BSc Psychology

The unit will introduce students to key concepts in social cognitive neuroscience, and students will design, carry-out, analyse, and write up an empirical quantitative experiment investigating a research question in this field. 

The unit aims to provide scaffolded support for students to develop quantitative research skills in order to answer social cognitive neuroscience questions. The unit will provide an understanding of historical context, contemporary perspectives, and research methods in social cognitive neuroscience, in relation to empathy research. The unit aims to build on research skills developed in the first-year lab classes, to support readiness for the Final Year Project, along with eligibility for the British Psychological Society's Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) at graduation. The unit aims to equip students with enhanced research skills through rigorous training, helping to ensure they emerge as competent researchers, confident in their ability to conduct empirical research in psychology. Students will be encouraged to become independent, active, and self-directed learners through variety of delivery methods and technologies.

This unit will deliver 9 x interactive lab lectures (each approximately 50 mins in duration) and 10 x lab workshops (each timetabled for approximately 110 mins; please note that the final workshop will take the form of an optional drop-in session to support students with preparing their coursework assignment). 

The interactive lab lecture will comprise a combination of different activities, which may include live teaching, pre-recorded materials, discussions with other students and staff, and completing activities and quizzes to cement understanding.  

For the workshops, students will work together in small groups to complete activities based on the interactive lecture content and conduct the empirical work for the unit. 

Lecture content, lab materials, supplementary reading and resources, and a monitored discussion board will be available via the unit Canvas site. 

• Apply multiple perspectives to psychological issues in social cognition, recognising that psychology involves a range of research methods, theories, evidence, and applications.
• Recognise the role of diversity and variability in psychological functioning and understand its significance.
• Demonstrate specialised knowledge and understanding of the forefront of relevant research in social cognition.  
• Understand how social and cognitive processes influence functioning and the conceptualisation and interrelation of these across core psychological subfields.  

• Appraise the different methods used in research on empathy, and their advantages and limitations.
• Understand and communicate the historical and conceptual roots of the contemporary understanding of social cognitive neuroscience, recognising the importance of the subjective nature of experience.
• Critically evaluate psychological research questions, theories, and methodologies.
• Apply scientific reasoning and evidence-based analysis to evaluate theories, research, ethical issues, and arguments in psychology  
• Ethically apply psychological knowledge.
• Employ, interrelate, and systematically analyse different perspectives, methods, and theories to address theoretical and real-world questions.  
• Understand the process of theory development, and construct and operationalise research questions. 

• Employ numerical reasoning and analytical skills to accurately analyse, interpret, and present quantitative data.
• Apply psychological knowledge ethically and safely to investigate an empirical research question.
• Generate testable hypotheses and research questions drawing on relevant theory and research.  
• Write a research report describing an empirical piece of work in accordance with APA guidelines. 

• Communicate effectively with appropriate audiences through written and visual means.
• Use a range of appropriate sources (library, internet, electronic databases) to gather relevant and robust information.
• Manage learning through effective personal planning, project and data management, and digital literacy skills. 

Ongoing feedback in lab classes and via a monitored discussion board. There will also be a lab drop-in prior to submission. Following submission, students will receive a grade and written feedback.

References will be provided during teaching sessions