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Department of Psychology, Unit Catalogue 2007/08


PS50119 Cyberpsychology

Credits: 6
Level: Masters
Semester: 2
Assessment: ES80OR20
Requisites:
Before taking this unit you must take PS50067 and take XX50125
Aims: To introduce some recent research in the field of cyberpsychology
To investigate the impact of computers upon human behaviour.
To be able to design technology to support human behaviour.
Learning Outcomes:
To critically evaluate the relationship between humans and the technology they use
To assess how technology is shaped by and shapes being human;
To assess the implications for human-computer interaction for both use and design.
Skills:
The student can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the topics focused on in this unit, in particular of the attitude construct, attitude change, decision making, attitude-behaviour relationships and the influence of social processes and context. (T/F A)
The student has detailed knowledge of some specialised areas and/or applications, some of which are at the cutting edge of research in the discipline. (T/F A)
The student is able to select relevant paradigms and research methods for answering particular research questions. (T/F A)
The student is able to read and understand empirical journal articles and relate these to existing bodies of knowledge. (T/F A)
The student is able to apply theoretical notions to practical problems and phenomena. (T/F A)
The student can reason scientifically and take a critical view on arguments and research outcomes. (T/F A)
The student is computer literate and is able to retrieve scientific articles from the available databases. (T/F A)
The student can solve problems by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions and evaluating outcomes. (T/F A)
The student is able to plan and organise the study activities that are required in this unit, take charge of his or her own learning, and can reflect and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses for the purpose of future learning. (T/F A)
Content:
The role of human emotion within computer-mediated-communication; affective computing; technophobia
The role of anxiety within human computer interaction
Differing perspectives upon the aetiology of technophobia
Online relationships
Self and identity in online settings.