Module PPP-1003:
Scientific Writing and Communication 1
Module Facts
Run by School of Human and Behavioural Sciences
10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits
Semester 1
Organiser: Dr Tracey Lloyd
Overall aims and purpose
This module will develop and exercise the core skills required to communicate effectively within science generally, and within psychology specifically. The aim of this module is to develop students' scientific communication skills and to encourage them to feel confident in their ability to disseminate ideas effectively using a variety of mediums and within a psychological community.
Course content
Students will develop a range of transferable communication skills on this module. The module will include the following components:
-
Dissemination of Information (DoI): Students will hear a series of research lectures and will communicate the content of these in writing
-
Writing for Science (WfS): Students will take part in workshops 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 Criteria
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.
-
- Present information about one or more of the major areas of psychology in a logical, informative, and scientifically appropriate manner.
-
- Discuss and evaluate some of the critical and contentious issues currently being debated in the field of psychology.
-
- Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of communication in science.
-
- Demonstrate competent science writing, using format, language, and style appropriate for scientific discourse.
Assessment Methods
Type | Name | Description | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
WFS Essay Assignment | 70.00 | ||
DOI Abstract Assignment | 30.00 |
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Hours | ||
---|---|---|
Lecture | Dissemination of Information lectures plus research talks |
9 |
Workshop | Writing for Science (WfS) small group workshops |
10 |
Private study | Private Study |
81 |
Transferable skills
- Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
- Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
- Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
- Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
- Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
- Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sentistevely with others
- Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
- Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
- Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
- Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
- Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
Subject specific skills
- Understand the scientific underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.
- Apply multiple perspectives to psychological issues and integrate ideas and findings across the multiple perspectives in psychology.
- Communicate psychological concepts effectively in written form.
- Be computer literate for the purpose of processing and disseminating psychological data and information.
- Retrieve and organise information effectively.
- Handle primary source material critically.
- Be sensitive and react appropriately to contextual and interpersonal psychological factors.
- Use effectively personal planning and project management skills.
- Work effectively under pressure (time pressure, limited resources, etc) as independent and pragmatic learners.
- Problem-solve by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions, making critical judgements, and evaluating outcomes.
- Reason scientifically and demonstrate the relationship between theory and evidence.
- Employ evidence-based reasoning and examine practical, theoretical and ethical issues associated with the use of different methodologies, paradigms and methods of analysis in psychology.
Resources
Talis Reading list
http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/ppp-1003.htmlCourses including this module
Compulsory in courses:
- X320: BA Astudiaethau Plentyndod ac Ieuenctid a Seicoleg year 1 (BA/APIS)
- LC31: BA Criminology & Crim Justice & Psychology (with Int Exp) year 1 (BA/CCJPIE)
- MC98: BA Criminology/Psychology year 1 (BA/CRP)
- X319: BA Childhood and Youth Studies and Psychology year 1 (BA/CYP)
- CQ83: BA English Language & Psychology year 1 (BA/ELPSY)
- Q318: BA Eng Lang for Speech & Language Therapy (Subj to Validn) year 1 (BA/ELSLT)
- R181: BA French with Psychology (with International Experience) year 1 (BA/FPIE)
- R2C8: BA German with Psychology year 1 (BA/GPSY)
- CL83: BA Sociology/Psychology year 1 (BA/PS)
- CL84: BA Social Policy/Psychology year 1 (BA/SPP)
- C880: BSC Psych with Cl & Hlth Psych year 1 (BSC/PHS)
- C88B: BSc Psychology w Clin & Health Psy (4yr with Incorp Found) year 1 (BSC/PHS1)
- 8X44: BSc Psychology with Clinical & Health Psychology (Int Exp) year 1 (BSC/PHSIE)
- C88P: BSc Psychology with Clinical & Health Psy with Placement Yr year 1 (BSC/PHSP)
- C804: BSc Psychology (with International Experience) year 1 (BSC/PIE)
- C800: BSC Psychology year 1 (BSC/PS)
- C81B: BSc Psychology (4 year with Incorporated Foundation) year 1 (BSC/PS1)
- C80F: BSc Psychology year 1 (BSC/PSF)
- C80P: BSc Psychology with Placement Year year 1 (BSC/PSP)
- C813: BSc Psychology with Forensic Psychology year 1 (BSC/PSYFP)
- C84B: BSc Psychology with Forensic Psych (4 yr with Incorp Foundn) year 2 (BSC/PSYFP1)
- C81P: BSc Psychology with Forensic Psychology with Placement Year year 1 (BSC/PSYFPP)
- C801: BSC Psychol w Neuropsychol year 1 (BSC/PSYN)
- C83B: BSc Psychology with Neuropsychology (4yr with Incorp Found) year 1 (BSC/PSYN1)
- C809: BSc Psychology with Neuropsy (with International Experience) year 1 (BSC/PSYNIE)
- C84P: BSc Psychology with Neuropsychology with Placement Year year 1 (BSC/PSYNP)
Optional in courses:
- R1C8: BA French with Psychology year 1 (BA/FPSY)
- N5C8: BSc Marketing with Psychology year 1 (BSC/MP)
- C681: BSc Sport & Exercise Psychology w International Experience year 1 (BSC/SEPIE)
- C680: BSc Sport and Exercise Psychology year 1 (BSC/SEXP)
- M1C8: LLB Law with Psychology year 1 (LLB/LPSY)