The PSYC1003 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 developmental stages are disrupted?

You will have the opportunity to learn about, discuss and evaluate key theories and seminal research in cognitive psychology and developmental psychology. Lecturers will strive to connect psychological knowledge presented in class to real-world issues. 

You will 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. Information about research methodology and statistics will establish the foundation upon which you will learn to assess the veracity of existing theories and empirical findings in psychology. 

You will also have the opportunity to participate in psychology experiments – both in the laboratory classes and as part of the research participation component of this course. The results of these experiments will be statistically analysed, and your tutor will facilitate engaged discussions. Through the laboratory class program, students are expected to gain and enhance skills in academic writing, communication, team-work and brainstorming. 

PSYC1003 is the first step toward your future as a psychologist, and we will provide you with information about your career options in psychology.

No prerequisite knowledge is required for this course. Many students enrolled in PSYC1003 will go on to enrol in PSYC1004 in Semester 2. 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. Explain models of the cognitive structures and processes involved in perception, attention, language, and memory.
2. Explain key topics in developmental psychology, including classical developmental theories and contemporary research on biological, cognitive, and social development.
3. Distinguish between different research methods and core statistical concepts and techniques in psychology.
4. Evaluate theoretical claims and empirical findings with an emphasis on understanding the biological and cultural influences on cognition and development.
5. Collaborate on a small-group project, and effectively present the group's output. 
6. Construct a logical narrative that communicates the theoretical basis of a psychological experiment, its findings and the implications of these findings for current psychological theories.

Research-Led Teaching

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

Field Trips

N/A

Additional Course Costs

N/A

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. (2022). Psychology: Sixth 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 Resources

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
• 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:

• verbal comments
• written comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, etc.

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Lecture Introduction to PSYC1003Semester 1, 2024: Week 1Tuesday 3pm to 5pm	General Overview for Lectures:Three lecture hours per week
2	Research Methods and Statistics LecturesSemester 1, 2024: Weeks 1 to 4Tuesday 3pm to 5pm, and Friday 11am to 12noon	General Overview for Lectures:Three lecture hours per week
3	Developmental Psychology LecturesSemester 1, 2024: Weeks 5 to 8Tuesday 3pm to 5pm, and Friday 11am to 12noon	General Overview for Lectures:Three lecture hours per week
4	Cognitive Psychology LecturesSemester 1, 2024: Weeks 9 to 12Tuesday 3pm to 5pm, and Friday 11am to 12noon	General Overview for Lectures:Three lecture hours per week
5	Laboratory ClassesSemester 1, 2024: Weekly, beginning Week of Monday 19 February 2024.	General Overview for Laboratory Classes:1.5 hour Laboratory Class per week (compulsory)Week of 19 February 2024: Laboratory Class 1Week of 26 February 2024: Laboratory Class 2Week of 4 March 2024: Laboratory Class 3Week of 11 March 2024: Laboratory Class 4Week of 18 March 2024: Laboratory Class 5Week of 25 March 2024: Laboratory Class 6Week of 15 April 2024: Laboratory Class 7Week of 22 April 2024: Laboratory Class 8Week of 29 April 2024: Laboratory Class 9Week of 6 May 2024: Laboratory Class 10Week of 13 May 2024: Laboratory Class 11Week of 20 May 2024: Laboratory Class 12

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Laboratory In-Class Assessment -- Reflection Posts and/or Quizzes (10%)	10 %	*	*	1,2,3,4,5,6
Research in Psychology Experience (5%)	5 %	07/06/2024	28/06/2024	1,2,6
Laboratory Research Report (25%)	25 %	17/05/2024	07/06/2024	1,2,3,4,6
Small-Group Project Presentation (15%)	15 %	*	*	4,5
Final Examination (45%): Research Methods & Statistics (15%); Developmental Psychology (15%); Cognitive Psychology (15%)	45 %	*	*	1,2,3,4
Laboratory Research Report for HPO Students Only	0 %	31/05/2024	*	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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Academic Skills 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 engage with the three hours of lectures each week, as well as attend weekly 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.

On average, the expected workload for this course is approximately 130 hours, which includes:

--the face-to face component, which may consist of 3 hours of lectures per week (one 1-hour lecture plus one 2-hour lecture) and 12 x 1.5-hour laboratory classes each week;

--approximately 76 hours of self-study, which will include preparation for lectures, laboratory classes, and assessment tasks.

Examination(s)

The final examination is a hurdle requirement. A Pass mark (50%) or greater is required in the final examination before the course can be passed as a whole.

Note.The final examination for this course will be divided into three sections, one for each of the three PSYC1003 Course Modules: Research Methods & Statistics, Developmental Psychology, and Cognitive Psychology. To confirm the date, time, and location of the final examination, please check the ANU Examination Timetable, go to www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable

Assessment Task 1

Laboratory In-Class Assessment -- Reflection Posts and/or Quizzes (10%)

Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

Details of Task: Laboratory classes 1 to 10 will include some form of assessment. The assessment involves either a reflection post, based specifically on information presented in the laboratory class, or an in-class quiz, based on readings from the textbook. Reflection Posts and Quizzes are intended to keep students on-track and engaged with the content of the laboratory classes.

