PSY1011

Psychology 1A

Mr Tom Whelan (Caulfield/Peninsula), Dr Stephen Brown (Clayton) and Ms Sue Burney (Gippsland)

6 points
* Three 1-hour lectures and a 3-hour laboratory class per week
* First semester
* Caulfield/Peninsula* Clayton and Gippsland
* Distance students must complete a minimum of 12 hours on-campus weekend school laboratory work
* Prohibitions: Any of the following psychology subjects taught pre 1998: APY1010, APY1020, GAS1501, GAS1502

*To be confirmed.

Objectives On the completion of this subject students will have acquired an understanding of the nature of psychology as an empirical behavioural science and its historical underpinnings; will have understood the fundamentals of psychological research design; will have achieved an appreciation of the basic biological components of human behaviour; will have understood basic principles of learning; will have acquired a basic knowledge of sensory and perceptual processes; and will have developed the ability to write a psychological research report.

Synopsis This subject provides a general introduction to the discipline of psychology as a behavioural science, and is a basis for detailed study of specific areas of psychology in later years. The topics covered include research design, the biological bases of behaviour, sensation and perception, and an introduction to theories of learning and development. Students are also introduced to the historical origins of the discipline. Laboratory classes are designed to enhance students' understanding of the lecture material, while providing training in research techniques.

Assessment Two laboratory reports (1500 words each): 30%
* Laboratory book (1500 words): 10%
* Two statistics assignments (500 words each): 10%
* Examination (3 hours, multiple-choice): 50%

Prescribed texts

Gravetter F J and Wallnau L B Statistics for the behavioural sciences 4th edn, West, 1996
Gravetter F J and Wallnau L B Study guide to accompany statistics for the behavioural sciences 4th edn, West, 1996
Gray P I Psychology 2nd edn, Worth, 1994
O'Shea R P Writing for psychology: An introductory guide for students Harcourt Brace, 1996
Shaughnessy J J and Zechmeister E B Research methods in psychology 4th edn, McGraw-Hill, 1997
Zechmeister E B, Zechmeister J S and Shaugnessy J J A practical guide to research methods in psychology 3rd edn, McGraw-Hill, 1997