Introduction to Psychology

Introduction to Psychology Introduction to the Unit Unit overview This unit focuses on understanding psychological theory and its application to life. It provides you with an understanding of: • psychology as a social science • the biological basis of behaviour • psychological development through the lifep • sensation and perception • states of consciousness • memory, learning and conditioning theories • cognition, language, creativity and intelligence • motivation and emotion • personality • psychological disorders and their treatment • health, stress and coping Unit objectives
By the conclusion of this unit, you should be able to: • demonstrate and describe the role of psychology in various areas of life • demonstrate an understanding of psychology as a social science • use basic terminology and concepts of psychological theory • apply psychological theories to your own life Textbook The textbook for this unit is by Weiten, W. , Dunn, D. S. , & Hammer, E. Y. (2012). Psychology applied to modern life: Adjustment in the 21st century (10th ed. ). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. This manual directs you to the relevant chapters of your textbook associated with each section. Unit Overview Introduction to Psychology Studying for this unit The content of this unit has been designed to maximise the learning and the integration of the subject matter. Some of the unit material may be specific to the Australian context. Students are encouraged to access additional information relevant to their local area that will assist in applying the learning. This may include specific legislation, professional associations and locally published journals. It is important that your learning is broadbased. Accessing local resources that build on what is contained in this unit will greatly assist your learning.
In studying this unit, you will need a notebook for completing the activities and selfassessment for each section. Within your notebook, you may like to set aside space for: • completing a glossary of new terminology introduced in this unit • personal notes on unit content and readings In general, students are expected to: • read each section of the unit carefully and make notes on anything which is new, vague, tentative or in conflict with your knowledge or experience • complete each activity fully and honestly before moving on • complete readings of the textbook, making notes of important insights or facts

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There may be periodic suggestions or issues on which you are asked to deliberate and reflect. Sometimes these are dilemmas or difficult issues associated with the study topic. These have no obvious right or wrong answers. Activities Appropriate activities are set throughout the unit to give opportunities for further learning. They are designed to help you think through and practise the specific skills and general concepts presented in this unit. They do not need to be sent to the unit educator for marking. However, valuable learning opportunities may be missed by not completing the activities. Readings
The manual directs you to readings that are found in the ‘Readings Pack’. These readings are selected from journals and books that provide additional information or a different perspective on topics covered in each section. They are from a range of authorities and expand the content of this unit. Unit Overview 2 Introduction to Psychology Self-assessment There are self-assessment questions at the end of each section to test your understanding of the section’s content. Try to recall the answers to these questions unaided. Write down what you remember, before going back to review the relevant material in the section.
Some of the questions will require more than simple recall. Some will require bringing together separate issues or different pieces of information. Real learning is not just remembering what was read. It involves making this knowledge your own by: • reflecting on it • questioning it • relating it to personal experiences • restating it in your own words Assignments The assignments for this unit are carefully set so they develop from and support the key concepts and skills of the unit. Reference list The reference list for this unit is located at the end pages of the manual. Unit Overview 3 Introduction to Psychology Contents Section 1:
Introduction to Psychology and the Biological Bases of Behaviour Section 2: The Science of Psychology: Tools and Research Methods Section 3: Psychological Development through the Lifep Section 4: Personality: Theory, Research and Assessment Section 5: Sensation and Perception Section 6: Health, Stress and Coping Section 7: States of Consciousness Section 8: Memory, Learning and Conditioning Section 9: Motivation and Emotion Section 10: Cognition, Language, Creativity and Intelligence Section 11: Psychological Disorders and Social Issues Section 12: Treatment of Psychological Disorders Unit Overview 4 Introduction to Psychology
Assignment requirements Ensure you keep a copy of all material submitted. This includes audio–visual recordings. Assignment Type % Word Count Week Due Academic Essay 50 2000 8 Academic Essay 50 2000 11 Unit Overview 5 Introduction to Psychology Assignment 1 Assignment Type Weighting Word Count Week Due Academic Essay 50 2000 8 Choose one of the following topics and write an essay discussing the topic in light of theory you have learned about in this unit: 1. Stress is an epidemic in the 21st century and impacts on people’s behaviour in many ways. Discuss in light of the literature. 2. Compare and contrast two theories of personality.
