PSY4252 - Controversial issues in psychology

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

(1) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychology as an evidential discipline.
(2) Engage actively with theoretical and methodological debates and controversies in psychology.
(3) Collaborate in the collection, collation and employment of appropriate evidence to build and present and effective argument.

Content:

This module provides students with opportunities to engage with a range of historical and contemporary controversies and debates in psychology. The emphasis is on the development of teamwork, the collection, evaluation and use of appropriate primary sources and on the development of oral presentation skills.

The module will introduce students to the value of evidence in psychology and to the methods of identifying and evaluating primary sources.

Indicative examples of the types of controversial issues to be considered are: Does current animal research in psychology make a valuable contribution?; Is there such a think as a 'hynotic state'?; Are psychological findings valid beyond the culture within which they are collected?; Does ESP exist?; Are media portrayals of the 'thin ideal' major influencees on people's body image?

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module will employ a rnage of debate-style peer-teaching activities. Students will work in groups to gather information and to construct an argument presenting both 'sides' of a controversy, but concluding with a stated position on the issue. Two alternative views will be presented by students to their peers. All students will be expected to engage with all of the topics in order to facilitate lively and informed discussion. Students will develop presentation and teamwork skills.

As the module progresses, students will be expected to develop their research and communication skills.

Students will be encouraged to participate in group discussion outside form teaching tiem by using the Moodle VLE.

As the module progresses, students will be expected to become more independent in their search for appropriate source material. Students will be encouraged to participate in group discussion outside formal teaching time by using the Moodle VLE.

Lectures and Workshops
Contact hours 20 x 2 hours
Number of groups 10-12

Assessment:

001 Essay 1 x 2000 words (sem 1) 50%
002 Group presentation 25 minutes (sem 2) 20%
003 Portfolio of workshop activities (end of sem 2) 30%


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