The Australian National University Undergraduate Handbook 1999

Psychology

J.C. Turner, BA Sussex, PhD Bristol FASSA
Professor and Head of Division

Introduction

Psychology courses are offered by the Division of Psychology in the School of Life Sciences. The subject may be studied either as a single unit, designed to give some insight into the scientific study of human behaviour, or as a major field of concentration in either an arts or science degree. The first-year unit is largely an introduction to the broad areas of psychological research, the types of problems studied, and the methods employed. However, a good deal of substantive information is included about such subjects as motivation, perceiving, learning, remembering, thinking, individual differences, social psychology and personality. Later-year units treat more specialised subject matter and offer training in more advanced techniques. Laboratory and practical work are a normal part of units in psychology and attendance at practical classes is compulsory.

While there is no formal mathematics prerequisite for psychology courses, students should be aware that all courses require simple algebra and the use of a calculator. Students who feel they lack the appropriate skills should consider undertaking a mathematics bridging course prior to enrolment, or during their first year.

A student with leanings towards the biological sciences will ordinarily take psychology within a course for the degree of Bachelor of Science. One whose interests are inclined to the social sciences may pursue the course for the degree of Bachelor of Arts. A student undertaking Psychology as part of an Arts degree would normally undertake PSYC1001, 16 credit points of B level Psychology units and 16 credit points of C level Psychology units. For additional information and specific advice, the student should consult either the Faculty Office or the Undergraduate Adviser of the Division.

A pass degree in psychology provides adequate acquaintance with the field for a non-specialist. An honours degree or fourth-year diploma provides additional training in research and substantive psychological skills. This is essential for admission to associate membership in the Australian Psychological Society, for registration as a psychologist in the ACT, and for enrolment in most graduate degree programs. Qualification for the independent practice of psychology, or employment in academic and medical institutions typically requires graduate study leading to a degree of Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy, or Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology).

The Pass Degree

Students intending to specialise in psychology are advised to combine this with studies in related fields. These might include — mathematics, zoology, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, linguistics, or computer science.

All second-year units are open to students who have satisfactorily completed PSYC1001. Third-year units have specific prerequisites appropriate to the particular unit.

Detailed syllabi and lists of prescribed books may be obtained from the Division of Psychology.

Assessment: A wide variety of methods of assessment are used in undergraduate units offered by this Division. In all these units, the most appropriate methods for each unit will be discussed with students during the first week of lectures. It is departmental policy that the assessment for any undergraduate unit will require pass-level performance on some supervised form of assessment and that this will constitute at least 40% of the whole assessment (of which a component accounting for at least 20% must be passed in order for an overall pass in the unit to be awarded). All undergraduate psychology units comprise three lectures and up to three hours laboratory work a week. Attendance at laboratories is regarded as compulsory and a student who attends less than 80% of scheduled laboratory classes may be failed in the unit.

All examination scripts will be retained for 12 months, and students may discuss these with the course controller, if they wish to do so.

Introduction to Psychology PSYC1001

(Psychology A01) (12cp) Group A

Full Year
Three lectures and 2 hours of laboratory work per week

Coordinator: Dr Haslam

Syllabus: The course is organized around six sub-units which provide a range of perspectives on the biological, cognitive and social bases of behaviour. Lectures and laboratory classes cover topics in biological, cognitive, developmental, personality, social and organizational psychology. They also provide introductions to the history of psychology and research methodology.

Assessment: To be arranged in consultation with students, but consisting of an invigilated component or components accounting for at least 40% of the overall assessment package (of which a component accounting for at least 20% must be passed in order for an overall pass in the unit to be awarded), together with some combination of laboratory reports, essays and other formal assignments.

Social Psychology PSYC2001

(Psychology B01) (8cp) Group B

First semester
Three lectures and a three hour laboratory per week

Coordinator: Dr Oakes

Prerequisite: PSYC1001

Syllabus: Survey of basic concepts, empirical research topics and theoretical progress within social psychology, eg social influences on perception and memory, attitudes, attitude change, and the relationship between attitudes and behaviour, conformity and obedience to authority, cooperation and competition, group behaviour, prejudice and social stereotyping. Laboratory classes will include both practical and theoretical consideration of method in social psychology.

