Modiwl PPP-2017:
Concepts in Psychology

Overview

The module is organised as two richly intertwined and interactive parts, ‘History’ and ‘Concepts’.

History — what is modern psychology and how did we get here? What are some of the historical contexts and milestones that shaped the emergence of psychology as an independent discipline, and its continued progression?

‘History’ topics include: Principles of Modern Psychology | Philosophy and Science | Precursors to a Scientific Psychology | First Measurements in Psychology | First Schools in Psychology | Brain Science: First Contributions | Brain Science: Famous Patient Cases.

Concepts — what are some of the most important, difficult and pervasive conceptual challenges for the discipline of psychology?

‘Concept’ topics include: What is Science? | Is Psychology a Science? | What is Convergent Evidence? | The Mind-Brain Problem, Free Will and Consciousness | Psychology and Open Science | Research Ethics.

The module is organised as two richly intertwined and interactive parts, ‘History’ and ‘Concepts’.

History. What is modern psychology and how did we get here? What are some of the historical contexts and milestones that shaped the emergence of psychology as an independent discipline, and its continued progression?

History topics include: Principles of Modern Psychology | Philosophy and Science | Precursors to a Scientific Psychology | First Measurements in Psychology | First Schools in Psychology | Brain Science: First Contributions | Brain Science: Famous Patient Cases.

Concepts. What are some of the most important, difficult and pervasive conceptual challenges for the discipline of psychology?

Concept topics include: What is Science? | Is Psychology a Science? | What is Convergent Evidence? | The Mind-Brain Problem, Free Will and Consciousness | Psychology and Open Science | Research Ethics.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold - D Knowledge of some areas/principles • Poorly focused and unstructured arguments, with some irrelevant material • Lack of clarity of expression • No original interpretation • Limited evidence of background study • Several factual errors

-good - B Strong Knowledge • Understands most but not all of subject area • Focused and coherent arguments with good structure • Some limited original interpretation • Evidence of background study • Mostly free of factual errors

-excellent - A Detailed understanding of the subject area • Logically presented and defended arguments • Clarity of expression • Clear and compelling evidence of original thinking • Clear and compelling evidence of background study • No factual errors

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an ability to compare and critique conceptual and historical paradigms and models

• Demonstrate an understanding of how conceptual and historical milestones have helped to shape the discipline of psychology

• Demonstrate an understanding of the core principles of research ethics, and how historical and conceptual milestones led to their development.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of theoretical underpinnings of psychology as well as scientific principles.

• Demonstrate the ability to integrate ideas and empirical findings across different areas of psychology and neuroscience

• Demonstrate understanding of the principles of the scientific method, and the importance of replication and open science.