Critical and lively discussion of current and controversial issues in clinical, social, developmental, cognitive and biological psychology.
Do you want to meet with other students to discuss the latest controversies in psychology like the role of technology in mental health, the use of neuroimaging to deduce lying, or the validity of mental illness categories? PSYC 422 is a seminar paper designed to give postgraduate students the opportunity to engage in lively discussion of topics currently under debate in psychology. We have selected a range of issues and "hot topics" from across psychology - from clinical psychology to neuroscience. This 100% internally-assessed paper aims to develop skills related to critical evaluation of research and professional skills like scientific writing and oral presentation. The paper is highly recommended for people wishing to pursue a PhD in Psychology or planning to work in fields requiring excellent scientific communication skills.
| Paper title | Contemporary Issues in Psychology |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PSYC422 |
| Subject | Psychology |
| EFTS | 0.0833 |
| Points | 10 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $704.22 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Restriction
- PSYC 462
- Eligibility
Entry into Psychology 400-level papers normally requires a major in Psychology, a B+ average or higher in Psychology 300-level papers, and a pass in PSYC 311 Quantitative Methods. Students from other universities must show evidence of an equivalent level of competence.
- Contact
- More information link
View more information on the Department of Psychology's website
- Teaching staff
Lecturers: Associate Professor Tamlin Conner
Professor Elaine Reese- Paper Structure
Students meet for two hours each week to discuss a contemporary issue in psychology selected from the major domains (social, developmental, clinical, cognitive, comparative, neuroscience, etc.). The issues will be framed as questions such as, "Are mental illness categories real?" or "Can smartphones help us feel better?" Students will be asked to read a target article and select their own article related to the question to discuss in small groups.
This paper requires engagement in the material and active in-class participation. Students will be trained in scientific writing and oral presentation skills and given feedback to improve their skills in these areas. The paper is 100% internally assessed. In addition to the readings for each class and in-class participation, students will be required to write two essays on a controversy in psychology, give an oral presentation on their dissertation research or master's thesis proposal, and attend at least two Psychology department seminars and write a critical summary.
Assessment:
- Class preparation and participation - 10%
- Essay 1 - 20%
- Essay 2 - 40%
- Oral presentation - 20% total
- Departmental seminar critiques (2) - 10% total
Below is an example course outline. The exact topics will change from year to year.
Outline
We have designed this paper to give you the opportunity to think critically about current and controversial issues in psychology. This paper aims to develop your understanding of the key issues under debate in contemporary psychology, critical thinking skills, and scientific writing/presentation skills. Your goals in this paper are to:
- Understand the evidence and arguments surrounding important contemporary issues in psychology.
- Critically evaluate research in psychology.
- Engage in discussion about psychological research in small groups and in class.
- Find relevant material from library databases.
- Develop your scientific writing skills by producing well-organised, well-written essays on controversial questions.
- Develop your oral presentation skills.
To help you reach your goals, this paper contains four major components.
- We provide questions about major contemporary issues in psychology that you will discuss in small groups. These issues span a number of topics related to social, developmental, clinical, and biological psychology, among others. You will be assigned a target article to read and then find another article on the same topic yourself. Each week, you should be prepared to discuss the target article in a small group and summarise how your article addresses the question under discussion. You will be asked to write two scientific essays on these questions.
- We have scheduled one class devoted to orally presenting the research projects you are doing for your dissertation or master's proposal.
- We require you to attend at least two departmental seminars and to analyse their arguments.
Assessment:
- Class preparation and participation - 10%
- Essay 1 - 20%
- Essay 2 - 40%
- Oral presentation - 20%
- Departmental seminar critiques (2) - 10% total
Example topics (may vary from year to year):
- Does social networking harm or help mental health?
- Where does personality come from?
- Is early adversity always bad?
- Why is New Zealand #1 in youth suicide rates?
- Does the marshmallow test predict long-term
- Are mental illness categories real?
- Do antidepressant medications work?
- Teaching Arrangements
Weekly seminar moderated by the instructor with small group discussion by participants.
The seminar is typically 120 minutes.
- Textbooks
Target readings will be posted to eReserve.
Recommended: American Psychological Association (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Available for purchase at: https://www.bookdepository.com/Concise-Guide-APA-Style-American-Psychological-Association/9781433832734?ref=grid-view&qid=1590014082830&sr=1-4
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will be able to:
- Understand the evidence and arguments surrounding important contemporary issues in psychology
- Critically evaluate research in psychology
- Engage in discussion about psychological research in small groups and in class
- Find relevant material from library databases
- Develop your scientific writing skills by producing well-organised, well-written answers to controversial questions
- Develop your oral presentation skills
