PSY103 Introduction to Psychological Enquiry (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Psychology (PSYCH)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject provides an introduction to the methods employed by psychologists to find answers to problems involving human behaviour. Students are introduced to different ideas about the nature of psychological knowledge, and to the main techniques for gathering data in both the qualitative and quantitative modes. The subject also provides an introduction to critical thinking and communication skills that are central to psychological practice.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Internal | Bathurst | Session 2 |
| Distance * | Bathurst |
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: PSY103
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of epistemological standpoints and methods that are commonly used by psychologists
- be aware of the contexts in which each of these methodologies are appropriate
- demonstrate an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches
- demonstrate understanding and application of critical thinking skills
- be aware of the ethical issues involved in collecting data from human beings
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- Psychology as a science and the nature of psychological knowledge: positivist and non-positivist approaches
- Introduction to a range of data collection techniques: interviews with individuals and groups, observations, questionnaires, case studies, the use of documents, experiments and quasi-experiments
- Cultural context of psychological research
- Subjectivity as a focus of research
- Introduction to psychometrics: reliability, validity, standardisation
- Ethical issues involved in gathering different types of data
- Principles of critical thinking
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.