Overview

You will consider the link between behaviour and the mind, conditioning and the interaction with the environment. You will learn what defines rational and abnormal behaviour and why behaviours are so difficult to influence or adjust. Additionally, in this course you will review mental health problems including stress. You will have the chance to explore the issues surrounding the study of anomalistic psychology and the experience of paranormal.

Topics studies in this module will include:

• The observation and classification of human behaviour
• the significance of conditioning and the environment in influencing behaviour
• the key areas of research undertaken in this field
• Definitions of normal and abnormal in Psychology
• Challenges of defining abnormal behaviour
• Health and health-risk behaviours and the influences upon them
• Classification system and assessment of mental disorders
• Concept and psychological theories of stress
• Anomalistic psychology and experiencing the paranormal

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (40%-49% / D- to D+) Has shown knowledge of key areas and principles but there is a weakness in understanding the subject area. Oral presentation can be somewhat hard to follow and there is no attempt to engage the audience. 

Satisfactory (50%–59% / C- to C+) Has shown knowledge of the key areas and principles and the main elements of the subject area are understood. Oral presentation is mostly understandable but there can be strain for the listener at times. Speaker attempts to engage the audience.

Good (60%-69% / B- to B+) Has shown a strong knowledge and understands most of the subject area. Can formulate appropriate solutions to accurately solve tasks and questions. Solutions demonstrate a good understanding of underlying principles.

Excellent (70%-100% / A- to A*) Has shown a comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding of the subject area. Can formulate appropriate solutions to accurately solve tasks and questions. Solutions demonstrate a good understanding of underlying principles.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe and apply the criteria which define abnormal behaviour and mental disorders

• Evaluate some of the critical and contentious issues around anomalistic psychology

• Understand and apply key terms and concepts employed in behavioural psychology