psychology including a basic evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Finally, we will explore the way in which culture has affected the way in which research has been conducted in psychology and the impact of this on the theories produced. We will also consider how evolving debates about ethics and politics have shaped the ethical guidelines that are currently in force.

Part 2 - Conceptual and historical paradigms and models

In this part of the course we will outline the major historical paradigms that have shaped psychology today. These will include genetics and early Darwinism; classic behaviourism; psychoanalysis and humanistic psychology. For each approach, we will:

• consider the key assumptions of the approach;

• explore the research methods which might be used within the approach, including any relevant ethical issues raised by such research, and

• Critical evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the psychological models provided

Part 3: The Cognitive Approach

Cognitive Psychology

In studying this approach, we will firstly explore the historical rise of the cognitive approach, before moving on to explore in depth some of the common topics addressed within the cognitive approach. We will also compare the explanations offered by cognitive psychology to some of the theories and models covered in part 2. These will include

• Thinking, schemas and information processing

• Attention and perception

• Learning and learning styles

• Human memory

Part 4, The Social Approach

In studying this approach, we will firstly explore the fundamental assumptions of the social approach, before moving on to explore in depth some of the common topics addressed within the social approach. We will also compare the explanations offered by social psychology to some of the theories and models covered in part 2. These will include

• Heuristics and social cognition

• Attribution and attitudes

• Conformity, compliance and obedience

• Intergroup relations

• Close relationships

• Social constructionism

Part 5 - Issues and Debates

In this final section of the course we will use what we've learned about the different perspectives and models to consider how psychology might inform our understanding of one or more current issues in psychology. We will also explore how and whether it is possible to integrate these approaches and the different methodologies. We will also consider question of the cultural bias within psychological theory and explore these issues in terms of the political and ethical considerations in psychological research.