PYMCISP-Influential Studies in Psychology

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Katie Gray
Email: k.l.h.gray@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module explores historical and contemporary issues in psychology through the critical analysis of papers describing influential studies in psychology. Each week, a different study will be covered, and discussed in light of its influence on contemporary psychology. You will be taken through a historical journey of psychological approaches, focussing on key research from differential, biological, behaviourist, and cognitive approaches. Topics will cover individual differences, learning, and memory research, along with other historical and contemporary issues.  

Aims:

The aims of this module are for students to gain an understanding and critical appreciation of contemporary and historical issues in psychology through studying influential studies. This module aims for students to critically analyse the studies within our contemporary knowledge of the field. Importantly, this module aims for students to be able to compare experiments and theories on the topics covered.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to: 

• Develop knowledge of the key approaches that informed psychological research over time, including differential, behaviourist, cognitive and biological approaches.  


• Understand and critically evaluate specific influential studies in psychology 


• Learn about historical and contemporary issues in psychology 


• Develop oral presentation skills  

Additional outcomes:

• Work effectively within a group during seminars; Listening, Explaining; Planning; Problem solving 


• Creativity; Oral communication; Reading effectiveness; Information retrieval; Critical analysis 


• Self-management; Prioritisation 

Outline content:

This module covers several important and influential studies in psychology. Each study will be explored with reference to the context in which they were conducted, and discussed in terms of their implications for contemporary psychology. Studies will be selected because they represent a pivotal point in knowledge or understanding, for example, behaviourism and cognitivism will be covered, including classic studies that have shaped our understanding of learning (e.g. Bandura, 1965).

Global context:

This module will consider the global context of the research and its approaches, with an aim to deepen students’ understanding of how psychology can be context-bound.? Internationally-relevant examples will be used to illustrate international similarities and differences within the fields. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module is taught via 10 seminars. 

Teaching methods include the following: 

• Seminars on influential studies in psychology 


• Recommended reading, and independent reading before and after the seminars. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	30
Wider reading (directed)	20
Preparation for presentations	25
Completion of formative assessment tasks	5
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Oral assessment and presentation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is assessed via coursework (100%)

• One oral presentation 

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be given the opportunity to gain formative feedback on a presentation prior to their summative oral presentation.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy “Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes”, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

If a student fails the assignment, an alternative, equivalent assignment can be submitted.  The assignment and date of submission will be by arrangement with the Module Convenor and/or Programme Director. Students should note however that, given the University regulations on failing credits, it may not be in their interests to resubmit the coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 30 March 2023