Overview

The module will cover topics in a range of applied areas, such as forensic psychology, environmental psychology, occupational psychology, and consumer psychology. Lectures will focus on the application of psychological theory to specific problems, for example, the role of psychology in the workplace, how psychological knowledge can be used to improve the built environment, or how knowledge about memory and face recognition can be used to aid criminal investigations. Students will learn about the core psychological theory and research evidence that underpins these applied areas. Seminars will provide students with an opportunity to critically review applied psychological research and present their findings via a poster presentation.

The module will cover topics in a range of applied areas, such as forensic psychology, environmental psychology, occupational psychology, and consumer psychology. Lectures will focus on the application of psychological theory to specific problems, for example, the role of psychology in the workplace, how psychological knowledge can be used to improve the built environment, or how knowledge about memory and face recognition can be used to aid criminal investigations. Students will learn about the core psychological theory and research evidence that underpins these applied areas. Seminars will provide students with an opportunity to critically review applied psychological research and present their findings via a poster presentation.

The module considers the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): - SDG 3 (Good health and wellbeing. Search terms: health; wellbeing) - SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure. Search terms: infrastructure, innovation, buildings)

Feedback is provided in the following ways: 1) Review time at the end of each lecture 2) Group feedback for poster 3) Personalised feedback for written work (essay) 4) Open invite to meet with tutor to discuss on-going performance; assignment results, etc, during either office-drop-in times or pre-arranged meeting.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- to D+ Demonstrates some understanding of how psychological theory is used to solve practical problems within an applied area, but with no real development of arguments, and answer largely based on lecture material.

-good -B- to B+ Demonstrates a reasonably comprehensive understanding of how psychological theory is used to solve practical problems within an applied area. Well-organised and structured, including good descriptions and evaluation of research and theories within an applied area.

-excellent -A- to A** Demonstrates a comprehensive and accurate understanding of how psychological theory is used to solve practical problems within an applied area. Well-organised and structured, including excellent descriptions of research and depth of insight into theoretical issues within an applied area.

-another level-C- to C+ Demonstrates an adequate understanding of how psychological theory is used to solve practical problems within an applied area, with some development of arguments, but answer largely based on lecture material.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate the application of psychological theory and research to a real-life problem.

• Describe and evaluate research and theories that support these applied areas.

• Understand how psychological theory is used to solve practical problems across different applied areas.