Course Resources Archive

This module introduces significant conceptual and historical issues in psychology, using examples from a range of theoretical and applied perspectives. It begins by considering the historical emergence of psychology in the nineteenth century and its development as an independent discipline. In doing so it highlights the ways in which social context influences the nature of psychology. Having established a model of psychology as a reflexive discipline embedded in particular socio-historical contexts, it goes on to analyse current issues and debates in contemporary psychology. The module shows that these debates stem from disagreements about the nature, purpose and methods of psychology, and lead to modern psychology being a diverse discipline that presents competing claims about human nature and behaviour. The aim of the module is to develop a richer appreciation of the validity of the discipline.

History of Psychology:

Reflexive discourse before psychology

Emergence of psychology

The Schools of psychology

Psychoanalysis and its relationship to psychology

The challenge from humanism

The development of cognitivism

Issues and debates in psychology:

Reductionism

Free will versus determinism

Idiographic and nomothetic approaches

State and trait approaches to personality

Normality and abnormality

Consciousness and mind-brain

Nature versus nurture

Problems with operationalism

Issues in psychometrics

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of a range of issues and debates in psychology.
2. Understand the ways in which social and historical factors influence the development of psychology.
3. Evaluate theoretical positions in psychology
4. Gather information and use it in the construction of academic arguments.
5. Communicate ideas in oral and written forms.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.