Module Code - Title:
PS6181
-
PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING - ONLINE
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The aim of this module is to provide in-depth knowledge on typical strategies that people use in problem solving and decision making and how solutions to problems and decision can be improved. This module will provide a deep understanding of problem solving and decision making and it will increase the students analytical skills.
Syllabus:
People solve problems and make decisions all of the time, but only sometimes do people succeed. In this module, students will learn about the prominent theories and applications in problem solving and decision making. We will touch on different kinds of problems and decisions (personal, inter-personal, group context) in different contexts (e.g., relationships, economics). We will contrast typical strategies that people use to the strategies that would make problem solving and decision making more effective and efficient.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Recognize the psychological processes that underlie problem solving and decision making.
Demonstrate an understanding of how problem solving and decision making can be improved for particular tasks and in particular contexts.
Apply problem solving and decision making strategies to particular problems.
Defend the use of particular strategies over alternative strategies.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Feel confident in recommending problem solving strategies and decision making strategies for solutions to particular problems.
Value the psychological models of problem solving and decision making for everyday life problems.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught in online lectures and tutorial sessions. The online lecture will give overviews to the prominent theories in problem solving and decision making. In online tutorials, students will work independently on exercises regarding problems and decisions, and solutions will be analyzed and discussed - this will aid in their development of the Graduate Attributes of Curious and Agile. Students will have to submit a written assignment on applications of problem solving or decision making strategies in real life contexts. Students will read books and selected journal articles. Assignments and tasks will focus on developing the Graduate Attributes of Articulate and Responsible.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Baron, J. (2008)
Thinking and deciding (4th edition)
, University Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Quinlan, P., & Dyson, B. (2008)
Cognitive Psychology
, Prentice Hall
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MSPSSCTFA - PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
eric.igou@ul.ie