Syllabus for Psychology B

Learning outcomes

Sub-course 1: Research methods, 7.5 credit points After completing the sub-course the student should at a basic level be able to: · evaluate merits and shortcomings in both experimental and non-experimental research methods, · determine which research method that has been used in a study and be able to critically evaluate the study conclusions · choose among different parametric and non-parametric methods for statistical analysis and then carry out a statistical analysis · apply a statistical program for basic statistical analyses · apply basic scientific theoretical concepts to the knowledge base within the field of psychology. Sub-course 2: Biological psychology, 7.5 credit points After completing the sub-course, the student should at a basic level be able to: · account for theories and findings regarding brain development from an evolutionary perspective · account for the subdivision of the nervous system and, based on a skeleton map of the brain, be able to locate important parts of the brain and state their names · explain, by means of drawings and words, both the structure and function of individual neurons, and how neurons communicate with other neurons at synapses and by means of neurotransmitters · explain in what way areas and structures in the brain are involved in motor, perceptual, cognitive, language, learning, motivational and emotional processes and behaviours, · summarise theories and facts about biological rhythms, sleep, wakefulness and consciousness, · in chronological order describe the main features of brain development from the embryonic period to the teenage period · explain why different methods of measurement (e.g. PET, EEC, ERP) are used within brain research, · be able to give examples of arguments and findings in the quest for gender differences. Sub-course 3: Perception, 7.5 credit points After completing the sub-course, the student should at a basic level be able to: · be able to give a general account for central theories and problems within perception psychology, · be able to give a general account for the development of and the neurological background to human perceptual functions, · be able to plan, carry out, and in speech and in writing present an experimental study. Sub-course 4: Social psychology, 7.5 credit points On completion of the course, the student at the basic level is expected to be able to: · account for phenomena that are investigated within experimental social psychology · account for theories within experimental social psychology · define and illustrate concepts within experimental social psychology · apply concepts within experimental social psychology to everyday phenomena · design an experimental study of a socio-psychological phenomenon · design a correlational study of a socio-psychological phenomenon · apply the conversational skill active listening.

Content

The aim of the course is to provide knowledge in research methodology relevant to psychology as well as an overview of some of the central subject areas of the psychology such as biological psychology, perception and social psychology. The course constitutes a broadening of the knowledge that has been acquired during Psychology A or the equivalent education. Sub-course 1: Research methods The sub-course contains three principle parts: methods, statistics, and scientific theory. In the sub-course, research methods within general psychology are introduced as is the employment of statistical methods, e.g., analysis of variance and regression analysis. In this section, laboratory sessions and assisted problem solving are included. The sub-course also gives a short presentation of theory of science in order to place the teachings of methods and statistics in a scientific, meaningful context. Sub-course 2: Biological psychology The sub-course should provide basic biological knowledge related to normal motor, perceptual, cognitive, language, motivational and emotional processes and behaviours. The sub-course should also illustrate deviations and disorders using examples. The contents of the sub-course consist of facts and theories about the human brain, its structure and development. One part of the course consists of the basic structures in the brain and nervous systems and the basic units that these consist of, primarily in terms of neurons with related neurotransmitters. The other part concerns the relation between these structures and basic units on the one hand and psychological phenomena on the other. The brains relation to perception, motor function, memory, learning, feelings, language, sleep, consciousness, differences between people etc. as well as brain development from an evolutionary and ontogenetical perspective, forms the basis for the other part of the course content. Sub-course 3: Perception The sub-course is divided into two parts, a subject-theoretical part (6 credit points) and a laboratory session (1.5 credit points). The sub-course contains central theories, methods and research findings within perception psychology. The neurological basis of perception and perceptual development is also covered. The laboratory session consists of the implementation of a smaller experimental study of some issue related to the perceptional psychological research field. The laboratory session includes planning, data collection and analysing results, as well as presenting the study both in speech and in writing Sub-course 4: Social psychology The course is divided in two parts, the first concerns socio-psychological theory and research (6 credit points) and the second consists of proficiency training in communication technique (1.5 credit points).

Instruction

The teaching consists of lessons, seminars, group exercises, laboratory sessions and assisted problem solving.

Assessment

The course is examined using a written examination and in terms of written and oral reports in conjunction with group exercises and laboratory sessions. Examination is also arranged through participation in compulsory group exercises, proficiency exercises, seminars and laboratory sessions. Furthermore, to pass the course, participation in two psychological experiments/studies is required. For examination, the grading system used is failed, passed, and passed with distinction. To receive the grade passed with distinction on each sub-course, the grade passed with distinction is required on the written examination in addition to the grade passed on other parts on the sub-course. To receive the grade passed with distinction on whole course, the grade passed with distinction is required on three of the following four parts: Research methods I (7.5 credit points), Biological psychology I (7.5 credit points), Perception psychology I (6 credit points) and Social psychology I (6 credit points). Upon request from the student, this supplemental information is presented on a certificate.

Other directives

Requirement of compulsory attendance is evident from the course syllabus, schedule, or other information before the course or each sub-course. The course can also be included in the Behavioural science Bachelor programme.