Overview

This is the first in a series of skills modules designed to help you write and communicate within the scientific discipline of Psychology. In order to write well, you also need to be able to think critically, summarise research presented to you and write in the style accepted for Psychology publications (The American Psychological Association, APA). Students will develop a range of transferable skills on this module, along with more generic study and assessment skills to help you throughout your university career, such as APA referencing and citations. The module comprises a lecture and workshop series where you can apply the information we teach you to practical tasks, formative assessment and preparation for formally assessed tasks.

Students will develop a range of transferable communication skills on this module. The module will include the following components:

Hearing about ongoing and active research in the school and learning how to summarise that for both a professional, and a lay person, audience

Working with peers in workshops to build on their university skills for success and to develop their science writing across a range of skills.

A typical curriculum will include workshops and lectures on: APA writing style, writing succinctly, writing clearly, APA referencing and citations and critical thinking skills.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D+ to D- - A basic knowledge and understanding of topic areas presented. - A description of research presented, with some sections covered clearly. - Some structural issues and only some of the relevant information within the field covered. - Little demonstration of some independent research from academic sources outside of lectures and recommended readings. - Few logically presented and factually correct arguments, mostly undefended by sound scientific evidence - Little original interpretation applied to problems, with few synthesis and critical thinking skills shown. - Weak presentation of material, with little adherence to APA standards and lack of clear communication of scientific content.

-good -B+ to B- - A good knowledge and understanding of topic areas presented. - A scientific description of research presented, with most sections covered clearly and succinctly - Well-structured and mostly relevant coverage of the current field. - A demonstration of some independent research from academic sources outside of lectures and recommended readings. - Mostly logically presented and factually correct arguments, often defended by sound scientific evidence - Some original interpretation applied to problems, with good synthesis and critical thinking skills shown. - Good presentation of material, mostly adhering to APA standards and communicating scientific content well. C+ to C- range answers will reflect the same criteria but to a somewhat lower standard.

-excellent -A** to A- - A comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding of topic areas presented. - A highly scientific description of research presented, with all sections covered clearly and succinctly. Well-structured and highly relevant coverage of the current field. - A clear demonstration of independent research from academic sources outside of lectures and recommended readings. - Logically presented and factually correct arguments, defended by sound scientific evidence - Original interpretation applied to problems, with excellent synthesis and critical thinking skills shown. - Excellent presentation of material, fully adhering to APA standards and clearly communicating scientific content.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a clear understanding and/or application of the APA formatting rules and scientific writing style and conventions.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of communication in science.

• Demonstrate competent science writing, using format, language, and style appropriate for scientific discourse.

• Discuss and evaluate some of the critical and contentious issues currently being debated in the field of psychology.

• Present information about one or more of the major areas of psychology in a logical, informative, and scientifically appropriate manner.