The aim of this unit of study is to build upon Psychology 1A by introducing students to further key discipline areas within the field of psychology, as well as topics in applied psychology. This unit (APP1013) covers topics including health and stress; sleep; sensation and perception; social psychology; risk taking behaviours; psychological disorders and treatment; intelligence; and history of psychology. Classes involve activities and discussion of research papers that foster understanding of theoretical content by focussing on specific topics and applications of research and knowledge in psychology.

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Park
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
APP1013

Prerequisites

APP1012 - Psychology 1A

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Analyse current issues in psychology and how theories within the topic areas covered have evolved over time;  
  2. Assess basic principles of methodologies employed in psychological research;  
  3. Apply knowledge of research methodologies to a specific research topic and collect data for a research project;  
  4. Analyse research literature relating to the topic areas covered;  
  5. Perform an independent literature search using online databases; and  
  6. Produce a laboratory report written in formal academic style and conforming to APA formatting conventions.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Journal Journal related to workshop readings (450 words) 15%
Report Laboratory report on theoretical content (Part A - 900 words - 30%; Part B - 1000 words - 35%) 65%
Test Tests - multiple choice (10%; 1hr) and short answers (10%; 1.5hrs) 20%

Required reading

Psychology 4th ed.
Burton, L, Westen, D & Kowalski, R., (2015)
Australia: Wiley

An interactive approach to writing essays and research reports in psychology 5th ed.
Burton, L., (2010)
Australia: Wiley

Further readings will be made available via the unit VU Collaborate site.

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

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