PSY4122 · Psychology foundations: The social self

Overview

In this unit you will be introduced to key models and theories relating to motivation, emotion, and social behaviour. The influence of culture and the diverse viewpoints from cross-cultural and Australian Indigenous psychology will also be explored. Throughout the unit there will be a strong emphasis on understanding how psychological phenomena are investigated scientifically, and the epistemological assumptions that underlie different research approaches. The two introductory units, PSY4111 Psychology 1A and PSY4122 Psychology 1B, together develop a foundation for understanding the breadth of principles and skills that are fundamental to psychology.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Explain the foundational concepts, theories and findings relating to motivation, emotion and social psychology.
2. Discuss how culture shapes behaviour and the perspectives from cross-cultural and Australian Indigenous psychology.
3. Compare different epistemologies and their relation to various research approaches and outcomes for diverse populations.
4. Apply knowledge of research design and ethics to design a simple research study.
5. Demonstrate professional group collaboration and teamwork.
6. Communicate effectively in a variety of formats using a range of digital technologies.

Workload

You should expect to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week on this unit to achieve the learning outcomes. This time will cover: a) video lecture materials; b) synchronous & asynchronous discussion; c) synchronous web-based 'class-time' for skills-based activities; d) weekly readings; e) weekly skills-based assessment tasks; and f) content-based assessment, including revision and formative assessment. Each week there will be a one hour ‘Live class’, facilitated by your instructor. This will be followed by a live office hour, where you can ask questions and chat with your classmates and instructor about anything to do with the unit or psychology in general. There is also a 1 hour live chat with the Senior Instructor that you can attend each week for additional discussion and guidance.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.