Assessment: To be arranged in consultation with students, but consisting of an invigilated component or components accounting for at least 40% of the overall assessment package (of which a component accounting for at least 20% must be passed in order for an overall pass in the unit to be awarded), together with some combination of laboratory reports, essays and other formal assignments.

Developmental Psychology PSYC2002

(Psychology B02) (8cp) Group B

Second semester
Three lectures and a three hour laboratory per week

Coordinator: Dr Sanderson

Prerequisite: PSYC1001

Syllabus: This course will focus on the qualitative and quantitative changes that occur during psychological development between birth and adolescence. Topics will include the theoretical frameworks and methodologies of developmental psychology, and the areas of perceptual, language, cognitive, moral, emotional, and social development. Special emphasis will be given to risk factors that predict later maladaptive behaviours.

Biological Basis of Behaviour PSYC2007

(Psychology B07) (8cp) Group B

First semester
Three lectures and a three hour laboratory per week

Coordinator: Dr Brinkman

Prerequisite: PSYC1001 or 36 Group A Science credit points

Syllabus: An introduction to neuroscience and the physiological processes underlying behaviour. Topics to be covered will include: general organisation, evolution and development of the central nervous system; nerves and nerve cells; impulse generation and propagation; muscle contraction; organisation of the sensory systems: vision, hearing and somesthesia; the control of movement; organisation and function of the cerebral cortex; higher cortical functions. While basic physiological principles will form part of the material to be presented, the emphasis will be on the relation between central nervous system function and behaviour.

Cognitive Processes PSYC2008

(Psychology B08) (8cp) Group B

Second semester
Three lectures and a three hour laboratory per week

Coordinator: Dr McKone

Prerequisite: PSYC1001

Syllabus: An introduction to the basic processes involved in our ability to form internal representation of our surroundings. The topic areas include sensory mechanisms, attention, object and pattern recognition, language and memory. Questions addressed include: Is what we see a direct copy of the world? How much of our cognitive processing is conscious? Are there limits on our processing capacity? What can go wrong in cognitive processing? How do we read? Why do we need a short-term memory? How accurate is our memory — do we remember events that never happened? What determines how much we remember? Laboratories form an integral part of the course, and provide students with practical experience of the experimental methods cognitive psychologists employ to investigate these questions.

Quantitative Methods in Psychology PSYC2009

(Psychology B09) (8cp) Group B

First semester
Three lectures and a three hour laboratory per week

Coordinator: Dr Smithson

Prerequisite: PSYC1001

Syllabus: An introduction to selected quantitative techniques used in psychological research and practice, such as applications of statistical techniques in the design and analysis of experiments and surveys, and construction and applications of techniques of psychological measurement in experiments and surveys.

This unit is considered by the division as required preparation for fourth year, and may present difficulties for students who do not have a quantitative background.

Note: All Psychology C units except PSYC3017 and PSYC3018 require two of PSYC2001, PSYC2002, PSYC2007 or PSYC2008 as prerequisites, so that PSYC2009 cannot be taken as part of a single Arts major in psychology. PSYC2009 (or its equivalent, eg STAT2001; STAT1003 and STAT1004) is a prerequisite for PSYC3017 and PSYC3018. Other backgrounds will be considered on individual merit.

Recommended reading

Pagano, R.R., Understanding Statistics in the Behavioural Sciences, 5th edition New York: WEST, 1998.
Smithson, M., Learning Statistics with Confidence, 1999.
Lockhart, R.S., Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis for the Behavioural Sciences, New York: W.H. Freeman & Co. 1998.

