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PSYC1061: Classic Papers: A Tutorial Introduction to Psychological Science

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Type Tied
Level 1
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Psychology

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

Aims

  • To introduce students to the scientific study of Psychology by studying a set of classic papers in Psychology
  • To provide an opportunity for students to discuss psychological research in a tutorial context

Content

  • Students will study four classic papers in four blocks over the academic year
  • Online recordings will introduce content on each block
  • Each block will also focus on a different academic skill (summarising research, presenting research, discussing links between findings, writing essays, etc.)
  • Online recordings will introduce a different skills focus in each block
  • Tutorials will introduce students to discussion of the classic paper and related papers

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Acquisition of knowledge in core areas of Psychology
  • Detailed understanding of some sub-areas within core areas
  • Basic knowledge of some key research methods in Psychology

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Emerging understanding of the relationship between theory and data

Key Skills:

  • Developing ability to organise and utilise knowledge
  • Developing written communication skill

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The tutorials in this module guide students acquisition of knowledge of the relationship between theory and data and some research methods in Psychology. The tutorials will introduce students to core areas of Psychology and more detailed knowledge of some sub-areas. Assessment of this knowledge is provided by the summative essay and examination
  • The tutorials develop students ability to organise and utilise knowledge and to present that knowledge.
  • The lectures, skills sessions, and formative assignments in tutorials will provide specific training in written communication skills, for the preparation of a summative essay and the examination. Written communication skills are also assessed in the examination

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Introductory Lecture2Once at the start of each term1 hour2 
Online Skills Sessions8Once at the start of each block30 mins4 
Online Content Lectures8Two per block1 hour8Yes
Online End of Block Q&A4One per block1 hour4 
Tutorials10Biweekly across Michaelmas and Epiphany terms1 hour 10Yes
Examination Revision Session1First week of Easter Term2 hours2 
General Revision Session1Second week of Easter Term11 
Preparation and Reading169 
Total200 
 

Summative Assessment

Component: Summative EssayComponent Weighting: 30%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Summative Essay1500 words100Yes
Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 70%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Examination2 hours100Yes

Formative Assessment

Formative assignments and presentation opportunities within tutorials

More information

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