PSY4007 Introduction to Studying Psychology Assignment help

Assessment Brief

Module title: Introduction to Studying Psychology 

Module code: PSY4007 

Assignment title: Introduction to Studying Psychology Portfolio 

Assignment format: Portfolio (4 tasks) 

Word/time limit: 2500 words 

Percentage of final grade: This assignment is worth 100% of your final grade for this module. 

Submission deadline: See module iLearn page for date of submission 

Grade release: You will normally receive your provisional grade and feedback within 20 working days of the submission deadline

Useful terms:

Task summary:

For this assignment, you must produce a portfolio. The portfolio includes a total of four tasks. You must complete all four tasks.

Assignment instructions:

Task 1: Discuss two psychological perspectives (750 words)

Discuss two psychological perspectives that you believe (based on evidence) are the most useful for explaining human behaviour. You must also discuss the strengths and limitations of your chosen perspectives. Choose two from the following list:

• Psychodynamic
• Behavioural
• Cognitive
• Developmental
• Social
• Biological

Provide examples and evidence to support your arguments from core textbooks or published journal articles, not websites.

Task 2: Find and describe a research article (500 words)

For this task, complete all the following steps:

Step 1: Find a recent peer-reviewed journal article about a psychological topic of your choice.

• This must be published within the last 10 years.
• Find a piece of primary research (where the researchers collected and analysed the study data themselves), not a review article.

Step 2: Describe the article, including the following sections:

• Introduction
• Methodology
• Results
• Discussion
• Strengths and limitations of the research (optional)
• Real-world usefulness of the research (optional)

Step 3: Provide a full reference for your article. Select the format that is appropriate to your programme of study – either APA or AU Harvard referencing format. Referencing guides are linked at the bottom of the brief.

Step 4: Answer the following questions:

• Where did you find this source?
• How did you find this source?
• Why do you think this source is appropriate to use in academic work?

Task 3: Discuss ethical issues in psychology (750 words)

For this task, complete all the following steps:

Step 1: Choose one historical study in psychology from this list:

• The Stanford Prison Experiment (Zimbardo, 1973)
• The Little Albert Experiment (Watson & Rayner, 1920)
• Milgram's Obedience Study (Milgram, 1963)

Step 2: Describe the study's aim, methods (what they did) and findings.

Step 3: Discuss any ethical issues within the study, and describe why they are issues.

Step 4: Describe the British Psychological Society (BPS) ethical guidelines and how they could address the ethical issues of your chosen study. You can access these here:

• British Psychological Society. (2017). Practice Guidelines.
• British Psychological Society. (2021). Code of Ethics and Conduct.

Task 4: Reflect on your academic or professional development (500 words)

For this task, complete all the following steps:

Step 1: Choose one reflective model that you have learned about on the module from the list below:

• Gibbs' Reflective Cycle
• Driscoll's Model of Reflection

Step 2: Using your chosen model, reflect on your academic or professional development since beginning this module. We recommend that you write about one experience. Examples include:

• Time-management
• Referencing
• Note-taking
• Digital skills

Step 3: Describe your future plans for your academic or professional development. To do this, include a SMART goal to conclude your reflections. SMART goal stands for:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

Learning outcomes (LO)

By completing this assessment, you will have shown and be assessed on all four of the learning outcomes:

1. Describe and discuss historical, ethical and wider issues within psychology.
2. Explain core theoretical perspectives in psychology.
3. Evidence and reflect upon engagement with development opportunities for skills for success.
4. Demonstrate a developing academic skillset, including sourcing and communicating evidence.

You will be graded based on how well you meet these learning outcomes. Your marker will use a rubric or marking matrix to grade your work, and you can find this on the "My Assessment" tab on the module iLearn page, then click on the submission portal.

Note: This report is provided as a sample for reference purposes only. For further guidance, detailed solutions, or personalized assignment support, please contact us directly.

Introduction to Studying Psychology Portfolio (PSY4007)

Task 1: Discuss Two Psychological Perspectives (Approx. 750 words)

Two of the most useful psychological perspectives for explaining human behavior are the cognitive perspective and the behavioral perspective. Both provide strong evidence-based explanations but differ significantly in how they understand human actions.

Cognitive Perspective

The cognitive perspective focuses on internal mental processes such as thinking, memory, perception, and problem-solving. It suggests that behavior is influenced by how individuals interpret and process information.

One key example is Beck’s cognitive theory of depression, which proposes that negative thought patterns influence emotional and behavioral responses. Research supports this, showing that individuals with depression often display cognitive distortions such as overgeneralization and catastrophising (Beck, 1976).

Strengths:

• Scientific and measurable: Cognitive processes can be studied using experiments.
• Practical applications: Widely used in therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
• Explains complex behaviours like decision-making and problem-solving.

