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Course profile

Current Issues in Psychology 1 (PSYC4981)

Study period
Sem 1 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

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

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
  • In-person
  • Online
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.

See the conditions definitions

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.

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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:

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: