Course coordinator
Professor Barbara Masser
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Psychology School
Quota of 125 students. Enrolment will close once quota is reached. This course systematically explores the effectiveness of the law and justice system from a psychological perspective. By experiencing a fictional case first hand, you will learn about the psychology of law and some of the misconceptions commonly held about criminal justice. You will follow the fictional crime from when it is committed, during the investigation phase, through to the trial.
Important: You will need to spend between 6 to 10 hours per week studying for this course (for 8 weeks). Assessment is every week, so you need to work consistently and regularly to keep up. There is no final exam or assignment, so you cannot put off your study until the end of the semester. We will go over the structure of the course and give you a practice at the assessment in the first week (this won't count towards your grade).
SUMMARY
This course systematically explores the effectiveness of the law and justice system from a psychological perspective. By experiencing a fictional case first hand, you will learn about the psychology of law and some of the misconceptions commonly held about criminal justice. You will follow the fictional crime from when it is committed, during the investigation phase, through to the trial.ﾠ
Please note that class attendance is essential for passing this course (see detailed notes about activities and assessment below). If you don't plan on attending class, we respectfully ask that you don't attempt the course (we predict it won't work out well!).
COURSE TOPICS
We have filmed a recreation of a crime and the subsequent investigation and trial for this course. This drama is called "Crime101".
You can view the trailer for the drama here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT8KmMkBM4Y
You can view the trailer for the course here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqcUrUxkx4k
Each week will start with a part of this drama, and include a series of video lectures from the course coordinators.ﾠ
- Episode 0: Introduction to the course (essential for understanding the assessment requirements)
- Episode 1: The crime / finding the suspect
- Episode 2: Interviewing witnesses
- Episode 3: Photofits and line-ups
- Episode 4: Questioning the suspect
- Episode 5: Getting ready for trial
- Episode 6: The trial
- Episode 7: The jury deliberates
- Episode 8: The verdict
Please note: Assessment activities start with Episode 1.
EXPECTATIONS
It is expected that each week you will watch the online videos before coming to class. This course is designed as a blended course. This means that both online and in class participation are essential for successful completion of the course.ﾠ
Important: You will need to spend between 6 to 10 hours per week studying for this course (for 8 weeks). Assessment is every week, so you need to work consistently and regularly to keep up. There is no final exam or assignment, so you cannot put off your study until the end of the semester.
You should aim to take notes from the lecture videos as though you were sitting in an actual lecture. Focus on the main points that are being covered, rather than trying to write down every word (transcripts of each videos are available in the captions).
Classes will not be recorded as they are designed to be highly interactive. You will need to be present in class for the duration of each workshop.ﾠ
In fact, coming to class is the only way to complete the assessment in this course as we will be having tests and doing worksheets each week.
We have made class attendance and participation an integral part of this course because we would like this class to be a highly interactive experience for all involved. We have dedicated most of the class time to a series of activities. We would like to talk *with* students about the material, and through that create an engaging experience for all of us.ﾠ
If you are unwell or have another legitimate reason for missing a class, you will only need to provide documentation for four or more weeks of absences (we count the best five out of eight for each of your assessment items). Make sure you get the appropriate documentation for every absence at the time however, and hold on to it, in case you end up missing more than three classes.ﾠThere are no make-up quizzes or worksheets for missed weeks (your assessment will be re-weighted in that event). If you are missing four or more weeks of the course for a legitimate reason however, you are strongly advised to see an academic advisor about withdrawing from the course without academic penalty as you will have missed at a minimum half the course.
** Important: You must attend the final two weeks of the course (unless you have a legitimate excuse) and attempt the in-class assessment, otherwise the highest grade you can achieve is a 4. In the context of this course, an attempt is defined as providing an answer to at least 50% of the quiz questions or writing a minimum of 100 words on the worksheet**
Course requirements
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
NEUR1020 or PSYC1030
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
There is only a single time for the lecture/workshop in this class.
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to provide an introduction to how psychology can apply to law and the legal system.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify some of the myths about how the criminal justice system works from a psychological perspective
LO2.
