General Psychology

Presentation

In psychology, knowledge is obtained through the scientific method. This curricular unit introduces scientific thinking in general and the research process in this specific area. It is relevant that students grasp this process since the beginning of their university training, as it is shared by all disciplines within psychology. Additionally, knowledge of the scientific method allows students to critically assess scientific claims and to identify pseudoscientific claims.

Part of this Programme

Psychology

Level of Qualification|Semesters|ECTS

| Semestral | 5

Year | Type of course unit | Language

1 |Mandatory |Português

Code

ULHT35-182

Recommended complementary curricular units

N/A.

Prerequisites and co-requisites

n/a

Professional Internship

Não

Syllabus

1. Psychology as a source of scientific knowledge:

1.1. Ways of obtaining knowledge.

1.2. Scientific and pseudoscientific practices.

1.3. Study object and research goals in psychology.

2. Planning research in psychology:

2.1. Research questions, hypotheses, and variables (independent, dependent, mediators, and moderators).

2.2. Scientific claims, validity (internal, external, and construct), and research designs (descriptive and experimental research).

2.3. Ethics.

Objectives

The goal of this curricular unit is to present psychology as the science of human behavior and cognitive processes, fostering basic research skills in students. At the end of the semester, students should be able to: 1) name ways of obtaining knowledge; 2) differentiate science and pseudoscience; 3) identify the study object and research goals in psychology; 4) structure research questions; 5) structure research hypotheses; 6) define and operationalize variables; 7) understand mediations and moderations; 8) identify and compare sampling methods; 9) assess scientific studies regarding internal, external, and construct validity; 10) plan descriptive and experimental studies; and 11) know the ethical principles that guide research in psychology.  

Teaching methodologies and assessment

The teaching methodology will be mainly based on expositive strategies, along with practice exercises, to foster the acquisition of basic knowledge of different scientific methodologies in psychology. 

Continuous assessment includes five elements. Two written tests (30% each). One group assignment (30%) that consists of preparing a scientific investigation I) to be submitted for evaluation in support of slides (15%), and II) oral presentation (10% contents of the group presentation and 5% individual exposition). Individual participation in tutoring classes has a weight of 10% in the final assessment.

Class attendance is mandatory. The final average grade should be 10 values or higher. The final assessment consists of a written exam (100%) including every topic in the syllabus. The final grade should be 10 values or higher.

All elements of assessment can be carried out online, depending on the pandemic situation.

References

Howitt, D., & Cramer, D. (2017). Research methods in psychology (5.ª ed.). Harlow: Pearson.

Stanovich, K. E. (2018). How to think straight about psychology (11.ª ed.). Harlow: Pearson.

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