PS922-15 Issues in Psychological Science
Introductory description
This module covers core psychology and behavioural science content relevant to later modules, including memory, attention, perception, personality and individual differences, choice, and subjective well-being.
Module aims
This module, together with PS923 Methods and Analysis in Behavioural Science, will provide students on the MScs in Behavioural and Economic Science with the psychological background to enable them to understand and critically evaluate material on the additional modules offered by the Psychology Department. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and laboratory-based sessions, the students will learn about both models and data in the relevant areas of psychology (see list of lecture topics). They will also learn basic MATLAB programming and model implementation.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Introduction
Economics and Happinesss
Subjective well-being
Personality and individual differences
Models of Context Effects
Modelling with MATLAB
Attention
Memory
Agent-based Models and Polarisation
Income Inequality
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Understanding of the history of, and different methodological approaches within, psychology as relevant to Behavioural Science
- Ability to identify key areas where approaches from behavioural science either have been, or potentially can be, applied to real-world problems
- Understanding of how MATLAB can be used to build simple cognitive models
Indicative reading list
Ariely, D. (2009). Predictably irrational: The hidden forces that shape our decisions. Harper Collins.
Hertwig, R., & Ortmann, A. (2001). Experimental practices in economics: A methodological challenge for psychologists? Behavioural and Brain Sciences, 24, 383-451.
Wilkinson, R., & Pickett, K. (2009). The spirit level: Why more equal societies almost always do better. Allen Lane.
Rosenbaum, D. A., Vaughan, J., & Wyble, B. (2014). MATLAB for Behavioural Scientists. Hillsdale, NJ: LEA.
Additional journal articles will be required reading for each lecture.
Subject specific skills
- Implementation of simple cognitive models in MATLAB programming language.
- Understanding of differences between approaches to both theory and experimentation in economics and psychology.
- Understanding of core concepts in memory, attention, perception, and social and evolutionary psychology.
Transferable skills
- Critical evaluation
- programming skills
- effective personal planning skills
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 8 sessions of 2 hours (11%) |
| Seminars | 2 sessions of 1 hour (1%) |
| Practical classes | 3 sessions of 1 hour (2%) |
| Other activity | 3 hours (2%) |
| Private study | 126 hours (84%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
self-directed study related to seminar preparation, case studies and background reading, and assignment preparation.
Other activity description
Lecture
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test 1 | 11% | No | |
| Modelling Assignment | 67% | Yes (extension) | |
|
MATLAB assignment |
|||
| Test 2 | 11% | No | |
| Test 3 | 11% | No | |
Feedback on assessment
Formative feedback: during practical sessions/lab follow-up sessions and seminars.\r\nSummative feedback: written feedback and comments on MATLAB assignments; class tests.\r\n
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of TPSS-C803 Postgraduate Taught Behavioural and Data Science
-
TPSS-C8P7 Postgraduate Taught Behavioural and Economic Science (Science Track)
- Year 1 of C8P7 Behavioural and Economic Science (Science Track)
- Year 1 of C8P7 Behavioural and Economic Science (Science Track)
- Year 1 of TECS-C8P8 Postgraduate Taught Behavioural and Economics Science (Economics Track)