Intelligence and Psychological Testing PSYC3001

(Psychology C01) (8cp) Group C

First semester
Three lectures and a three hour laboratory per week

Coordinator: Dr Chen

Prerequisite: PSYC2009 (or equivalent) and one of PSYC2001, 2002, 2007 or 2008

Syllabus: This course will focus on individual differences in intelligence. Psychological testing will be the selected tool for us to understand how people differ in intelligence. The topic areas will include: psychometrics — concepts of testing such as the nature of tests, norms, reliability and validity and the construction of intelligence tests; definition and measurement of intelligence — inquiring into the structure of intelligence, implicit and explicit theories of intelligence, psychometric and information-processing approaches; and characteristics of IQ — distribution of IQ, age changes and the nature-nurture question, the genetic and environmental influence on the development of intelligence.

Advanced Social Psychology PSYC3002

(Psychology C02) (8cp) Group C

Second semester
Three lectures and a three hour laboratory per week

Coordinator: Dr McGarty

Prerequisite: PSYC2001 and one of PSYC2002, 2007 or 2008

Syllabus: Issues of current research interest in social psychology, especially in the areas of group processes, social influence, intergroup relations and social cognition. Issues include the relationship of the individual to the group (is there a group mind?), how groups form and influence the individual, conformity, minority influence and group polarization. The role of social categorization and social identity in intergroup conflict. Ethnocentrism and racial prejudice. The stereotyping of people as members of social groups, when and why do we do it? The relationship between the self-concept and group membership, the role of self in collective behaviour. Social perception, cognitive representations of people and their role in social behaviour, how social processes affect cognitive structure and functioning.

Risk, Resilience and Vulnerability in Childhood and Adolescence PSYC3004

(Psychology C04) (4cp) Group C

First semester
One hour lecture and one two hour laboratory per week

Coordinator: Dr Sanderson & Bernd Heubeck

Prerequisite: PSYC2002 and one of PSYC2001, 2007 or 2008

Syllabus: This course builds on the understanding of normal child development acquired in PSYC2002. Students are introduced to normative and non-normative influences in child and adolescent development. Special attention is given to the wide range of risk factors which can challenge normal development. These may include parental divorce, family discord, child abuse, peer rejection, socio-economic deprivation, and others. Protective factors and processes are elucidated which help to explain why some children can cope with adverse circumstances. Vulnerability factors and processes which explain why some children and adolescents succumb to risk are covered as well. Several major syndromes of child and adolescent psychopathology are presented in detail, eg: anxiety, depression, conduct disorder and delinquency.

Prior reading

Cole, M., & Cole, S.R. The development of children, (3rd edition), U.S.A.: Scientific American, 1996

Perception PSYC3011

(Psychology C11) (8cp) Group C

Not offered in 1999
Second semester
Three lectures and a three hour laboratory per week

Prerequisite: PSYC2008 and one of PSYC2001, 2002 or 2007

Coordinator: To be announced

Syllabus: An examination of the processes by which we obtain knowledge about our surroundings through the senses. The course will consider both the sensory mechanisms which encode information and the perceptual mechanisms which assign structure and meaning to the outside world.

Topics to be covered include: General theoretical approaches to perception; the anatomy and physiology of the visual and auditory systems; spatial vision and colour vision; the perception of sound and its sources; the visual and auditory perception of three-dimensional space; the recognition of objects; the development of perception in infancy.

Abnormal Psychology PSYC3012

(Psychology C12) (4cp) Group C

First semester
Three hours per week comprised of lectures and laboratory work

Coordinator: Dr Wilkinson

Prerequisite: Two of PSYC2001, 2002, 2007 or 2008.

Incompatible with PSYC3010 Abnormal Psychology (a previously offered unit)

Syllabus: This course presents and reviews major contemporary approaches to the understanding of psychological and behavioural disturbance. Epidemiological, biological, cognitive, and psycho- social research evidence is examined with respect to the description and explanation of a range of psychological disorders. Both neurotic and psychotic conditions will be considered, and attention will be given to presentation, aetiological theories, and treatment. Particular emphasis will be placed on the interaction between research and practice in the investigation and treatment of psychopathology.

Issues in Cognitive Psychology PSYC3015

(Psychology C15) (8cp) Group C

First semester
Three lectures and a three hour laboratory per week

Coordinator: Dr Slee

Prerequisite: Two of PSYC2001, 2002, 2007 or 2008

Syllabus: This unit examines significant issues in contemporary cognitive psychology. Issues are selected from the areas of verbal and visual information- processing. A variety of theoretical approaches is covered. Where possible, empirical/experimental techniques appropriate for testing the relevant theories are introduced.

