Module: Theoretical Issues & Approaches in Psychology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Theoretical Issues & Approaches in Psychology
Module Code	PSY1048 (ITS: PSYC404)
Faculty	Psychology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	20973	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Simon Dunne	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Formal Examination	n/a	100%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Hughes, Brian: 2018, Psychology in Crisis, Macmillan Education UK, 193, 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, 460, 9780521184809
Robert J. Sternberg,Diane F. Halpern: 2020, Critical Thinking in Psychology, Cambridge University Press, 402, 9781108739528

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Website, Psychogenie, 2018, Theoretical perspectives in psychology,

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