Introduction to Psychology

Discuss the changing definitions of psychology over time.

Explore the aims and scope of the study of psychology, including consideration of the changing definitions of psychology over time. Explore a range of different areas of interest in psychological study (e.g., developmental, social, perception, individual difference etc).

Explain a range of different areas of interest in psychological study.

For example, developmental, social, perception, individual difference etc.

Explain the key concepts and terminology used in the study of psychology.

Research key concepts and terminology used in the study of psychology (e.g., Perspective, Model, Nature/Nurture debate, Qualitative/quantitative, Empirical). For example, Perspective, Model, Nature/nurture debate, Qualitative/quantitative, Empirical.

Compare and contrast the key principles of the main theoretical approaches to psychology.

Explain and contrast the key principles of the main theoretical approaches to psychology (e.g., Psychodynamic, Behaviourist, Biological, Cognitive and Humanist). Exploration and analysis of a variety of research examples to illustrate and evaluate the ‘integrative approach” to psychology. Including Psychodynamic, Behaviourist, Biological, Cognitive and Humanist.

Use a research example to evaluate the ‘integrative approach” to psychology.

Explain the essential features of qualitative and quantitative research methods, using examples.

Introduction to the essential features of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Appropriate use and application of different methods. Explore how to evaluate research methods.

Analyse the application of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Evaluate the effectiveness of each of these research methods.