Module: Theoretical Issues & Approaches in Psychology

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Theoretical Issues & Approaches in Psychology
Module Code	PSYC404 (ITS) / PSY1048 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Psychology
Module Co-ordinator	Simon Dunne
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination

Description

The aim of this module is to provide an advanced and in-depth coverage of key issues, methods and approaches in Psychology. Beginning the semester with an overview of fundamental and philosophical assumptions underpinning contemporary psychology, each lecture thereafter will deal with a particular area of Psychology. Empirical research and theoretical frameworks will be presented as part of a critical review of each area of interest; and each lecture will close with a critical appraisal of current psychological thinking on the issue.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe and outline the theoretical issue(s) for chosen topics
2. Identify and summarise confirming and disconfirming empirical evidence of key arguments for chosen topics
3. Critically evaluate empirical confirming and disconfirming evidence of key arguments for chosen topics

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	22	11 x 2-hour Lectures (interactive)
Independent Study	103	No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Theoretical issues and approaches in psychology: Historical development and current thinking

Methods of theoretical psychology

Indicative topics of enquiry (subject to change):
The nature of science and scientific investigation; Contemporary perspectives on individual differences; Key perspectives on lifespan development; Biological basis of cognition and behaviour; Social determinants of behaviour; Applied behaviour analysis, psychology and ethics

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	0%	Examination Weight	100%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Hughes, Brian: 2018, Psychology in Crisis, Macmillan Education UK, 1352003007
Hughes, Brian: 2016, Rethinking Psychology: Good science, bad science, pseudoscience, 9781137303943
Marc Brysbaert and Kathy Rastle: 2013, Historical and Conceptual Issues in Psychology, 2nd, Pearson, 9780273743675
Bem, Sasha and Looren de Jong, Huib: 2013, Theoretical issues in psychology, 3rd, Thousand Oaks; Sage Publications, 9780857029782
Jarvis, M: 2006, Theoretical Approaches in Psychology, Taylor & Francis, London, 9780203976241
Kukla, A.: 2001, Methods of Theoretical Psychology, MIT Press, Cambridge,
Zero Books: 0, Psychology and Capitalism, 9781782796541
Liss, M., Richmond, K., Erchull, M.J.: 0, Psychology of Women & Gender, 9780393667134
Sloan, T.: 2000, Critical Psychology: Voices for change, 9780333794531
Martin Farrell: 2014, Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Psychology, Cambridge University Press, 9780521184809
Robert J. Sternberg,Diane F. Halpern: 2020, Critical Thinking in Psychology, Cambridge University Press, 9781108739528

Other Resources

55246, Website, Psychogenie, 2018, Theoretical perspectives in psychology, https://psychologenie.com/theoretical-perspectives-of-psychology,

Key readings will be supplemented by core module materials such as journal articles and on-line resources.