Understand some of the empirical evidence that can inform our understanding of criminal justice and how justice is administered
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Weekly quiz
|
40% |
Quiz 1 30/07/2024 5:00 pm Quiz 2 6/08/2024 5:00 pm Quiz 3 13/08/2024 5:00 pm Quiz 4 20/08/2024 5:00 pm Quiz 5 27/08/2024 5:00 pm Quiz 6 3/09/2024 5:00 pm Quiz 7 10/09/2024 5:00 pm Quiz 8 17/09/2024 5:00 pm
Quizzes can only be attempted and submitted in class. |
| Quiz |
In-class worksheet test
|
60% |
Worksheet 1 30/07/2024 5:00 pm Worksheet 2 6/08/2024 5:00 pm Worksheet 3 13/08/2024 5:00 pm Worksheet 4 20/08/2024 5:00 pm Worksheet 5 27/08/2024 5:00 pm Worksheet 6 3/09/2024 5:00 pm Worksheet 7 10/09/2024 5:00 pm Worksheet 8 17/09/2024 5:00 pm
The hard copy answer sheets will be submitted in class (via collection by the tutors or course coordinator) each week at the end of the testing period for that week (each Tuesday in Weeks 2-9 at approximately 16.50). |
Assessment details
Weekly quiz
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Quiz 1 30/07/2024 5:00 pm
Quiz 2 6/08/2024 5:00 pm
Quiz 3 13/08/2024 5:00 pm
Quiz 4 20/08/2024 5:00 pm
Quiz 5 27/08/2024 5:00 pm
Quiz 6 3/09/2024 5:00 pm
Quiz 7 10/09/2024 5:00 pm
Quiz 8 17/09/2024 5:00 pm
Quizzes can only be attempted and submitted in class.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Every week in class, you’ll take a quiz using traditional bubble sheets and pencils to assess your understanding of the material covered. These weekly quizzes are a crucial part of enhancing your learning and improving retention of the course material. Research indicates that regular testing significantly boosts long-term memory retention compared to merely studying the information (Roediger, Agarwal, McDaniel, McDermott, 2014). These quizzes will challenge you to recall and apply what you’ve learned, helping cement these concepts in your memory.
Please note:
- Quizzes can only be attempted in-class each week.
- The quizzes will commence no earlier than 14.05 each week. You must be in class during the testing period (that is, the time from which the test commences until when it concludes) to be eligible to take the test. If you arrive late but before the end of the testing period you will be able to complete the test in the time remaining in the testing period (e.g., if the test begins at 14.05 and you arrive at 14.10 then you will have until 14.15 to complete the test).
- To take the quiz you will need to produce a valid UQ student ID card and have a pencil. If you wish, you can bring a paper form dictionary with no annotation. This may be an English or dual language dictionary as required. No additional written, printed, or electronic material will be permitted. For the duration of the test, your mobile phones/smart watch must be turned off or in airplane mode and all other items must be placed on floor under your chair.
- In the absence of extenuating circumstances (such as becoming ill), if you complete the quiz but then subsequently leave the class before the end of the workshop, then your quiz will not be graded.
- There will be 10 questions in each quiz
- From Episode 2 (Week 3) onwards, quizzes will comprise questions relating to the current week’s content and content from up to 2 weeks prior (e.g., the Episode 3 quiz in Week 4 may include questions related to Episode 1 and Episode 2 as well as Episode 3). In each week the majority of the questions will be on content from that week’s episode.
- There will be 8 quizzes.
- Your best 5 marks out of the 8 quizzes will count to your grade.
- Each quiz is worth 10 marks, and the quizzes contribute 40% of your overall percentage.
- You must attempt each quiz on your own.
- You must attempt the quiz for either Episode 7 or Episode 8 of the course in order to be awarded more than a Grade of 4 in the course. An attempt is defined as providing an answer to at least 50% of the multiple choice questions.
- If you are unwell and unable to complete a quiz, you will only need to provide medical documentation in the event that you miss four or more quizzes. If you miss one, two or three quizzes, we will simply count your best five attempts at the other quizzes. If you miss a quiz however, make sure you get the appropriate documentation at the time you miss the quiz however, just in case you end up missing more than three and you need to provide it.
- Important: You must write your name/student number on your answer sheet for us to be able to give you the marks for this assessment item. If you submit an answer without your name/student number, we will not be able to match it to you.
Your quiz grades will be available on Blackboard a week or two after each quiz. If you have any concerns about your grades or wish to review a quiz, please reach out to the tutors.
Submission guidelines
The hard copy bubble sheets will be submitted in class (via collection by the tutors or course coordinator) each week at the end of the testing period for that week (each Tuesday in Weeks 2-9 at approximately 14.15).
