The Scope of Psychology

Course Description

This aim of this unit is to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of a brief history of psychology and its applications in applied psychology. The learner will also address the theoretical differences of how Psychologists make different assumptions about what aspects of a person should be the focus of study. Although the major approaches contain distinguishable theories, they share certain principles and assumptions. As well as discussing the roots of science and what is meant by science, we explore the study of human behaviour from a scientific standpoint.

Course Objectives

This aim of this unit is to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of a brief history of psychology and its applications in applied psychology. The learner will also address the theoretical differences of how Psychologists make different assumptions about what aspects of a person should be the focus of study. Although the major approaches contain distinguishable theories, they share certain principles and assumptions. As well as discussing the roots of science and what is meant by science, we explore the study of human behaviour from a scientific standpoint.

Key Topics

1. LO1: Understand the scope of psychology.
2. LO2: Understand the theoretical approaches to psychology.
3. LO3: Understand psychology as a science.
4. LO4: Understand ethical issues in psychology.

Course Outline

Learning Outcomes

1. LO1 Understand the scope of psychology.
2. 1.1 Define the word ‘psychology’
3. 1.2 Understand the emergence of psychology as a discipline.
4. 1.3 Describe the theoretical approaches or orientations within psychology.
5. 1.4 Analyse how key concepts in psychology relate to current and contemporary issues in modern society.
6. LO2 Understand the theoretical approaches to psychology.
7. 2.1 Explain the basic principles and assumptions of theoretical approaches to psychology.
8. 2.2 Assess how the basic principles and assumptions underpin theoretical approaches to psychology.
9. LO3 Understand psychology as a science.
10. 3.1 Assess how appropriate it is to use the scientific method to study human behaviour and cognitive processes.
11. LO4 Understand ethical issues in psychology.
12. 4.1 Identify the ethical issues surrounding research with human participants and non-human participants.
13. 4.2 Analyse the ethical issues surrounding research with human participants and non-human participants.