• Class Number 3520
  • Term Code 3130
  • Class Info
  • Unit Value 6 units
  • Mode of Delivery In Person
  • COURSE CONVENER
    • AsPr Anne Aimola Davies
  • LECTURER
    • AsPr Anne Aimola Davies
    • Evan Kidd
    • Nima Orazani
  • Class Dates
  • Class Start Date 22/02/2021
  • Class End Date 28/05/2021
  • Census Date 31/03/2021
  • Last Date to Enrol 01/03/2021
SELT Survey Results

In PSYC1003, three key areas of psychology will be introduced: Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Research Methods and Statistics. Students will have the opportunity to learn about, discuss, and evaluate key theories and seminal research in cognitive and developmental psychology, and how these theories have been applied to modern-day issues and research topics. Students will also be exposed to fundamental statistical concepts and basic techniques, as well as research methods and ethical principles commonly employed in the field of psychological research. The course will address some of the most fundamental questions in psychology:

"How does the human mind process information so that we can make sense of the world, remember things, and solve problems?"

"How do perceptual systems work?"

"What is the role of attention in psychological processes?"

"What are the psychological requirements for using and understanding language?"

"What are the key developmental stages from birth to young and then late adulthood?"

"How is psychological functioning impaired if these stages are disrupted?"

 

No prerequisite knowledge is required for this course. Many students enrolled in PSYC1003 will go on to enrol in PSYC1004 in Semester 2, 2019. Completion of both PSYC1003 and PSYC1004 is required for most later-year psychology courses.

 

This course has an Honours Pathway Option.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

  1. Understand, describe, and discuss models of the cognitive structures and processes involved in perception, attention, language, and memory.
  2. Understand, describe, and discuss key topics in developmental psychology, including classical developmental theories and contemporary research on biological, cognitive, and social development.
  3. Describe different research methods, and the core statistical concepts and techniques that are commonly used within research areas of psychology.
  4. Explain and evaluate theoretical claims and empirical findings in cognitive and developmental psychology.
  5. Understand the theoretical basis of a psychological experiment, comprehend the experimental findings in the context of the research questions(s) and describe the implications for current theories, construct a logical narrative, and effectively communicate all of this information through the write-up of a laboratory research report.
  6. Describe how ideas from cognitive and developmental psychology are applied to understanding contemporary issues in the public domain.

Research-Led Teaching

All of the PSYC1003 lecturers are established academic researchers in their respective areas of expertise.

Field Trips

None

Additional Course Costs

None

Examination Material or equipment

For approved dictionaries in accordance with ANU Policies, please see link http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/assessment-arrangements-for-students-from-language.

Required Resources

Required Textbooks for PSYC1003

1- Burton, L., Westen, D., & Kowalski, R. (2019). Psychology: Fifth Australian and New Zealand Edition. Milton Qld: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

2- Burton, L. J. (2021). An interactive approach to writing essays and research reports in psychology (5th ed.). Milton Qld: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

3- Haslam, S. A., & McGarty, C. (2019). Research methods and statistics in psychology (3rd ed.). Los Angeles: SAGE

We recommend that you read the current editions of these textbooks, which can be purchased from Harry Hartog Booksellers, located in the Kambri precinct.  

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

  • video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
  • two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
  • email and other messaging tools for communication
  • interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
  • print and photo/scan for handwritten work
  • home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

  • A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop will be more appropriate.
  • Webcam
  • Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
  • Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check that the performance is adequate.
  • Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
  • Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information, please see link https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

  • Written comments will be given to individual students on their laboratory research reports;
  • Feedback will be given to the class as a whole in the form of general comments on the laboratory research reports;
  • Feedback will be requested from class representatives at least twice through the semester at a general meeting for class representatives.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

  • All activities associated with the course work component for PSYC1003 have been adjusted to support remote participation, and face-to-face activities for some of the components may be available.
  • Laboratory classes are reflected in the timetable as computer labs and practical classes. When you register on Wattle for your laboratory classes, you only need to register for one (either computer labs or practical classes) because registering for one will automatically put you in both classes.

Class Schedule

Week/Session Summary of Activities Assessment
1 Cognitive Psychology Lectures Semester 1: Week 1 to Week 6 Friday 12 noon to 2pm General Overview for Lectures Three lecture hours per week: 1 x 2-hour Lecture on Cognitive and Developmental Psychology 1 x 1-hour Lecture on Research Methods and Statistics
2 Developmental Psychology Lectures Semester 1: Week 7 to Week 12 Friday 12 noon to 2pm
3 Research Methods and Statistics Lectures Semester 1: Week 1 to Week 12 Tuesday 12 noon to 1pm
4 Laboratory Classes 8 x 2-hour Laboratory Classes General Overview for Laboratory Classes 8 x 2-hour Laboratory Classes in the following eight weeks: Laboratory Class 1: Week of 1 March, 2021 Laboratory Class 2: Week of 15 March 2021 Laboratory Class 3: Week of 22 March 2021 Laboratory Class 4: Week of 19 April 2021 Laboratory Class 5: Week of 3 May 2021 Laboratory Class 6: Week of 10 May 2021 Laboratory Class 7: Week of 17 May 2021 Laboratory Class 8: Week of 24 May 2021

Tutorial Registration

Sign-up for PSYC1003 Laboratory Classes. Enrolment Opens on Wattle: Friday 26 February 2021 at 1pm.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task Value Due Date Return of assessment Learning Outcomes
Laboratory Research Report 35 % 07/05/2021 28/05/2021 1,3,4,5,6
Quizzes Based on Textbook Reading for the Cognitive Psychology and Developmental Psychology Lectures 20 % * * 1,2,4,6
Research in Psychology Experience 5 % 10/06/2021 01/07/2021 1,2,3
Final Examination 40 % 03/06/2021 01/07/2021 1,2,3,4,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

  • Students are expected to listen to three hours of lectures each week, as well as attend a total of 8 two-hour laboratory classes over the semester. Lectures are very important, as they provide students with the central ideas and concepts for the course. Laboratory classes are important as they will provide a unique opportunity for small group discussion and interactive learning exercises.
  • In addition, there is an expectation that students will regularly and consistently engage in the course readings, as selected and notified by the lecturers. Sections of the assigned readings will be assessed by quizzes administered during laboratory classes. 
  • On average, students are expected to spend approximately 10 hours per week working on this course, including the time spent in lectures and laboratory classes.

Examination(s)

Please note that there will be a final examination in this course. Please check the PSYC1003 Wattle site and the ANU Examination Timetable for details.

Assessment Task 1

Value: 35 %
Due Date: 07/05/2021
Return of Assessment: 28/05/2021
Learning Outcomes: 1,3,4,5,6

Laboratory Research Report

Details of Task: Your assignment will be to write a laboratory research report based on a psychology experiment that you will complete in your laboratory classes. This report will include an Introduction to the research topic, a clear outline of the experimental Aims and Hypotheses, and a Methods, Results (research findings), and Discussion (implications for current understanding and directions for future research) section. The assignment will also include a Literature Search for the relevant literature on which the experiment was based. You will learn about these different components of the laboratory research report in the laboratory classes. Students are expected to contribute, and will get feedback on an on-going basis, throughout the semester.

Word Limit: 2500 words maximum

Value: 35% of Your Final Grade – Literature Search/Introduction (10%), Aims/Hypotheses (5%), Methods (8%), Results and Discussion (10%), References (2%).

Presentation ‘Referencing’ Requirements:  Students are expected to format the laboratory research report using guidelines set out by the American Psychological Association (APA; see required textbook, Burton, L. J. (2021). An interactive approach to writing essays and research reports in psychology (5th ed.). Milton Qld: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.).

Estimated Due Date: Friday 7 May 2021 at 11:59pm

Estimated Return Date: Laboratory research reports will be available approximately three weeks after submission date (for on-time submissions).


HPO students only: Students pursuing the HPO will complete a mini-research project, which will then be included as part of their assignment for the Laboratory Research Report.

Assessment Task 2

Value: 20 %
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,4,6

Quizzes Based on Textbook Reading for the Cognitive Psychology and Developmental Psychology Lectures

Details of Task: Throughout the semester, there will be five quizzes that you will complete after reading the assigned sections of the textbook. These quizzes are intended to keep students up to date with course work and enable them to track their progress throughout the semester. Students may attempt each quiz only once. The quizzes will be made available only during the first 15 minutes of specified laboratory classes. Students will need to complete their readings and quizzes according to the timeline set out by the course authority. For example, students will not be able to complete all of their quizzes in one go, at the end of semester. Quizzes are considered an invigilated component of the course and, as such, must be completed under examination conditions. Any attempts by students to view or complete a quiz outside of laboratory class times will result in those students forfeiting their marks for the quiz.

Word Limit: Not Applicable

Value: 20% of Your Final Grade - Each quiz will be worth 5% of your final grade, and we will take the best four out of five quizzes you complete.

Presentation Requirements: Not Applicable

Estimated Due Dates: There are 5 quizzes due over the semester.

Estimated Return Dates: Quiz marks will be available approximately one week after the date of the quiz.


