Unit details
HPS121 - Introduction to Psychology B
| Offered at: | (B, G, W, X) |
|---|---|
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| Offerings: | Trimester 1 (X), Trimester 2 (B, G, W, X), Trimester 3 (X) (2011-2012) |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit chair: | B Wilkie (B) |
| Contact hours: | 3 hours (1 x 2 hour lecture, 1 x 1 hour practical or equivalent) per week |
| Note: Online teaching methods require internet access. Please refer to the most current computer specifications. | |
Content
The central theme of this unit relates to how individuals develop and manifest the 'higher order' characteristics that allow the 'human animal' to function in a complex and ever-changing world. We begin by looking at how we - as both biological and social beings - develop throughout the life span and we explore the complex interaction between biological and environmental influences.
The unit also presents a brief module covering the basic concepts of statistical reasoning as a foundation for further study in psychology. The fundamentals of descriptive and inferential statistics are outlined in order to give students a clear understanding of the context of their use as well as basic skills in simple statistical calculation and interpretation.
We then focus more specifically on the theories and empirical research associated with understanding how and why we each develop the particular combination of psychological traits that make up our own individual personalities. This is followed by an overview of the nature and causes of distortions in personality (i.e. psychological disorders). The contributions that the various theoretical perspectives make towards delivering treatments for psychological disorders is presented and evaluated. Subsequently, interpersonal behaviour is examined from the perspectives of the individual and the group. The origins and impact of factors such as attitudes, beliefs, conformity, independence, prejudice and discrimination and social influence are considered. The most appropriate and informative research programs that have been (or could be) implemented to investigate these issues are discussed throughout. We then review various aspects of positive psychology. These include the history and future of positive psychology.
Although HPS121 is designed to build upon the themes covered in HPS111, the unit has been constructed so that students may do the two units in either order, or do either unit on its own.
Assessment
Examination (2.5 hours) 60%, written assignment and other work 40%
Prescribed texts
Gazzaniga, M., Heatherton, T., & Halpern, D. (2009). Psychological Science (3rd ed.). New York: Norton & Co.
Lewandowski, G. W. (2009). Psychological Science: Study Guide (3rd ed.) New York: Norton & Co
Burton, L. (2009). An interactive approach to writing essays and research reports in Psychology (3rd ed.). Milton Qld: Wily & Sons.
*Please note that the prescribed texts are available in package form from campus bookshops. The same package is used in HPS111.
Unit Fee Information
| Student Contribution Rate* | Student Contribution Rate** | Student Contribution Rate*** | Fee rate - Domestic Students | Fee rate - International students |
| $680 | $680 | $680 | $2421 | $2610 |
* Student contribution rate for Commonwealth Supported students who commenced studies from 2010
** Student contribution rate for Commonwealth Supported students who commenced studies from 2009
*** Student contribution rate for Commonwealth Supported students who commenced studies from 2008
**** Fee rate for students who commenced studies from 2005
***** Fee rate for students who commenced studies from 2006
Please note: Unit fees listed do not apply to Deakin Prime students.
