| CODE | PSY3161 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Cyberpsychology | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Psychology | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Study-unit content will be covered through lectures, classroom demonstrations, assigned article readings, and discussion sessions. Topics covered in the study-unit will include the representation of the self and identity management in online environments; the dynamics of online gambling, exploring behavioural patterns, risks, and regulatory challenges, alongside the developmental implications of digital exposure for "cyber babies"; it further delves into the navigation of online identities and social influences among teenagers and young adults, the psychology of cyber relationships within digital romance, and the mechanisms of online persuasion, compliance, and conformity, with a particular focus on the role of meme culture as modern rhetoric influencing public opinion and behaviour, among other topics. Research methods and ethics in researching online behaviours will also be discussed. Study-Unit Aims: The study-unit aims to introduce the students to the emerging field of research and practice in Cyberpsychology. Students will learn how to apply psychological concepts and theories to explain and explore human behaviour in online environments. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate clear understanding of Cyberpsychology research methods; - Critically evaluate the application of psychological concepts and theories to the study of human behaviour online; - Describe and critically evaluate main areas of Cyberpsychology research and practice; - Critically examine the effects of modern digital technologies on human functioning and well-being. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate competence in the critical evaluation of both published and unpublished sources with regards to Cyberpsychology; - Demonstrate ability to critically assess and comment on the ethical aspects of data collection and research in online environments; - Demonstrate competence in the identification of possible applications of Cyberpsychology for health and social-wellbeing. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Whitty, M.T., Young, G. (2016). Cyberpsychology: The Study of Individuals, Society and Digital Technology. BPS Blackwell. Supplementary Readings: - Norman, K.L. (2017). Cyberpsychology: An Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction. Cambridge University Press. - Joinson, A., McKenna, K., Postmes, T., Reips, U. (2009). Oxford Handbook of Internet Psychology. Oxford University Press. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Maris Catania |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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