Overview

You will learn about the origins of psychology as its own dedicated field, including the philosophical and medical questions that led us to where we are today. You will then explore and pull apart several historical approaches in psychology that shaped the field in its earliest days, such as Freudian psychology, and then to transition to the more modern face.

Following this you will learn about the approaches to defining what science is, and whether psychology fits in these descriptions, including a look at pseudoscience. An exploration of ethics will then transition into common problems in the field such as reproducibility in research.

The module will cover the following topics:

• The creation of Psychology as a dedicated field
• The role of several key individuals in the creation of the field, alongside the creation of key historical approaches
• Structuralism, Functionalism, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, Behavioural, and Humanistic approaches
• Modern approaches; Biological, Cognitive, Social, Clinical, Forensic
• Historical development of what a science is
• Science vs Pseudoscience
• Psychology as a science
• Ethics and psychology
• Replicability and scientific integrity

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (40%-49% / D- to D+) Has shown knowledge of key areas and principles but there is a weakness in understanding the subject area. Work shows limited evidence of background study and research. Answer is only poorly focussed on question and with some irrelevant material and poor structure. Some arguments are presented but lack coherence.

Satisfactory (50%–59% / C- to C+) Has shown knowledge of the key areas and principles and the main elements of the subject area are understood. Work shows limited evidence of background study and research. Answer is focussed on question but also with some irrelevant material and weakness in structure. Arguments are presented but lack coherence. 

Good (60%-69% / B- to B+) Has shown a strong knowledge and understands most of the subject area. Work shows evidence of background study and research. Answer is focussed, has a good structure, and contains coherent arguments.

Excellent (70%-100%/ A- to A*) Has shown a comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding of the subject area. Work shows extensive background study and research. Answer is highly focussed, well-structured and contains logically presented and defended arguments. 

Learning Outcomes

• Debate the demarcation between science and pseudoscience

• Discuss the historical developments and progression in the field of Psychology

• Explain the importance of ethical standards and issues in Psychology