Course Overview

In this course, students will be exposed to the significant theories, research findings, and reviews of human cognition and behaviour. Learning activities are angled towards developing critical thinking and Psychology is an ideal discipline for developing critical thinking skills because it’s a fascinating topic with many applications which are of vital interests to them.

Course Description

This course provides an in-depth exploration of current issues from many areas of psychology examining cognitive, behavioural and perceptual approaches to understand human behaviour and mental processes. It is designed to help develop fundamental thinking abilities such as clarifying, analysing and evaluating arguments; and developing attitudes of open-mindedness and curiosity. Critical thinking or scientific thinking can be taught in psychology because students can study interesting and engaging topics as they reason, evaluate and analyse situations and concepts and eventually boost their research competency.

Course Objectives

The course is based on the conviction that critical thinking is an ability that can be developed and improved through guidance and practice. That means anything students read, hear or see will be analysed, evaluated and interpreted as basis to resolve a problem or make ethical decisions and increase students’ ability to:

1.        Understand the techniques of ethical reasoning and argumentation that are needed to analyse issues, relevant theories and empirical research findings.

2.        Improve critical thinking through increased understanding science to investigate how people perceive the world, structure their thinking, and interact with other people.

3.        Connect the basic principles of Psychology to increased use of professional and ethical values to guide and inform practice

4.        Increase students’ ability to understand and appreciate alternative viewpoints that differ from their own.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the requirements of this course, students should be able to:

       1. Define proper ethical behaviour as a means of developing research skills and understanding psychological processes

      2.  Recognize the need for critical thinking skills to evaluate and solve problems from professional issues and the ethical standards in the practice of psychology.

 3.  Critically evaluate and apply that knowledge in a variety of psychological contexts.

 4.  Become wise consumer of psychological research and information that they are exposed to through the media

Cognitive Skills Outcomes

Skills students should gain after completion of the course:

1.Enhance ability to think critically and scientifically by examining psychological research

2.Develop skills for summarizing, evaluating, and critiquing scientific research and psychological reports to understand underlying concepts of human psychology

3.Practice critical and reflective thinking in making decisions and solving ethical dilemmas / problems and judge appropriateness of ideas in the context of psychological practice

4.Improve research and evaluation skills and understand application of learned materials to specific issues and challenges

Method of Delivery

Teaching approaches can vary on a continuum from direct presentation of information to autonomous discovery approaches. A significant amount of discussion, in-class activities, assignments and group presentations will also be included for more meaningful learning experience. Students are expected to actively participate in class activities and assignments: (information evaluation skills, presenting views, reflection and analytical paper) to enrich the learning experience. The course will also cover new and additional materials not mentioned in the syllabus which will also be required for grading purposes.