Explore UCD

UCD Home >

PSY10090

Academic Year 2024/2025

Introduction to Applied Psychology (PSY10090)

Subject:
Psychology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Psychology
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Hugh Fulham-McQuillan
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The aim of this module is to provide students with an introduction to applied psychology by examining how psychology has used research to examine socially significant issues. A range of topics will be considered, for example video games and aggression, cheating in sport, bullying, self-esteem, mental health, wellbeing, and dementia. The module will also use these topics to examine quantitative and qualitative research methods, and a key focus of the module is on supporting students to be confident consumers of research in journals and the popular media. Students should note that this module will include formal lectures, in-class small group workshops and a high level of participation is expected.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
- Describe and evaluate the application of psychological knowledge to specific issues.
- Identify the strengths and limitations of research in applied psychology.
- Critique research as it is presented in the popular media.

Indicative Module Content:

Video games and aggression - Quantitative research methods
Cheating in Sport - Qualitative research methods
Self-esteem/Bullying - Data collection techniques
Mental Health & Wellbeing - Ethical Issues in Research

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

18
Small Group

2
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

65
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module includes a number of approaches:
- The main method of delivery is lectures but these are interactive with questions used to engage the class
- Active learning - Students are encouraged to engage with relevant topic material in the popular media (Youtube videos, media reports, podcasts) and the bring their recommendations to the group
- Peer and group work - this module has a group work component where regular activities in class and outside class lead up to the completion of a formal group based assignment using peer and self evaluation as part of the assessment.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PSY10030 - History of Psychology


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Group Work Assignment: Group work focused on critically evaluating published research, which includes tasks supporting group development. Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, Week 7 Graded No
20
 Yes
Reflective Assignment: Individual reflection on the experience of and learning from the group task. Includes self and peer assessment of engagement in the task. Week 8 Graded No
20
 Yes
Individual Project: Individual critical evaluation of a published study and a media report of the study. Week 14 Graded No
60
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback on Mid-semester assignment only: The individual reflection element of the assignment includes a self and peer evaluation element which influences individuals grades. Qualitative group feedback is delivered in class based on broad patterns of performance in Week 9 to allow for students to consider the implications for the final assignment. Individual feedback (grade and qualitative feedback) is returned via Brightspace following this.

Name Role
Professor Suzanne Guerin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 33 Fri 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 13:00 - 13:50
Print this page
Fill in the following details:
Enter the body of your query here.

From time to time UCD would like to send you further information that we feel, based on your enquiry, would be of interest to you.