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Your best 5 marks out of the 8 quizzes will count to your grade.
Late submission
Late submission is not possible. If you are unwell and unable to complete a quiz, you will only need to provide medical documentation in the event that you miss four or more quizzes. If you miss one, two or three quizzes, we will simply count your best five attempts at the other quizzes. If you miss a quiz however, make sure you get the appropriate documentation at the time you miss the quiz however, just in case you end up missing more than three and you need to provide it.
In-class worksheet test
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
Worksheet 1 30/07/2024 5:00 pm
Worksheet 2 6/08/2024 5:00 pm
Worksheet 3 13/08/2024 5:00 pm
Worksheet 4 20/08/2024 5:00 pm
Worksheet 5 27/08/2024 5:00 pm
Worksheet 6 3/09/2024 5:00 pm
Worksheet 7 10/09/2024 5:00 pm
Worksheet 8 17/09/2024 5:00 pm
The hard copy answer sheets will be submitted in class (via collection by the tutors or course coordinator) each week at the end of the testing period for that week (each Tuesday in Weeks 2-9 at approximately 16.50).
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Each week there will be a short answer test in the form of a worksheet in class. This test will be given in the last part of the class, and you will need to complete the test using pen and paper. This assessment will build from the activities completed in class and challenge you to recall and apply what you have learned. The assessment given each week will only cover the course content (lectures, class activities) for that week of content.
Please note:
- You must be in class for the whole time of the activities (so from 14.15pm onwards each Tuesday) to be eligible to take the test that week. Tests can only be attempted in each class.
- To take the test you will need to produce a valid UQ student ID card. If you wish, you can bring a paper form dictionary with no annotation. This may be an English or dual language dictionary as required. No additional written, printed, or electronic material will be permitted. For the duration of the test, your mobile phones/smart watch must be turned off or in airplane mode and all other items must be placed on floor under your chair.
- There are 8 tests overall (1 per episode)
- Each test is worth 12%
- We will count your best 5 attempts at the tests
- The tests contribute 60% towards your final percentage.
- You must attempt the test for either Episode 7 or Episode 8 of the course in order to be awarded more than a Grade of 4 in the course. An attempt is defined as writing a minimum of 100 words on the worksheet test paper.
- If you are unwell and unable to complete a test, you will only need to provide medical documentation in the event that you miss four or more tests. If you miss one, two or three tests, we will simply count your best five attempts at the other tests. If you miss a test however, make sure you get the appropriate documentation at the time you miss the test however, just in case you end up missing more than three and you need to provide it. If you miss more than 3 tests, you will need to apply for supplementary assessment and supply documentation to cover all the dates you were absent from the workshops. If approved, you will be able to complete up to 5 test answers.
- Important: You must write your name/student number on your answer sheet for us to be able to give you the marks for this assessment item. If you submit an answer without your name/student number, we will not be able to match it to you based on your handwriting or pen colour.
Your short answer test grades will be available on Blackboard a week or two after each assessment. If you have any concerns about your grades or wish to review an assessment, please reach out to the tutors.
These assessment tasks evaluate students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The hard copy answer sheets will be submitted in class (via collection by the tutors or course coordinator) each week at the end of the testing period for that week (each Tuesday in Weeks 2-9 at approximately 16.50).
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Your best 5 marks out of the 8 tests will count to your grade.
Late submission
Late submission is not possible. If you are unwell and unable to complete a test, you will only need to provide medical documentation in the event that you miss four or more tests. If you miss one, two or three tests, we will simply count your best five attempts at the other tests. If you miss a test however, make sure you get the appropriate documentation at the time you miss the test however, just in case you end up missing more than three and you need to provide it. If you miss more than 3 tests, you will need to apply for supplementary assessment and supply documentation to cover all the dates you were absent from the workshops. If approved, you will be able to complete up to 5 test answers.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 48.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 49 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Unless you have a legitimate excuse, you must attend at least one of the final two weeks of the course (Episode 7 or Episode 8) and attempt the in-class assessment. Otherwise, the highest grade you can achieve is a 4. In the context of this course, an attempt is defined as providing an answer to at least 50% of the multiple-choice questions or writing a minimum of 100 words on the short answer worksheet.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Rationale for assessment: The assessment for this course is based on some of the principles of effective learning identified by scientific research.
