Foundations of Psychological Research

This unit introduces students to the different branches of psychology that they will explore throughout their degree. The evolution of each branch will be introduced by examining key historical texts and evaluating their legacy in today’s society and psychological practice, with consideration for how they have informed our current understanding of human behaviour and mental processes. Students will also be introduced to Cultural Psychology, with a focus on Indigenous Psychology to begin to understand and think about how cultural issues apply to the legacy studies in psychology. Students will also be introduced to academic writing and they will have the opportunity to develop their skills in searching and reading research papers, summarising and synthesising information and working collaboratively in a group environment. They will gain experience in presenting information succinctly and professionally in both oral and written modalities.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Locate relevant psychology academic studies and other material through online search and use these studies in preparing essays and presentations;
2. Collaborate to present evidence-based and relevant material about a key historical psychological study and its legacy;
3. Evaluate how psychologists design studies to explore particular questions;
4. Review key studies that have shaped both the discipline and profession of psychology and discuss how they have impacted subsequent developments in understanding human behaviour; and
5. Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement in academic texts and understanding of principles of academic integrity.