Issues in Behavioural Neuroscience PSYC3016

(Psychology C16) (8cp) Group C

Second semester
Three lectures and three hours of laboratory/tutorial work per week

Coordinator: Dr Brinkman

Prerequisite: PSYC2007 and either PSYC2008 or PSYC3015; or BIOL2015 or BIOL3001

Syllabus: The course involves the study of experimental evidence, theoretical background and future trends in areas of major importance in behavioural neuroscience, such as higher cortical functions, neurotransmitters, memory and learning, vision and visuomotor control, and others. Blocks of lectures on each topic will be coupled with tutorials, discussions of recent articles and laboratory experiments.

Advanced Research Methods: Multivariate Analyses PSYC3017

(Psychology C17) (4cp) Group C

Second semester
Three hours of lectures and a three hour laboratory per week for six weeks

Coordinator: Dr Chen

Prerequisite: PSYC2009 (or equivalent) and one of PSYC2001, 2002, 2007 or 2008. (It is strongly recommended that students also take PSYC3018)
Incompatible with PSYC3009 Advanced Research Methods (a previously offered unit)
This course is a prerequisite for entry to the IVth Year Psychology Honours program.

Syllabus: This course covers psychological research methods involving multivariate analyses beyond the level of linear correlation and regression with one predictor. Lecture contents may include: revision of simple regression, linear and multiple correlations, multiple regression, regression diagnostics and variable selection methods.

Advanced Research Methods: Analysis of Variance PSYC3018

(Psychology C18) (4cp) Group C

Second semester
Three hours of lectures and a three hour laboratory per week for seven weeks

Coordinator: Dr McKone

Prerequisite: PSYC2009 (or equivalent) and one of PSYC2001, 2002, 2007 or 2008. (It is strongly recommended that students also take PSYC3017)

This course is a prerequisite for entry to the fourth-year Psychology Honours Program

Incompatible with PSYC3009 Advanced Research Methods (a previously offered unit)

Syllabus: An extension of the methods and analysis techniques introduced in PSYC2009. Topics will include the design of experiments in Psychology; analysis of variance (ANOVA) for one- and two-way and between- and within-subjects designs; computer-based data analysis using examples from various areas of Psychology; the writing of Method and Results sections. The course will be taught at a level appropriate for intending honours students.

Health Psychology PSYC3020

(Psychology C20) (4cp) Group C

Second semester
Three hours of lectures, laboratories and tutorials per week

Coordinator: Professor Byrne

Prerequisite: Two of PSYC2001, 2002, 2007 or 2008 (It is also strongly recommended that students take PSYC3012 Abnormal Psychology in the first semester)

Incompatible with PSYC3010 Abnormal Psychology (a previously offered unit)

Syllabus: Health Psychology introduces the student to the intricate relationship which exists between psychological factors and the biological processes of human health and illness. Definitions of illness focussing on the notion of illness as a psychosocial dysfunction are presented in the context of emerging definitions of Health Psychology itself. The course then goes on to examine the idea of stress and the stress reaction as the theoretical model linking psychological and biological processes. The relative and related roles of personality, stress and the psychosocial environment in the genesis of organic pathology and illness are then presented in some detail along with the body of contemporary empirical evidence supporting these roles. Issues dealing with health risk behaviours such as smoking and diet are considered and evidence for psycho-biological links mediated through the autonomic nervous system, the endocrinological system and the immunological system is discussed. Examples from cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disease, the neoplastic diseases and the neurological diseases are taken to illustrate these points.

Textbook

Sarafino, E. P., Health Psychology: Biopsychosocial Interactions, 3^rd edition, New York, John Wiley and Sons, 1998.

