PSY2022

Psychology 2B

Mr Robert Whitechurch (Berwick), Dr Nikki Rickard (Caulfield/Peninsula), Dr Jim Phillips (Clayton) and Dr Dianne Wuillemin (Gippsland)

8 points - Three 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour laboratory per week - Second semester - Berwick, Caulfield/Peninsula, Clayton, Gippsland and Distance - Prerequisites: PSY1011 or APY1010 or GAS1501 and PSY1022 or APY1020 or GAS1502 - Students who have completed any previous second-level psychology subjects will be required to complete a tailored program to cover components not previously studied. - Distance students must complete a minimum of 12 hours on-campus weekend school laboratory work.

Objectives On completion of this subject students will have acquired further conceptual and practical skills in designing and analysing psychological research; will have developed an appreciation of the full range of human cognitive functioning, from lower-order processes of attention, to higher-order skills involved in problem-solving and creativity; and will have acquired an understanding of the processes by which individuals relate to one another in both intimate relationships and in larger groups. Students will also have developed more advanced skills in research design and analysis, report writing, and oral presentations.

Synopsis This subject covers at a more advanced level three of the areas presented in first-year psychology at an introductory level. The topics comprise research design and analysis (RDA), cognitive psychology, and social psychology. The methodological component builds further on the basic research skills taught in first year and in the first semester of second year, and equips students with more advanced tools that can be employed in laboratory work. Cognitive psychology includes contemporary research techniques, cognitive architecture, attentional processes, pattern recognition, mental imagery, and higher-order thinking. Individual differences covers major theories of personality, as well as more specific theories (eg locus of control), and historical and contemporary theories of intelligence. Social psychology focuses on social schemas, social attribution, theories of attitude change, group psychology, aggression, interpersonal attraction and affiliation, and sex roles. The laboratory program complements the lecture series, and provides further training in research techniques, report writing, and oral presentations.

Assessment Examination (3 hours, multiple-choice): 55% - One laboratory report (2000 words): 15% - One essay (2000 words): 15% - Two research design and analysis assignments (500 words each): 5% each - One seminar presentation (10 minutes): 5%

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