If you want to learn more about the science behind effective learning, we highly recommend that you read the following book:
The very brief summary is that learning is more effective when:
- Repeated testing is used;
- Testing is conducted before and after exposure to material;
- Feedback on performance is delayed;
- Recall rather than recognition is used:
- Learning is interleaved with other topics:
- Learning is spaced out over time.
So in this course, you will be given two attempts at a quiz about the lecture content, before and after exposure to the lecture content. The first attempt is a short quiz which is optional to take. It is also formative and will not count towards your grade. The second quiz conducted in class will count towards your grade. The in-class worksheet test will take place after you have reviewed the lecture content (before class) and after we have completed a series of in-class activities that will help you apply your knowledge to the case we are considering in the course. As such, this worksheet will have a short-answer format with the aim of focusing on recall and application rather than recognition. You will complete the worksheet individually. We test you each week of the course to encourage spaced learning, rather than massed study before an end of semester exam. We would also encourage you not to try and watch all of each week's videos in a single sitting. You might want to break up the videos by completing study for some of your other courses.
Although weekly tests may cause some anxiety for students at first, students' performance improves dramatically over the semester.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Workshop |
Episode 0: Introduction Episode 0: Introduction (Workshop): Please watch the Episode 0 videos (in the Episode 0 folder on Blackboard) before attending the workshop. It is essential that you attend the introductory workshop as we will be explaining the format of the course and the assessment requirements.You will have an opportunity in this class to practice the assessment format. These attempts are formative and will not count towards your grade. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Workshop |
Episode 1: The crime / Finding the suspect Episode 1: The crime/finding the suspect (Workshop): Please watch the Episode 1 videos (in the Episode 1 folder on Blackboard) before attending the workshop. Before watching the videos you may wish to complete the multiple choice questions about the content. The questions completed online and before the videos do not count towards your grade. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Workshop |
Episode 2: Interviewing witnesses Episode 2: Interviewing witnesses (Workshop): Please watch the Episode 2 videos (in the Episode 2 folder on Blackboard) before attending the workshop. Before watching the videos you may wish to complete the multiple choice questions about the content. The questions completed online and before the videos do not count towards your grade. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Workshop |
Episode 3: Photofits and lineups Episode 3: Photofits and lineups (Workshop): Please watch the Episode 3 videos (in the Episode 3 folder on Blackboard) before attending the workshop. Before watching the videos you may wish to complete the multiple choice questions about the content. The questions completed online and before the videos do not count towards your grade. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Workshop |
Episode 4: Questioning the suspect Episode 4: Questioning the suspect (Workshop): Please watch the Episode 4 videos (in the Episode 4 folder on Blackboard) before attending the workshop. Before watching the videos you may wish to complete the multiple choice questions about the content. The questions completed online and before the videos do not count towards your grade. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Workshop |
Episode 5: Getting ready for trial Episode 5: Getting ready for trial (Workshop): Please watch the Episode 5 videos (in the Episode 5 folder on Blackboard) before attending the workshop. Before watching the videos you may wish to complete the multiple choice questions about the content. The questions completed online and before the videos do not count towards your grade. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Workshop |
Episode 6: The trial Episode 6: The trial (Workshop): Please watch the Episode 6 videos (in the Episode 6 folder on Blackboard) before attending the workshop. Before watching the videos you may wish to complete the multiple choice questions about the content. The questions completed online and before the videos do not count towards your grade. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Workshop |
Episode 7: The jury deliberates Episode 7: The jury deliberates (Workshop): Please watch the Episode 7 videos (in the Episode 7 folder on Blackboard) before attending the workshop. Before watching the videos you may wish to complete the multiple choice questions about the content. The questions completed online and before the videos do not count towards your grade. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Workshop |
Episode 8: The verdict Episode 8: The verdict (Workshop): Please watch the Episode 8 videos (in the Episode 1 folder on Blackboard) before attending the workshop. Before watching the videos you may wish to complete the multiple choice questions about the content. The questions completed online and before the videos do not count towards your grade. Note that this is the last class for the course Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
Course guidelines
As noted previously, we count your best 5 out of 8 attempts at each assessment item. This is designed so that you are not penalised for having a bad week. If you are not able to attend a class, there are no make up chances. You only need to provide documentation to excuse your class absence if you miss four or more classes (and you will need to provide documentation for each of those missed classes, not just the most recent). If you miss any classes, make sure you get appropriate documentation at the time of your absenceﾠand hold on to it just in case you end up missing more than three classes.