Word Limit (where applicable): 150-word maximum for Reflection Posts; NA for quizzes.

Value: 10% of Final Grade - Each laboratory class assessment will be worth 1% of your final grade.

Due Date: Laboratory quizzes will be completed at the beginning of the laboratory classes, and reflection posts will be handed in at the end of the week of laboratory classes.

Estimated Return Dates: Reflection Posts and Quiz marks will be available approximately 2 weeks after submission.

Assessment Task 2

Research in Psychology Experience (5%)

Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, and 6

Details of Task: We have set up two 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 these research participation exercises.

Option 1. You can participate in five hours of ongoing psychological research in the School of Medicine and 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 School of Medicine and 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, date 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 on the ANU School of Medicine and Psychology page, "Research in Psychology Experience". When you have completed the five hours of research participation, you will need to submit one 300-word reflection about your overall Research in Psychology Experience, which you will upload on the PSYC1003 Wattle site.

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 journal 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 journal articles that your lecturers believe you will find interesting and educational. When you have read the journal articles, you will need to answer some brief questions about each journal article by accessing an on-line questionnaire (link to this questionnaire is 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 in Option 1.

Value: 5% of Final Grade.

Estimated Due Date: Friday 7 June 2024 at 11:59pm.

Estimated Return Date: Marks will be available approximately 3 weeks after the due date.

Assessment Task 3

Laboratory Research Report (25%)

Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6

Details of Task: Your assignment will be to write a laboratory research report based on an in-class psychology experiment that you will participate in. This report will include an Introduction to the research topic, with a clear outline of the Aims and Hypotheses, Results and Discussion (implications for current understanding and directions for future research). Experimental Methods will be provided to students. The assignment will also include a Literature Search for the relevant literature on which the experiment was based.

Word Limit: 2500 words maximum.

Value: 25% of Final Grade – Literature Search and Reference List (5%), Introduction and Aims & Hypotheses (10%), Methods (0%), Results and Discussion (10%).

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 17 May 2024 at 11:59pm.

Estimated Return Date: Laboratory Research Reports will be available approximately three weeks after the submission due date (for on-time submissions).

Late submission is not permitted.

Assessment Task 4

Small-Group Project Presentation (15%)

Learning Outcomes: 4 and 5

Details of Task: All laboratory classes include some form of assessment. In Laboratory Class 12, the assessment involves a small-group presentation. In a small group (3 to 5 students, depending on the size of the laboratory class), students will prepare a group presentation on a topic relevant to their Laboratory Research Report (see Assessment Task 3).

Value: 15% of your final grade.

Presentation Requirements: Fifteen-minute small-group presentation, followed by 2 or 3 minutes of questions from your lab-group members.

Laboratory class PowerPoint presentation slides for the small-group project presentation will be submitted at 9am on the day of the laboratory class.

Due Date: The laboratory class small-group presentation is currently scheduled for the week of 20 May 2024.

Estimated Return Date: Marks will be available approximately three weeks after the presentation date (for on-time submissions). Comments will be provided by the tutor and the other students of your laboratory class during/following your presentation.

Assessment Task 5

Final Examination (45%): Research Methods & Statistics (15%); Developmental Psychology (15%); Cognitive Psychology (15%)

Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, and 4

Details of Task: There will be three one-hour multiple-choice examinations (based on lectures, laboratory classes, and required reading) on completion of the PSYC1003 Course. The exact format of the examination will be discussed in class closer to the examination dates.

Value: 45% of Final Grade (15% for each of three examinations).

Estimated Dates of the Final Examination: To confirm the date, time, and location of the final examinations please check the ANU Examination Timetable, go to: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable

Estimated Return Date:  Examinations are not returned.

*The final examination is a hurdle requirement. A Pass mark (50%) or greater is required in the final examination before the course can be passed as a whole.

Assessment Task 6

Laboratory Research Report for HPO Students Only

Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6

Details of Task: Your assignment will be to write a laboratory research report based on an in-class psychology experiment that you will participate in. This report will include an Introduction to the research topic, with a clear outline of the Aims and Hypotheses, Results and Discussion (implications for current understanding and directions for future research). Experimental Methods will be provided to students. The assignment will also include a Literature Search for the relevant literature on which the experiment was based.

Word Limit: 2500 words maximum PLUS an extended Introduction or Discussion section (an additional 1500 words).

Value: 25% of Final Grade – Literature Search and Reference List (5%), Introduction and Aims & Hypotheses (10%), Methods (0%), Results and Discussion (10%).

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 31 May 2024 at 11:59pm.

Estimated Return Date: HPO assignments are not returned. Successful completion of the HPO will be indicated in the Academic Transcript.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

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

Extension Request Form can be found here: Extension Request Form

• Late submission of assessment tasks without an approved 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 from the due date.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

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 an approved extension) will not be marked within this time frame. Our priority will be to mark the assignments that were handed in on time.

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 see PSYC1003 Wattle site for further information.

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).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students