Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Psychology: History and Perspectives

• Unit Code

  PSY1111

• Year

  2017

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Eyal GRINGART

---

Description

This unit introduces students to the principles of critical thinking in a psychological context. It will look at the history of psychology and how psychology has developed over time. Students will study the influences of philosophy and physiology on psychology and the different perspectives of psychology, such as Gestalt, Behaviourism, Cognitive and Psychodynamic.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Describe the principles of different perspectives of psychology e.g. structuralism, functionalism, behaviourism, humanistic psychology and cognitive psychology.
2. Discuss how the discipline of psychology is influenced by social, historical, religious and cultural contexts.
3. Discuss the philosophical underpinnings of critical thinking, e.g. logical fallacies and hypothetico deductive reasoning.
4. Use inductive and deductive reasoning in psychology and everyday life; explain the evolution of psychology as a science.

Unit Content

1. Identification and differentiation between scientific and non-scientific evidence.
2. Discussion and coverage of principles of critical thinking, logical fallacies, reasoning and contemporary science.
3. Revision of how psychology has evolved as a science over time.
4. Discussion and revision of various influences, such as cultural, religious and social on the field of psychology.
5. Discussion and explanation of various perspectives in psychology, such as structuralism, behaviourism, gestalt, and cognitive.
6. Principles and practice of critical thinking will be applied to assist students develop an understanding of the scientist-practitioner model to become informed consumers and producers within the science of psychology.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures and e learning.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Core Reading(s)

• Hergenhahn, B. R., & Henley, T. (2014). An introduction to the history of psychology . (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning, Inc.
• Ruscio, J. (2006). Critical thinking in psychology: Separating sense from nonsense . (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Higher Education.

---