Assessment Task 3

Value: 5 %
Due Date: 10/06/2021
Return of Assessment: 01/07/2021
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3

Research in Psychology Experience

Details of Task: The purpose of the laboratory class component of your education is to give you first-hand experience with how psychology research is conducted. In addition to the experience you gain in the laboratory classes, we have set up two other exercises to help you learn more about research in psychology (see Option 1 and Option 2 below). You can choose either of these two exercises or a combination of both – students can exclusively take up Option 1 or Option 2, but they can also choose to do a combination (i.e., complete three hours of research participation through Option 1 and two hours through Option 2). Although you are required to do one or the other (or both), you can choose which one you want (and your choice of one or the other does not need explanation). In total, you are required to spend five hours on one or the other of these research participation exercises.

Option 1. You can participate in five hours of ongoing psychological research in the Research School of Psychology. In this way, you can experience first-hand what real psychological research is like. And you can be part of new and ongoing research projects, designed to further our understanding of human thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Basically what happens is that researchers in the Research School of Psychology will post descriptions of their studies on a system called ‘SONA’. Each description will include the title of the research, a brief description of what you will be doing, the researcher’s name and phone number, and the time, day and location of the research. You should look through all of the various research studies – sometimes up to 20 will be available – and when you find the studies that you are interested in, sign up to be a research participant via the online SONA system by going to the ANU Research School of Psychology page, "Research in Psychology Experience".

Please note that once you have completed the five hours of 'Research in Psychology Experience', you will need to submit one 300-word reflection about your experience.

Option 2. If you would prefer not to participate in ongoing psychological research, you can, instead, read a series of published psychology journal articles (five in total), and answer specific questions about them. This exercise will allow you to learn about some important scientific discoveries in psychology. If you choose this option, you should select a research article from the list available in the folder on the PSYC1003 Wattle site, called "Option 2_ Journal Articles to Read and Review". This list is made up of articles that your lecturers believe you will find interesting and educational. Once you have read the article, you will need to answer some brief questions about it by accessing the on-line questionnaire, see link to this questionnaire in the folder on the PSYC1003 Wattle site, called "Explanation of Research in Psychology Experience". You will need to complete the questionnaire separately for each article you read. As a rule of thumb, one article should take one hour and should equate to one hour of research participation. 

 

Word Limit: Not Applicable

Option 1: 300-word reflection about your Research in Psychology Experience (following completion of five hours of research participation).

Option 2: 250-word response to online-questions for each of the five published journal articles you read.

Value: 5% of Your Final Grade

Presentation Requirements: Not Applicable

Estimated Due Date: Thursday 10 June 2021 at 11:59pm

Estimated Return Date: Thursday 1 July 2021

 

Assessment Task 4

Value: 40 %
Due Date: 03/06/2021
Return of Assessment: 01/07/2021
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,6

Final Examination

Details of Task: There will be a 3-hour final examination (based on the lectures and required reading) in PSYC1003, which will be held during the university examination period. The examination will consist of multiple-choice questions. The exact format will be discussed in-class closer to the examination date.

Word Limit: Not Applicable

Value: 40% of Your Final Grade

Presentation Requirements: Not Applicable

Estimated Return Date:  Exams are not returned; students can contact the course authority to view their examination papers if they wish to do so.

Please check the ANU Final Examination Timetable to confirm the date, time, and location of the examination.


The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. To confirm the date, time and location of the examination, please check the ANU Final Examination Timetable, see link http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable


Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.


The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.


The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard-copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet . Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

  • Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof.
  • Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date.
  • Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Laboratory Research Reports that have been submitted on time will be marked and available to download from the Turnitin link on Wattle, approximately three weeks after the submission date. The exact return date will be posted on the PSYC1003 Wattle site. Late assignments (even those with formal extensions) will not be marked within this timeframe; our priority will be to mark the assignments that were handed in on time. We will aim to get the late assignments back before the end of semester. Marking of late reports will commence once all on-time Laboratory Research Reports have been marked and returned.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Please check the PSYC1003 Wattle site for further details.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

AsPr Anne Aimola Davies
Anne.Aimola@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Cognitive and Clinical Neuropsychology, Visual and Somatosensory Attention, and Belief Formation

AsPr Anne Aimola Davies

By Appointment
By Appointment
AsPr Anne Aimola Davies
6125 2796
Anne.Aimola@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


AsPr Anne Aimola Davies

By Appointment
By Appointment
Evan Kidd
6125 2796
Evan.Kidd@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Evan Kidd

By Appointment
Nima Orazani
6125 2796
Nima.Orazani@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Nima Orazani

By Appointment

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