Ensure you include a definition of personality in your essay. 3. Research suggests that first impressions are created within the first few minutes of meeting someone. Discuss the factors that impact on our perception of others and some of the elements that affect the accuracy of first impressions. Your essay should include: • A clear articulation of your chosen topic • A discussion of the topic as outlined in the essay descriptions above • An analysis of the topic in light of current literature Unit Overview 6 Introduction to Psychology Outstanding Very good Good Satisfactory Not Satisfactory Marking Criteria – Academic Essay
Content 1. Topic clearly articulated 2. Topic discussed as per essay description provided 3. Topic analysed in light of current literature 4. Evidence of familiarity with relevant literature and theory Structure 5. Appropriate introduction provided that clearly articulates the topic 6. Main ideas clearly and logically presented 7. Appropriate conclusion provided that summarises the key findings/ideas 8. Relevant literature used properly Subtotal: Yes / 85 No Partial Written Expression 9. Third person writing style used 10. Fluent writing style used with correct spelling, grammar and punctuation Presentation 11.
Presentation guidelines followed as specified in the Academic Skills Guide 12. Word count within 10% of requirement Referencing 13. In-text referencing guidelines followed as specified in the Academic Skills Guide, and if not covered in the ASG then by the APA convention (6th edition) 14. List of references provided as outlined in the Academic Skills Guide, and if not covered by the ASG then by the APA convention (6th edition) Subtotal: / 15 Total Mark: /100 Weighted Scale: / 50 Grade: Unit Overview 7 Introduction to Psychology Comments: Unit Overview 8 Introduction to Psychology Assignment 2 Assignment Type Weighting Word Count
Week Due Academic Essay 50 2000 11 Choose one of the areas listed below. Identify and critically evaluate the role of internal and external factors in relation to this area. 1. Sensation/Perception – e. g. physical vs. psychological 2. Motivation – e. g. intrinsic vs. extrinsic 3. Intelligence – e. g. nature vs. nurture 4. Learning – e. g. the role of external vs. internal rewards Your essay should include: • A clear articulation of your chosen topic • A discussion of the topic as outlined in the essay descriptions above • An analysis of the topic in light of current literature Unit Overview 9 Introduction to Psychology
Outstanding Very good Good Satisfactory Not Satisfactory Marking Criteria – Academic Essay Content 1. Topic clearly articulated 2. Topic discussed as per essay description provided 3. Topic analysed in light of current literature 4. Evidence of familiarity with relevant literature and theory Structure 5. Appropriate introduction provided that clearly articulates the topic 6. Main ideas clearly and logically presented 7. Appropriate conclusion provided that summarises the key findings/ideas 8. Relevant literature used properly Subtotal: Yes / 85 No Partial Written Expression 9. Third person writing style used 10.
Fluent writing style used with correct spelling, grammar and punctuation Presentation 11. Presentation guidelines followed as specified in the Academic Skills Guide 12. Word count within 10% of requirement Referencing 13. In-text referencing guidelines followed as specified in the Academic Skills Guide, and if not covered in the ASG then by the APA convention (6th edition) 14. List of references provided as outlined in the Academic Skills Guide, and if not covered by the ASG then by the APA convention (6th edition) Subtotal: / 15 Total Mark: /100 Weighted Scale: / 50 Grade: Unit Overview 10 Introduction to Psychology Comments: Unit Overview 1 Introduction to Psychology Assignment support and information Important and valuable information about completing your assignments can be found in the following places: • Academic skills guide – found in the ‘Student Resources’ section of my. acap • Study skills guide – found in the ‘Student Resources’ section of my. acap • the ‘Learning Support’ section of the ‘Current Students’ part of the ACAP website All assignments are to be submitted online through my. acap. You can find more information on the assignment process on the ‘Assessment Information’ section of the ‘Current Students’ part of the ACAP website. Unit Overview 12