Year
2024Credit points
10Campus offering
Prerequisites
Nil
Unit rationale, description and aim
This unit introduces the discipline of psychology by exploring the link between psychological research and the professional practice of psychology, otherwise known as the scientist-practitioner model. Both research and practice in psychology are introduced by exploring the history of psychology and current trends. The research methodology that underpins psychology as science is explored as well as an introduction to the biological basis of behaviour. The unit also delves into the ethical codes of conduct that apply to psychological practice and research and examines the factors that need to be considered when working with different cultural groups and diverse populations. Finally, this unit provides an introduction to effective communication skills in practice. The aim of this unit is to provide students with foundational knowledge of psychology as a science and practice, principles that guide ethical research and practice, including when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and interpersonal skills.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
| Learning Outcome Number | Learning Outcome Description | Relevant Graduate Capabilities |
|---|---|---|
| LO1 | Discuss the unifying themes, organisation and history of psychology as a science and applied discipline | GC1, GC3, GC9 |
| LO2 | Explain the nexus between research and practice in psychology (i.e., the scientist-practitioner model) | GC1, GC2, GC3, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC11 |
| LO3 | Explain the role of the central and peripheral nervous systems and the endocrine system in human behaviour and mental processes | GC1, GC3, GC9 |
| LO4 | Describe the appropriate ethical principles that need to be applied during the research enterprise and in the practice of psychology | GC1, GC2, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC11 |
| LO5 | Explain the factors that need to be considered when working or researching with different cultural groups and diverse populations, with a particular focus on working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People | GC1, GC2, GC5, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC11 |
| LO6 | Relate the role of interpersonal skills in the therapy process to the core characteristics of a practicing psychologist and counsellor | GC1, GC2, GC4, GC7, GC9, GC11 |
Content
Topics will include:
- Overview of psychology: The unifying themes, major theoretical approaches and research areas within Psychology. Areas of practice within psychology. Legislation relevant to psychological practice in Australia.
- The history of psychology, both early and modern, and how this has shaped current research and practice in psychology.
- An introduction to research in psychology
- Biological bases of behaviour: The neuron, the nervous system, brain structures and functions, the endocrine system, nature versus nurture debate
- Ethics in psychology: Ethical issues in practice and research (Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and the Ethical Guidelines of the Australian National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and psychology. Historical and cultural contexts as social determinants of health and wellbeing. Ethical considerations when conducting research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Culture and diversity issues in psychology: Dimensions of culture that influence human behaviour and thought, considerations when applying skills and knowledge to diverse populations and when conducting research with diverse populations
- An introduction to therapeutic practice: Interpersonal communication and basic counselling skills
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Teaching and learning strategies utilised in this unit will support students in meeting the aims and achieving the learning outcomes relevant to this unit as well as to the broader course learning outcomes. This unit uses an active learning approach to support students in the exploration of knowledge essential to the discipline, and opportunities to practice and apply their learning in situations similar to their future professions. Students are provided with choice and variety in how they learn. Students are encouraged to contribute to asynchronous discussions, interact with peers through these discussion forums, and engage with online modules and readings via the online learning platform. Activities encourage students to bring their own examples to demonstrate understanding and application, and to engage constructively with their peers. Collaboration with peers in the online environment will support students in considering, discussing and debating the content of the unit. These learning and teaching strategies assist students in developing their knowledge and application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation of that knowledge in the discipline of psychology. Students will receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress.
Assessment strategy and rationale
In order to successfully complete this unit, students must complete and submit all of the assessment tasks. In addition to this, students must obtain an aggregate mark of at least 50% to pass the unit.
The assessment tasks have been designed to allow students to demonstrate the achievement of the learning outcomes of the unit and develop the associated graduate attributes. There are three components involved in assessment of the unit. First, weekly quizzes allow students to demonstrate their understanding and application of the concepts covered in the unit and to receive feedback on their understanding and ability to apply concepts. Second, a case study analysis requires students to demonstrate their understanding of the discipline of psychology and the associated ethical principles and the factors that must be considered when working with different cultural groups and diverse populations. The final exam allows students to demonstrate their understanding, consolidation and application of the content covered in the unit.
Overview of assessments
| Brief Description of Kind and Purpose of Assessment Tasks | Weighting | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
Assessment Task 1 - Quizzes Quizzes will assess student engagement with the content throughout the term, and provide the opportunity for students to get early and detailed feedback on their understanding of, and ability to apply the concepts covered in the unit. | 30% | LO1, LO2, LO3 |
Assessment Task 2 - Case Study Analysis In this assignment students will explain the ethics and different factors to be considered when working with diverse populations and different cultural groups and identify relevant interpersonal skills. | 30% | LO2, LO4, LO5, LO6 |
Assessment Task 3 - Exam The exam provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate understanding, consolidation and application of the content covered in the unit. | 40% | LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6 |
Representative texts and references
Bernstein, D.A., Pooley, J.A., Cohen, L., Provost, S., & Cranney, J. (2021). Psychology: An international discipline in context (3rd Australian & New Zealand ed.). Wadsworth.
Burton, L., Westen, D., & Kowalski, R. (2023). Psychology (6th Australian & New Zealand ed.). Wiley.
Corey, G. (2020). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Dudgeon, P., Milroy, H, & Walker, R. (Eds). (2014). Working together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing principles and practice (2nd ed.). https://www.telethonkids.org.au/globalassets/media/documents/aboriginal-health/working-together-second-edition/working-together-aboriginal-and-wellbeing-2014.pdf
Geldard, D. & Geldard, K. (2021). Basic personal counselling: A training manual for counsellors (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Kaufmann, L., & Findlay, B. (2021). How to write psychology research reports and assignments (9th ed.). Pearson Australia.
O’Shea, R. P., & Mackenzie, W. A. (2021). Writing for psychology (7th ed.). Cengage Learning.