Module Code - Title:
PS4021
-
PSYCHOLOGY: THEORY AND METHOD 1
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module provides students with a broad introduction to the historical evolution, issues, debates, themes and theories in psychology. The course will provide a a good grounding in a range of theoretical perspectives in psychology including attention in particular to personality and biological psychology.
Syllabus:
PS4021 will provide students with an introduction to psychological theories and research methods used in two core areas of psychology. Topics in biological psychology will be introduced in the first half of the term and theories of personality will be introduced in the second half of the term. The aim of the module is to provide students with a foundational understanding of the theories and research methods that characterize two of psychology's core sub-disciplines. Examples from real life and the wider social world will be discussed as a way of showing how these core concepts are applicable for our understanding of contemporary social issues.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On completion of the module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the core evolutionary ideas and methods of psychology that underpinned the evolution of psychology as a separate discipline, with a focus on biological and personality psychology.
2. Demonstrate in-depth awareness of key concepts in personality psychology and biological psychology
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the research methods applied through their individual coursework.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On completion of the module students should be able to:
1) Display critical thinking skills and values through their ability to understand, evaluate and critique primary research literature from biological and personality psychology course material and integrate the information from these different perspectives.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
n/a
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Independent reading, debates, in-class discussion, lecture formats and critical thinking assessments will help develop collaborative approaches to learning, become more knowledgeable on the theories and applications of biological and personality psychology. Further, through these learning mediums students will develop competence in conveying ideas clearly, effectively and professionally.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Carlson (2004)
Psychology
, Pearson
Other Relevant Texts:
Gross (2020)
Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour
, Hodder
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BSPSYCUFA - PSYCHOLOGY
BAPSSOUFA - PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
david.d.hayes@ul.ie