Personality PSYC3021

(Psychology C21) (4cp) Group C

First semester
Three hours of lectures, laboratories and tutorials per week

Coordinator: Dr Ward

Prerequisite: Two of PSYC2001, 2002, 2007 or 2008
Incompatible with PSYC3001 (completed in 1994, 1995)
Compatible with PSYC3001 (completed in 1996,1997)
Students who undertook PSYC3001 prior to 1994 will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

Syllabus: This unit covers selected issues and theories of current significance in personality psychology. These will include: the object relations school as an example of a contemporary psychoanalytic theory of personality; current issues in research based on the five-factor model; the return of the approach-avoidance theme in personality theory; and, recent developments in social-cognitive learning theory. Experience with research procedures used in personality psychology will be provided in practical demonstrations in laboratory/tutorial classes.

The Degree with Honours

Students in the Faculties of Arts or Science interested in pursuing an honours degree should consult the Division’s Honours Coordinator as early as feasible—even in their second year of studies for the pass degree.

The normal requirement for admission of BSc students to the honours program is completion of units to the value of 144 credit points, including a minimum of 76 credit points in psychology under the credit point scheme operating from 1999 (or units to the value of 20 points, including 10 points in psychology under the pre-1999 point scheme). The psychology points should include both PSYC3017 and PSYC3018, or their equivalent(s). (These units have PSYC2009, or its equivalent, as a prerequisite).

Study in a later-year unit in a cognate area might sometimes be substituted for a later-year unit in psychology. All applications for substitution of such cognate units must be approved by the Head of the Division prior to application for admission to the honours program. The minimum requirements for admission to the honours course in the Faculty of Science are set out in the Faculty’s introductory section in this Handbook. However, the Division has the additional expectation that applicants for admission to the honours program have at least an average grade of Credit across all psychology units undertaken, as well as in any units which might be substituted for psychology units. It should be noted that, as a general rule, full-time enrolment in honours is preferred.

Intending BA honours students should read “The degree with honours” sub-section of the preamble to the description of Arts Departments. Requirements for the BA degree with honours in psychology are similar to those outlined above for intending BSc honours students, but the requirement for a minimum number of credit points in psychology is more stringent. Substitution of cognate units requires formal approval by both the Head of Division and the Faculty of Arts.

Admission of BSc or BA applicants also depends on whether suitable research supervision can be provided. Any third-year student considering fourth-year study is advised to discuss possible research areas with the Honours Coordinator.

The student aiming at a career in psychology should be aware that eligibility for associate membership or full membership of the Australian Psychological Society may be required for some types of employment. The Society insists that candidates for associate membership have taken at least four years of university training, of which half must be devoted to psychology. Full membership requires two further years of training in psychology.

During fourth year, honours candidates work solely in the area of psychology. The work comprises coursework and research. Each of these contributes 50% to the overall course grade.

Coursework Units

Three units will be offered, one on research methods and two on selected content topics. The three units will be taught to an equivalent of a total of 36 weeks at three hours per week in 1999.

Methodology Seminar: Lectures and seminars totaling 54 hours. Classes are concentrated in first semester. This unit covers advanced regression and correlation techniques in psychological research and advanced application of analysis of variance.

History and Systems: Three hours per week for nine weeks in the first semester. This course deals with the history of psychology, and systems of thought which have influenced its theories and methods. There is some emphasis on how psychology is viewed by philosophers of science.

Special Topics Seminar: Three hours per week for nine weeks in second semester. Advanced examination of a selected area of psychology.

Research Work

Research thesis (maximum 12,000 words). The thesis reports an empirical investigation of a topic in psychology. The student is responsible for the design and execution of all phases of the project. The report is submitted in a publishable form which follows APA style guidelines.

Fourth-year Neuroscience Courses

Students with an interest in animal behaviour, or experimental work involving the physiological processes underlying behaviour, may wish to consider enrolling in the fourth year Neuroscience Honours/Graduate Diploma course offered by the Faculty of Science and open to all students who fulfil the requirements for entry to the BSc (Hons) or GradDipSc courses. The course involves a formal lecture course, followed by a period of full-time research in one of the many neurobiology laboratories in The Faculties or in the Institute of Advanced Studies, leading to a thesis. Students interested in this course are advised to contact Dr Rosemary Martin (Division of Botany and Zoology), the course convenor.