PSY4409 - 21st century applications of psychology - 2019

This elective is multidisciplinary, addressing the full range of applications of psychological theory and evidence.

The unit content is divided into 6 modules with the following themes: the mind/body and self (e.g. body modification, embodied cognition, the 'selfies' epidemic), family and relationships (e.g. step-families, same-sex families), society and culture (e.g. modern racism, psychological perspectives in terrorism, acculturation and integration within multicultural Australia), health, stress and coping (e.g. resilience, positive education, cross-cultural approaches to therapy), ePsychology (e.g. cyber-bullying, virtual reality, artificial intelligences), and psychology of work (e.g. flow, flourishing).

The broad scope of psychology is reflected in the choices students will have for assessment, and these topics may change to reflect current issues and debate.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. Discuss current and future research directions in a range of applied areas of psychology;
2. Identify and discuss how psychological evidence informs and advances societal and individual change;
3. Evaluate contemporary theories and review the evidence related to contemporary applied areas of psychology;
4. Identify a problem or issue, locate and review relevant literature, and propose a psychological intervention strategy that address this problem of issue;
5. Articulate and communicate complex knowledge and ideas;
6. Describe how research in psychology can be translated into practice.

• Individual Presentation (8-10 minutes) (30%)
• Critical Review (2500 words) (Hurdle) (40%)
• Secure Online MCQ Quizzes (three in total) (30%) (3 x 10%)

Students should expect to spend an average of 20-25 hours per week

See also Unit timetable information

Psychology