Module Directory

Psychology is a broad subject, containing many disciplines. This module is designed to give an overview of these different core disciplines, encouraging students to explore how these different areas are informed by theory and research.

The module will cover a range of classic and contemporary pieces of psychological research, exploring the methods adopted by psychologists to investigate the human mind and behaviour. Through this module, students are encouraged to think critically about the theories and research studies that are covered and begin to consider how psychological findings apply to everyday life. This module will look at theory and research in areas such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences, biopsychology and social psychology. 

The aims of this module are:

• For students to develop a secure understanding of the key theories which underpin the core areas of psychology.


• To equip students with the skills to apply key issues and debates (primarily nature-nurture and cultural bias) to theories and research in psychology.


• To develop critical thinking skills which can be applied to theory and research in psychology.


• To equip students with an understanding of methodological design and the importance of ethical considerations in designing psychological research.


• To support students to develop communication and employability skills.


• To enhance students’ interest in psychology and prepare students for undergraduate study in psychology.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic psychological theories and methods across the core disciplines in psychology.


2. To develop the skills of thinking critically about methods, results, and theories in psychology.


3. To develop the skills of how to write the method section of a scientific report.


4. To develop the skills of how to write the introduction section to a scientific report.


5. To develop the skills of how to write the discussion section of a scientific report.

Skills for your professional life (Transferable Skills)

By the end of this module, students will have been offered opportunities:

1. To improve your literacy skills.


2. To develop your IT skills by learning to work in Word to complete assignments.


3. To develop subject-specific writing by completing sections of a laboratory report.


4. To develop critical thinking skills in the context of psychological research.


5. To enhance your communication skills in class discussions and in written work.


6. To develop your reflective skills through class time dedicated to engaging with feedback on assignments.


7. To develop your personal plan of setting targets and time management to undertake coursework.

Syllabus

The syllabus is intended to introduce students to the core psychological disciplines, providing a good basic knowledge of the various theoretical positions and research methods skills including topics such as:

• Debates in Psychology – Considering the wider philosophical debates that inform psychological research.


• Physiological Psychology - The biological basis of behaviour, for example, the influence of the brain, neurotransmitters and hormones on behaviour.


• Cognitive Psychology - The mental processes that guide human behaviour, for example, memory, language, thought, and perception.


• Developmental Psychology - How people grow and change over their lifetime, for example, attachment, cognition, and parenting.


• Individual Differences - The psychology of the person, for example, motivation, intelligence, and personality.


• Social Psychology - The effects of social interactions on the person, for example, the influence of others, relationships, and group processes.


• Research Methods in Psychology – How psychologists design research and the different methodological considerations they need to make.

This module will be delivered via:

• One 2-hour lecture per week.
• One 1-hour seminar per week.
• One 1-hour research methods class per week.

Teaching and learning on Essex Pathways modules offers students the ability to develop the foundation knowledge, skills, and competencies to study at the undergraduate level, through a curriculum that is purposely designed to provide an exceptional learning experience. All teaching, learning and assessment materials will be available via Moodle in a consistent and user-friendly manner.

Lectures cover the core material, and the seminars provide an opportunity to discuss the topics and develop additional skills necessary to succeed in the assignments. The research methods classes cover the research methodologies that psychologists use to collect experimental data.