Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Psychology School
Enrolment Note:This course has a delayed enrolment date and will open following the allocation of Honours streams. Students will be advised of the specific date each year when their Honours stream is confirmed and should contact the School of Psychology for further information.
This course provides students with the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the theoretical & research basis of current issues in psychology. The psychology area covered will vary from year to year.
In Semester 1, PSYC4981 examines the dynamic intersection between psychology and technology, offering insights into how technological advancements shape human thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. This year’s course focuses on key areas, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, social media, privacy, and the psychological impacts of living in a digital world. Students will engage with the critically acclaimed book The Coming Wave to frame discussions around the societal and psychological implications of emerging technologies.
Through lectures, tutorials, and practical exercises, students will explore topics such as the psychology of social media, AI’s role in decision-making, human-robot interactions, the neuroscience of technology addiction, and the ethics of digital surveillance. A key component involves crafting and defending a study proposal, supported by workshops on research methodologies and AI tools like ChatGPT.
Course requirements
Restrictions
BPsySc(Hons), BSc(Hons) in Psychology, BA(Hons) in Psychology
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Course administrator
Professor Eric Vanman
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The central aim of this course is to provide a historical introduction to some of the great ideas and great persons in psychology and evaluate how they relate to modern psychology as practised in Australia and Queensland.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Evaluate the psychological implications of contemporary issues by integrating theoretical frameworks and current research.
LO2.
Critically assess relevant ethical dilemmas and societal challenges, proposing evidence-based strategies to address these issues.
LO3.
Design, articulate, and defend psychological research relevant to the selected theme, utilising appropriate tools and methodologies.
LO4.
Synthesise knowledge across disciplines to anticipate future trends and their potential psychological effects, fostering innovative and socially responsible solutions.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Written Research Proposal | 25% |
28/04/2025 5:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Oral Defence of Research Proposal
|
25% |
29/04/2025 - 15/05/2025 |
| Examination | Final Exam | 35% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
| Reflection | Reflections | 15% |
Weekly (Weeks 2-13) |
Assessment details
Written Research Proposal
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
28/04/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01
Task description
In this research proposal assignment, you will have the opportunity to explore a topic covered in the course related to the psychology of technology in depth. Your task is to develop a 1000-word research proposal that adheres to the guidelines and standards of the American Psychological Association (APA) style, 7th Edition. This proposal should present a well-structured rationale based on a literature review, outline your proposed study, make predictions, and include a reference list (which is not included in the word count). Additionally, you should create a budget for the study, with a maximum (realistic) budget allocation of AUD$2500.
Submission guidelines
Submit this assignment on Blackboard's Turnitin.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Oral Defence of Research Proposal
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
29/04/2025 - 15/05/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Students will provide a brief presentation and defence of their research proposal to the Course Coordinator and Tutor either in person or on Zoom. These sessions will be no longer than 15 minutes in length. No other students will attend this defence. Appointments will be made in early April and will require at least 48 hours' notice for cancellation. Failure to cancel with insufficient notice will endure a late penalty of 10% of the maximum mark for each day that defence goes past the scheduled date.
Submission guidelines
This will be done in-person or on Zoom in a time arranged between the student and the instructors.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Appointments will be made in early April and will require at least 48 hours' notice for cancellation. Failure to cancel with insufficient notice will result in a late penalty of 10% of the maximum mark for each day that the defence goes past the scheduled date.
Final Exam
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
The final exam will be given during the exam block and administered centrally. It will consist of six (6) short essay questions. These questions will require you to integrate information you have learned from the assigned readings, videos, and lectures. Some will focus on ethical and practical considerations of our covered topics. Others will ask you to integrate two completely different topics in your answer (e.g., VR and robots). Practice exam questions will be provided by May 1 on Blackboard.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Reflections
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
Weekly (Weeks 2-13)
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Lecture and Tutorial Reflections. At 12 lectures (i.e., all lecture meetings but the first) AND the eight tutorials, you will be asked a question at the beginning of class and a second one at the end. You will receive one mark for each answer if it shows evidence that you were prepared for or attended the lecture/tutorial.
Submission guidelines
In-person, at lecture or tutorial
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
If your application is approved your marks for the lecture reflections will be re-weighted based on the pieces you did submit. This can be done for up to 2 reflections, after which you may have to complete alternate assessments to meet the learning outcomes for the course.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You may miss completing reflections for TWO classes (out of the possible 12 lectures + 8 tutorials) without a penalty. If you miss more than two, you'll need to apply for an application to have your reflections re-weighted (See below). There is no way to make up a missed reflection.
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 - 39.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 40 - 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. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Word limits: You are expected to complete your assignment within the specified word limit. Once you have exceeded this limit, the marker of your assignment will stop reading and you will not receive any marks for sections of your assignment beyond the word limit. Given this, it is really important to keep your assignment within the word limit. Your word processor will have a word count facility, make sure you use it.
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
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Own copy required
You'll need to have your own copy of the following reading resources. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Book |
The coming wave: technology, power, and the twenty-first century's greatest dilemma
by Suleyman; Mustafa; Bhaskar; Michael - 2023 Edition: First edition Publisher: Crown, an imprint of Crown Publishing Group ISBN: 9780593593950; 9780593728178; 9780593593974; 9780593593967; 9781847927484 |
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 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week #1 Introduction Introduction to the Psychology of Technology. Overview of the field, historical context, and psychological theories relevant to technology. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Tutorial Week #1 NO TUTORIAL No Tutorial this week |
|
Not Timetabled |
Reading Week #1 Read Coming Wave, Chapter 1 and APA article about Psychology and Technology (found on Blackboard) Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week #2: Social Media & Well-Being Social Media and Psychological Well-being. The impact of social media on mental health, identity, and relationships. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week #2 Tutorial Discuss Chapter 1 of The Coming Wave. Explore psychological implications of societal changes due to social media. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Not Timetabled |
Reading Week #2 Read McComb et al. (2023) and Coming Wave: Ch. 2 Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week #3 Technology and Social Interaction Technology and Social Interaction. Online vs. offline interactions, the psychology of digital communication. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week #3 Tutorial Case study on a social media phenomenon. Begin brainstorming ideas for potential study proposals. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Not Timetabled |
Reading Week #3 Read Nitschinsk et al. (2023); Konings et al. (2023); Coming Wave: Ch. 3 Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week #4 Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges. Understanding AI, its role in society, and psychological implications Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week #4 Tutorial Discuss Chapters 2-4 of The Coming Wave on AI. Workshop on formulating a research question for proposals. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Not Timetabled |
Reading Week #4 Read Coming Wave: Ch. 4 Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week #5 Technology and Cognitive Processes Technology and Cognitive Processes. Attention, memory, and decision-making in the age of technology Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week #5 Tutorial Introduction to using AI tools (including ChatGPT’s canvas) for brainstorming and refining research ideas. Hands-on demonstration of AI’s capabilities. Learning outcomes: L03 |
|
Not Timetabled |
Reading Week #5 Read Nieweglowska et al. (2023) Lewandowsky et al. (2017); Coming Wave: Ch. 5 Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week #6 Robotics and Human Interaction Robotics and Human Interaction. Human-robot interaction, trust in automation, and ethical considerations. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week #6 Tutorial Explore ethical considerations in robotics research. Peer feedback session on preliminary research proposal ideas. Learning outcomes: L02 |
|
Not Timetabled |
Reading Week #6 Read Vanman & Kappas (2019); Coming Wave: Ch. 6 Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week #7 Privacy and Surveillance Psychology Privacy and Surveillance Psychology. The psychological impact of living under surveillance and privacy concerns. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week #7 Tutorial Discuss chapters 5-7 of The Coming Wave. Workshop: Writing a concise and impactful proposal abstract using AI tools. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Reading Week #7 Read Shariff et al. (2021); Coming Wave: Ch. 7 Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week #8 Technology Addiction Technology Addiction. Behavioural addiction, the neuroscience of tech dependency, and social implications. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week #8 NO TUTORIAL No Tutorial This Week |
|
Not Timetabled |
Reading Week #8 Read Pan et al. (2020); Coming Wave: Ch. 8 Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK No Lecture |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week #9 Technology and Emotional Well-being Technology and Emotional Well-being. Emotional regulation, cyberbullying, and digital empathy Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week #9 NO TUTORIAL No Tutorial this week. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Reading Week #9 Read Bond (2019); Coming Wave: Ch. 9 Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Week #10 Ethical Implications of Technology in Psychology Ethical Implications of Technology in Psychology. Ethics in psychological research using technology, digital interventions, and AI ethics. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week #10 NO TUTORIAL No Tutorial this week. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Reading Week #10 Read Fiske (2019); CPA Briefing Paper (2024); Coming Wave: Ch. 10 Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week #11 Future Trends in Technology and Psychology Future Trends in Technology and Psychology. Predictions about tech’s role in shaping human psychology. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week #11 NO TUTORIAL No Tutorial this week. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Reading Week #11 Read Fortuna (2023); Coming Wave: Ch. 11 Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Week #12 Integrative Perspectives Integrative Perspectives. Synthesizing themes from social media, AI, robotics, and privacy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week #12 Tutorial Discuss final chapters of The Coming Wave. Group activity: Predicting the next technological wave and its psychological impact. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Not Timetabled |
Reading Week #12 Coming Wave: Ch. 13 Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Week #13 Final Review and Course Wrap-Up Final Review and Course Wrap-Up. Review key concepts, Q&A session, and preparation for the final exam Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week #13 Tutorial Practice essay-writing session using sample questions from The Coming Wave themes. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
|
Not Timetabled |
Reading Week #13 Read Coming Wave: Ch. 13 Learning outcomes: L01 |
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: