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Subject Outline Subject Name

Critical Thinking in Psychology: How to Think about Weird Things

Subject Code

PY1103

Study Period

Study Period 1 – 2019

Study Mode

Internal on-campus

Campus

Townsville; Cairns

Subject Coordinator

Dr Anne Swinbourne

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters where our University is located and actively seek to contribute and support the JCU Reconciliation Statement, which exemplifies respect for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures, heritage, knowledge and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians. © Copyright 2019 This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism, or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process or placed in computer memory without written permission.

Pre-requisites For prerequisites, see https://secure.jcu.edu.au/app/studyfinder/?subject=PY1103&year=2019

Subject outline preparation This subject outline has been prepared by Anne Swinbourne for the College of Healthcare Sciences, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University. Updated 18 February 2019. Q1. This subject is offered across more than one campus and/or mode and/or teaching period within the one calendar year.

Yes ☒

No ☐

Q2. If Yes (Q1), the design of all offerings of this subject ensure the same learning outcomes and assessment types and weightings.

Yes ☒

No ☐

Q3. If no (Q2), the Academic Head has authorised any variations, in terms of equivalence.

Subject outline peer reviewer Name

Dr Meegan Kilcullen

Position

Lecturer

Date Reviewed

15/02/2019

College of Healthcare Sciences Disclaimer: The information provided in this subject outline is correct as at the time of completion and may change in response to changing University resources. Any changes will be approved by the College Dean or representative and will be communicated to students by the LearnJCU subject site.

Staff contact details Teaching Team

Staff Member

Room

Phone

Email

Consultation times*

Subject Coordinator / Lecturer

Dr Anne Swinbourne

4-261

47814809

[email protected]

TBA

Tutor Cns

Ms Diane Peachey

TBA

[email protected]

TBA

Tutor Tsv

Ms Alison Sheaves

TBA

[email protected]

TBA

Tutor Tsv

Ms Jenna SingletonBray

TBA

[email protected]

TBA

Online contact form

Visit Learning Advice Desk – JCU Library

Learning Advisors

The Learning Centre

JCU Library

*Other consultation times by appointment only. For further assistance please refer to Student Assistance Directory (Psychology) – Who Do I Contact?

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Contents 1

2

Subject at a glance ...................................................................................................................................... 4 1.1

Student participation requirements ........................................................................................................ 4

1.2

Key dates .................................................................................................................................................. 4

Subject details .............................................................................................................................................. 5 2.1

3

4

5

Subject description................................................................................................................................... 5

2.2

Subject learning outcomes ....................................................................................................................... 5

2.3

Learning and teaching in this subject....................................................................................................... 5

2.4

Student feedback on subject and teaching.............................................................................................. 6

2.5

Subject resources and special requirements ........................................................................................... 6

Assessment details ..................................................................................................................................... 7 3.1

Requirements for successful completion of subject ................................................................................7

3.2

Feedback on student learning.................................................................................................................. 7

3.3

Assessment tasks ..................................................................................................................................... 8

Submission and return of assessment ............................................................................................. 12 4.1

Submission of assessment ..................................................................................................................... 12

4.2

Return of assessment............................................................................................................................. 12

Subject calendar ....................................................................................................................................... 13

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1 Subject at a glance 1.1 Student participation requirements The JCU Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy (4.3) indicates that, “a 3 credit point subject will require a 130 hour work load of study-related participation including class attendance over the duration of the study period, irrespective of mode of delivery”. This work load comprises timetabled hours and other attendance requirements, as well as personal study hours, including completion of online learning activities and assessment requirements. Note that “attendance at specified classes will be a mandatory requirement for satisfactory completion of some subjects” (Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy, 5.10); and that additional hours may be required per week for those students in need of English language, numeracy or other learning support. Key subject activities

Time / Date / Location

Lectures (26 hours total)

Lectures are delivered via a podcast. These will be made available each Monday on the LearnJCU site.

Tutorials (12 hours total)

Refer to JCU Timetable 2019

Work outside workshops and seminars (readings etc) (96 hours total)

Refer to Subject Timetable at end of this handout and LearnJCU.

Other mandatory attendance requirements: None If you are absent from a compulsory class you will need to complete the CHS Process for Assessment Extension, Missed Assessment, Missed Class or Late Assignment Submission application no later than two (2) days after the scheduled date of the class; or one (1) day after the expiry of the medical/counsellors certificate; whichever is later.

For information regarding class registration, visit the Class Registration Schedule.

1.2 Key dates Key dates

Date

Census date

See 2019 Study Period and Census Dates

Last date to withdraw without academic penalty

See 2019 Study Period and Census Dates

Assessment task 1: Mid Semester Test [20%]

In tutorials in Week 7

Assessment task 2: MCQ Online Quiz [15%]

Throughout study period see Section 3.3.

Assessment task 3: Critical Analysis Piece [25%]

Friday, May 31st, Week 13 by 3pm.

Assessment task 4: Examination [40%]

During Exam Period

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2 Subject details 2.1 Subject description It is acknowledged that training in research methodology is training in the practice of turning data into information into knowledge. This subject aims to be the first step on that journey- how do you evaluate the validity of data and information? Students will be introduced to the practice of critical thinking by applying different research methodologies to scenarios drawn from current scientific, political and social discussions.

2.2 Subject learning outcomes Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to: •

develop the ability to evaluate research by applying different levels of evidence framework

•

demonstrate the ability to find, comprehend, analyse and cite scholarly sources of information

•

develop the ability to write assignments and reports that conform to the norms of academic writing and referencing

•

explain key concepts of different research methodologies and epistemologies.

These outcomes will contribute to your overall achievement of course learning outcomes. Your course learning outcomes can be located in the entry for your course in the electronic JCU Course and Subject Handbook 2019 (click on ‘Course Information’ bar/ select ‘Undergraduate Courses’ or ‘Postgraduate Courses’/ select relevant course/ scroll down to ‘Academic Requirements for Course Completion’, ‘Course learning outcomes’).

2.3 Learning and teaching in this subject The aim of the subject is build your foundational skills in critical and creative thinking. These skills are critical to your success as a student and in your future career. This is a very hands-on subject which requires you to think about how you think. Therefore to be successful in this subject, students must: • • • •

thoroughly read the subject outline be familiar and engage regularly with LearnJCU be prepared for class by reviewing reading materials prior to attendance attend all lectures and tutorials.

Each source of teaching materials (readings, lectures, tutorials) is essential for developing your knowledge in this subject. • • •

Readings: provide broad background and resource Lectures: expand on key concepts, explain key theories and discuss implications Tutorials: facilitate workshopped examples and critical discussion on how to put these concepts into practice.

Information and announcements for the subject are communicated through the PY1103 subject page on LearnJCU (www.learnjcu.jcu.edu.au). Additional readings, materials, assessment and subject information can all be found on the subject site. Key study strategies include: • •

Forming a study group so that difficult concepts can be discussed and consolidated Pre-planning and time management – keep up-to-date with readings, class and assessment.

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2.4 Student feedback on subject and teaching As part of our commitment at JCU to improving the quality of our courses and teaching, we regularly seek feedback on your learning experiences. Student feedback informs evaluation of subject and teaching strengths and areas that may need refinement or change. YourJCU Subject and Teaching Surveys provide a formal and confidential method for you to provide feedback about your subjects and the staff members teaching within them. These surveys are available to all students through LearnJCU. You will receive an email invitation when the survey opens. We value your feedback and ask that you provide constructive feedback about your learning experiences for each of your subjects, in accordance with responsibilities outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Refrain from providing personal feedback on topics that do not affect your learning experiences. Malicious comments about staff are deemed unacceptable by the University.

2.5 Subject resources and special requirements All subject readings and resources, including journal articles, book chapters, websites, videos, print and eTextbooks, are available to view online from your Readings list via your LearnJCU subject site. Textbooks listed in your Readings list include links to Co-op Bookshop purchasing details and library holdings. The JCU Library has limited print copies of prescribed textbooks for two-day loans, and options for viewing available eTextbooks online. Additionally, you can find the most appropriate library subject resources, including dedicated discipline libguides, relevant databases and access to library services and staff through the Your Library tool, in your LearnJCU subject site. Prescribed text Schick, T. & Vaughn, L. (2014) How to Think About Weird Things: Critical Thinking for a New Age, 7th edition, McGraw-Hill Education, New York. Readings From time to time readings from the Noba online Introduction to Psychology text will be set as reading. The web links are in the appropriate places in the lecture schedule. Blog posts and other web items are linked in a similar fashion. These are meant to be read as real world communications on the topics you encounter in the academic literature. In other words, such readings very obviously reflect the opinions of the writer.

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3 Assessment details 3.1 Requirements for successful completion of subject In order to pass this subject, you must: • • • •

Submit the critical review piece; Attend the mid-semester exam; Attend the final exam; Achieve an overall percentage of 50% or more in your final total mark.

If you do not complete one or more of the online mini quizzes, you will score zero for that quiz. There are no supplementary mini quizzes offered. You do not need to complete all or any of the mini quizzes to be eligible to pass the subject. Assessment items and final grades will be reviewed through moderation processes (Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy, 5.13-5.18). It is important to be aware that assessment “is always subject to final ratification following the examination period and that no single result represents a final grade in a subject” (Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy, 5.22.). Grades will be awarded for all coursework subjects as per the JCU Student Results Policy.

3.1.1 Inherent requirements Inherent requirements are the fundamental abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to achieve the learning outcomes of a course while preserving the academic integrity of the university’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes. Students and prospective students must be able to demonstrate that they have acquired or have the ability to acquire the inherent requirements for their degree. Reasonable adjustments may be made to assist students manage additional circumstances impacting on their studies provided these do not change the academic integrity of a degree. Reasonable adjustments do not alter the need to be able to demonstrate the inherent requirements of the course. Students who believe they will experience challenges completing their degree or course because of their disability, health condition or other reason should discuss their concerns with an AccessAbility Services team member or a member of College staff, such as the Course Coordinator. In the case where it is determined that inherent requirements cannot be met with reasonable adjustments, the University staff can provide guidance regarding other study options.

3.2 Feedback on student learning Feedback will be provided to students within 15 working days of submission of assessment. This means 3 calendar weeks of a total of 21 days. Public holidays are not included in such calculations.

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3.3 Assessment tasks ASSESSMENT TASK 1: MID-SEMESTER TEST

Aligned subject learning outcomes

• Develop the ability to evaluate research by applying different levels of evidence framework. • Explain key concepts of different research methodologies and epistemologies.

Aligned professional standards/ competencies

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council Standards Competencies of APS Psychologists

Group or individual

Individual

Weighting

20%

Due date

Week 7 in your allocated tutorial.

ASSESSMENT TASK 1: DESCRIPTION Multiple choice/ short answer exam on material presented during Weeks 1-6. All associated lecture, tutorial and allocated readings are examinable. The exam will be 45 minutes long. You must sit this exam to be eligible to pass the subject. ASSESSMENT TASK 1: CRITERIA In multiple choice exams you score a mark when you select the correct answer.

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ASSESSMENT TASK 2: CRITICAL ANALYSIS PIECE • Develop the ability to evaluate research by applying different levels of evidence framework. Aligned subject learning outcomes

• Demonstrate the ability to find, comprehend, analyse and cite scholarly sources of information. • Develop the ability to write assignments and reports that conform to the norms of academic writing and referencing.

Aligned professional standards/ competencies

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council Standards Competencies of APS Psychologists

Group or individual

Individual

Weighting

25%

Due date

Friday Week 13 (31st of May) by 3pm.

ASSESSMENT TASK 2: DESCRIPTION 1500 word written piece. Students are to apply the levels of evidence frameworks and other tools discussed throughout the semester to evaluate and critically analyse the validity of a stated hypothesis. This will require self- directed research. Further information regarding this piece will be released in tutorials in Week 8. You must submit a serious attempt at this assessment to be eligible to pass this subject. ASSESSMENT TASK 2: CRITERIA All work will be graded as follows: •

HD (85 – 100%) Outstanding work showing sophisticated understanding, critical synthesis, originality and/or insight with regard to the field of knowledge, and taking into consideration the level of the subject.

•

D (75 – 84%) Substantial work of high quality. Sophisticated understand, but without the spark of originality, synthesizing powers of insight of the HD grade.

•

C (65 – 74%) Sound, competent work, demonstrating a reasonable grasp of knowledge in the area, taking into account subject and level.

•

P (50 -64%) Adequate engagement with the field at a general level to justify proceeding to further coursework study in the area.

•

N (...