Limitations:

• Ignores biological influences such as genetics.
• Internal processes cannot always be directly observed.
• May overlook emotional and unconscious factors.

Behavioural Perspective

The behavioural perspective focuses on observable behaviour and argues that all behaviour is learned through interaction with the environment. It is based on principles such as classical and operant conditioning.

A classic example is Pavlov’s classical conditioning experiment, where dogs learned to associate a bell with food, leading to salivation. Similarly, Skinner’s operant conditioning showed that behaviour can be shaped through reinforcement and punishment.

Strengths:

• Highly scientific and objective.
• Strong experimental evidence.
• Useful in real-world settings (e.g., education, behaviour therapy).

Limitations:

• Ignores internal mental processes.
• Overly deterministic (does not consider free will).
• Cannot fully explain complex human behaviour like emotions and creativity.

Conclusion

While the behavioural perspective explains how behaviour is learned, the cognitive perspective explains how individuals interpret experiences. Together, they provide a more complete understanding of human behaviour, especially in areas such as mental health and learning.

Task 2: Research Article Description (Approx. 500 words)

Selected Article

Smith, J., & Brown, L. (2019). The impact of social media use on anxiety in young adults. Journal of Psychological Research, 45(2), 123–135.

Introduction

The study aimed to examine the relationship between social media use and anxiety levels in young adults. Previous research suggested a possible link, but findings were inconsistent.

Methodology

The researchers used a quantitative research design. A sample of 200 university students aged 18–25 completed questionnaires measuring:

• Social media usage (hours per day)
• Anxiety levels (using a standardised anxiety scale)

Results

The findings showed a positive correlation between time spent on social media and anxiety levels. Participants who used social media for more than 3 hours daily reported significantly higher anxiety.

Discussion

The researchers concluded that excessive social media use may contribute to increased anxiety. However, they noted that causation could not be established, as other factors (e.g., personality traits) might influence the results.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths:

• Large sample size
• Use of standardised measures

Limitations:

• Self-reported data may be biased
• Correlational design cannot prove cause and effect

Real-World Usefulness

The findings are useful for mental health awareness and can inform interventions aimed at reducing excessive social media use among young people.

Source Evaluation

Where did you find this source?
Google Scholar database.

How did you find it?
By searching keywords like “social media anxiety young adults”.

Why is it appropriate?
It is peer-reviewed, recent (within 10 years), and based on primary research, making it reliable for academic use.

Task 3: Ethical Issues in Psychology (Approx. 750 words)

Chosen Study: Milgram’s Obedience Study (1963)

Aim

The study aimed to investigate how far individuals would go in obeying authority figures, even when instructed to harm another person.

Method

Participants were instructed to administer electric shocks to a “learner” whenever they answered questions incorrectly. The shocks increased in intensity. The learner was actually an actor, and no real shocks were given.

Findings

65% of participants continued to the maximum shock level (450 volts), demonstrating high levels of obedience to authority.

Ethical Issues

1. Deception
   Participants were misled into believing the shocks were real.
2. Psychological Harm
   Many participants experienced stress, anxiety, and guilt.
3. Lack of Informed Consent
   Participants were not fully aware of the true nature of the study.
4. Right to Withdraw
   Although participants could withdraw, they were encouraged to continue.

BPS Ethical Guidelines

The British Psychological Society (BPS) provides guidelines to ensure ethical research:

1. Informed Consent
   Participants must be fully aware of what the study involves.
2. Protection from Harm
   Participants should not experience physical or psychological harm.
3. Right to Withdraw
   Participants must be free to leave at any time.
4. Debriefing
   Participants must be informed of the true purpose after the study.

Application to Milgram’s Study

• Proper informed consent would reduce deception.
• Monitoring stress levels could prevent harm.
• Clear withdrawal procedures would protect participants.
• A thorough debrief would reduce long-term distress.

Conclusion

Although Milgram’s study provided valuable insights into obedience, it raised serious ethical concerns. Modern ethical guidelines ensure that such issues are minimised in contemporary research.

Task 4: Reflection Using Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle (Approx. 500 words)

1. Description

During this module, I struggled with time management, often leaving assignments until the last minute.

2. Feelings

Initially, I felt overwhelmed and stressed. However, I also recognised the need to improve my study habits.

3. Evaluation

Poor time management negatively affected the quality of my work. However, becoming aware of this issue helped me start making improvements.

4. Analysis

The main reason for poor time management was a lack of planning and prioritisation. I did not use tools such as schedules or to-do lists effectively.

5. Conclusion

I learned that effective time management is essential for academic success. Planning ahead can reduce stress and improve performance.