Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101184

Coordinator Kell Tremayne Opens in new window

Description Psychology is a field of scientific inquiry that uses a set of scientific techniques and methods to explain and understand the causes of behaviour. As a profession, psychology applies its knowledge to practical problems in human behaviour. This unit covers a range of topics in psychology at an introductory level including: the history of psychology, intelligence, social psychology, developmental psychology, Australian Indigenous and cross-cultural psychology, personality, and abnormal psychology.

School Psychology

Discipline Behavioural Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Restrictions

Note that only students enrolled at WSU Online may register in the WSU Online subjects offered at that location.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Use information resources, including the library.
2. Explain the key theoretical concepts and major empirical findings in the domains of psychology covered in the subject: History of psychology, indigenous and cultural psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, intelligence, personality, and abnormal psychology.
3. Identify issues of indigenous and intercultural diversity associated with the study and application of psychology across the different disciplines.
4. Describe the methods used by psychologists in their research, including the importance of a literature review to research and practice, and an evaluation of ethical practice.
5. Apply basic critical thinking and argument formation in a literature review writing task adhering to the APA (American Psychological Association) Publication Guidelines (5th edition), including all stages of literature collation and review within a particular topic, information literacy, and the appropriate technique for referencing material.
6. Identify the influence of individual differences and of environmental context on behaviour.
7. Demonstrate foundational information literacy by navigating information resources, including the library, to collect credible material.
8. Explain the key theoretical concepts and major empirical findings in the domains of psychology covered in the subject.
9. Evaluate psychological approaches to cultural diversity and Australian Indigenous perspectives.
10. Describe the methods used by psychologists in their research, including the importance of a literature review to research and practice, and an evaluation of ethical practice.
11. Apply basic critical thinking and argument formation in a literature review writing task adhering to the current APA (American Psychological Association) Publication Guidelines.
12. Identify the influence of individual differences and of environmental context on behaviour.

Subject Content

- Introduction to psychology and critical thinking/argument in psychology
- Individual Differences and assessment
- Intelligence and Personality
- Developmental Psychology
- social and cultural Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Introduction to the major perspectives in psychology and critical thinking/argument in psychology
- Australian indigenous and cross-cultural Psychology