In-Depth Notes for PSYC3034: Topics in Applied Psychology

Introduction to Applied Psychology Course

  • Course Code: PSYC3034
  • Instructor: Dr. Natasha Matthews
    • Contact: n.matthews1@uq.edu.au
    • Office: Room 402, Building 24a
  • Course Tutors:
    • Jess Miller (j.l.miller@uq.edu.au)
    • Max Baillie (m.baillie@uq.edu.au)
    • Hannah Schuurs (h.schuurs@uq.edu.au)
    • Rosie Scott (rosie.scott@uq.edu.au)
    • Julia Davidson (julia.davidson@uq.edu.au)

Course Structure and Aims

  • Lecture Duration: 2 hours (Mondays)
  • Tutorial Duration: 1 hour (starting Week 2)
  • Emphasis on measuring, understanding, and changing behavior.

Weekly Learning Overview

Week 1: Introduction to Applied Psychology
  • Learning Outcomes: L01, L02, L05
  • Assessment: Weekly Tutorial Worksheets, with top 8 out of 10 counting towards the final grade (16% total).
Upcoming Weeks Topics
  • Week 2: Research, Theory, and Practice Cycle
  • Week 3: Challenges in Application of Psychology (Part 1 & 2)
  • Week 4: Ethical Considerations in Applied Psychology (Part 1 & 2)
  • Week 8: Behaviour and Behaviour Change
  • Week 9: Behaviour Change Programs
  • Week 11: Diagnosis, Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of Behaviour Change Programs
  • Week 12: Behaviour Change Programs in action

Course Communication

  • Live Lectures: Includes Q&A sessions.
  • Discussion Board: Checked once per week for general inquiries.
  • Email: Used for non-tutorial related questions, responses may take several days.

Professional Skills Development

  • Understanding of professional norms in applied psychology, care, compassion, and delivering constructive feedback.
  • Building employability skills throughout the course.

What is Applied Psychology?

  • Definition: Application of psychological principles to solve real-world issues across various domains (e.g., health, education, industry).
  • Importance of Psychological Literacy: Ability to apply psychological skills to meet personal, professional, or societal needs.
  • Psychology helps address problems like conflict, ignorance, disease, and development.
  • Applications range from workplace efficiency to mental health improvement.

Components of Psychological Literacy (McGovern et al., 2010)

  1. Well-defined vocabulary and basic knowledge of psychology.
  2. Using scientific thinking and disciplined analysis.
  3. Creative and skeptical problem-solving approach.
  4. Applying psychological principles in various contexts.
  5. Ethical practice in all endeavors.
  6. Effective communication across diverse audiences.
  7. Respect for diversity.
  8. Insightful reflection on behavior and mental processes.

Summary of Key Concepts Covered

  • Professional Psychology: Practitioners provide services based on evidence-informed methods and ethical standards to enhance well-being.
  • Diversity in Applied Psychology: Application of psychology varies across settings and populations, focusing on individual and societal improvements.
  • Knowledge generation vs. application: Basic or pure psychology focuses on knowledge generation, while applied psychology focuses on its application to enhance human behavior.

Pathways to Becoming a Psychologist

  1. Undergraduate Sequence: 3-year degree (APAC accredited).
  2. Postgraduate Training: Includes Doctoral and Master’s programs, followed by supervised practice.
  3. Registration: Completion of exams and internship requirements to obtain general registration.

Future of Applied Psychology

  • Continuous growth in applied psychology fields presents vast opportunities for graduates.
  • The discipline evolves capturing new methodologies and adapting to societal needs.
  • Job titles and career paths may vary as the field expands.

Required Readings

  • Cited works by Donaldson et al. (2006) and Bayne & Jinks (2013) to deepen understanding of applied psychology concepts.

Employability Activities

  • Self-reflection on personal strengths and career aspirations within psychology. Attend workshops and networking events to enhance career readiness.