Abstract
Psychological literacy and The Emperor’s new clothes
Abstract
Despite the widespread use of the term psychological literacy, it is argued in this paper that it lacks a clear definition and empirical support. The claim that all psychology students possess psychological literacy in the sense of knowing the main ideas and concepts is relatively uncontroversial. However, the claim that they also possess a wide range of generic skills is open to question since most of the skills are ones that all graduates might be expected to possess. The more ambitious claim that a training in psychology produces “global citizens” is at best aspirational, with little indication that it corresponds to current reality. In order to be useful the concept needs both clearer definition and empirical research to justify the claims made.
Keywords
Psychological literacy, generic skills, undergraduate degree
Psychological literacy: A multifaceted perspective
Abstract
The concept of psychological literacy has grown in importance within psychology education at all levels, in the UK and globally, in recent years. Increasingly, psychology educators and policy makers are seeking to emphasise the relevance and usefulness of psychology within everyday life, within the workplace, and as an element of global citizenship.
The Division of Academics, Researchers and Teachers in Psychology (DART-P), recognising this recent development, hosted a symposium at the British Psychological Society (BPS) Annual Conference 2015, at which the concept of psychological literacy was explored within the context of higher and pre-tertiary psychology education. The aim of the symposium, reflected in this article, was to explore current thinking, developments and practice within contemporary psychology education, with a view to stimulating critical discussion and reflection on psychological literacy and its delivery within both pre-tertiary and higher education contexts. Ultimately, the symposium, and this article, are intended to facilitate exploration of the opportunities provided by psychology education, at all levels, to develop students as psychologically literate citizens.
This article summarises the talks and discussions which occurred during the symposium. Firstly, we introduce the concept and literature surrounding psychological literacy and its importance to modern psychology education. This is followed by a case study illustrating one way in which psychological literacy has been embedded into the curriculum within a university undergraduate programme. We move to consider the development of thinking about psychological literacy in a historical context, linking it to societal benefits and Miller’s (1969) concept of “giving psychology away.” This raises the question of the extent to which pre-tertiary psychology education can equip students with psychological literacy, and the impact of the growing numbers of people who have studied psychology upon society. In England and Wales, the most popular pre-tertiary psychology qualification is the A level, which has undergone recent revisions, and so we consider the contribution of the new A level psychology specifications to psychological literacy. In conclusion, this paper offers some thoughts about the implications of the growth in emphasis on education for psychological literacy, reflecting the discussions held during the plenary session at the end of the symposium.
Keywords
Psychological literacy, higher education, pre-tertiary, A-level, transferable skills, global citizenship
Introducing a compendium of psychological literacy case studies: Reflections on psychological literacy in practice
Abstract
This article introduces a set of case studies that were submitted to us following requests in psychology conferences and publications, and through professional networks. The full versions of the case studies make up the first version of a Psychological Literacy Compendium of Practice that is available online at www.psychologicalliteracy.com. The first part of this article presents a brief synopsis of each case study and categorises case studies to allow those considering introducing psychological literacy activities to easily compare and contrast different approaches. Categories include: when the activity takes place in the curriculum; whether it is a core or elective unit, or optional activity; and assessment strategies. In the second section, we evaluate each case study in terms of which of the nine psychological attributes identified by McGovern et al. (2010) each case study illustrates. This information can be used to assist curriculum design and quality assurance procedures, and highlights the need to define the attributes of psychological literacy that activities are designed to address. Finally, we conclude with a discussion and some suggestions for future work and activities. This article aims to highlight practical ideas to develop psychological literacy and to encourage academics and practitioners to use the Compendium to develop activities to embed psychological literacy within the Psychology curriculum.
Keywords
Psychological literacy, graduate attributes, global citizenship, practical examples
Making a difference with psychology: Reporting on a module to develop psychological literacy in final year undergraduates
Abstract
Improving students’ psychological literacy has become a key part of the new British Psychological Society accreditation. This is fuelling an emphasis on helping students to apply their degree knowledge critically and innovatively, both to enhance their chances in a competitive job market and to give them the skills to make a real-world difference. This paper describes the design, implementation and evaluation of a module that boosts psychological literacy in final year undergraduates. We invited external partners to give us examples of current problems they were facing. We then asked groups of students to design a feasible solution to the problem, supported by psychological theories and findings. The module also helped students explore the psychology behind job hunting. We found that the module had a beneficial impact on students’ learning and skills and the external partners found their ideas useful and innovative. Here we outline the challenges and successes of our approach as a model for any colleagues who may be interested in developing their own teaching in this area.
Keywords
Psychological literacy, employability, innovative assessment, compartmentalisation of knowledge, transferable skills
Using oral exams to assess psychological literacy: The final year research project interview
Abstract
The ability to reason scientifically and communicate research appropriately is central to psychological literacy. Scientific research has little value unless scientists are able to convey results and their consequences clearly to others. In this study, we outline a method of assessing the development of psychological literacy in undergraduate students. Data from three cohorts undertaking assessed interviews as part of a final year research project unit are examined. This assessment evaluated students’ ability to explain the purposes and findings of their research to a lay audience, to articulate the conceptual basis and methodological background to their approach, and to reflect on their own development during the research process. Analysis of marks and feedback from the assessment suggests it provides a reliable means of evaluating skills that contribute to psychological literacy in a manner that is both educationally acceptable to students and a valid indicator of their general level of course performance.
Keywords
Oral assessment, final year project, student employability
An evaluation of an intervention to change first-year psychology students’ theory of intelligence
Abstract
Some people hold an entity theory of intelligence: they think of intelligence as innate. In contrast, others hold an incremental theory, believing that intelligence can be changed. Previous research has shown that an incremental theory is associated with positive outcomes. The aim of this paper was to evaluate an intervention which promoted an incremental view of intelligence in first-year university students. Thirty-five students were shown a presentation which discussed research promoting an incremental view of intelligence (intervention group). Forty-four students were shown a presentation which discussed research on memory (control group). Participants completed measures of theory of intelligence, goals and behavioural intentions before and after the presentation. Results suggested that the intervention had been successful in promoting an incremental view of intelligence and thus positive learning behaviours. Interventions such as this may therefore have a positive impact on student success at university.
Keywords
Theory of intelligence, intervention, transition to university
Embedding information literacy skills in the psychology curriculum: Supporting students in their transition to independent researchers
Abstract
Here we report on a new initiative which supported first-year psychology undergraduates in developing their information literacy skills. These skills were taught in a small-group tutorial setting with tutor guidance and peer-supported activities. We measured student’s Autonomous Learning and Academic Self-Efficacy before and after the teaching activities, and found a significant increase over time. Focus group responses appeared to attribute these changes directly to the learning activities. Results support the conclusion that students readily develop autonomous learning skills and increased self-efficacy that are transferable to other assignments if skills development are embedded with subject learning activities.
Stress, eustress and the National Student Survey
Abstract
The aim was to explore the relationship between sources of stress and a range of coping behaviours on student satisfaction and motivation. Most research exploring sources of stress construes stress as distress, with little attempt to consider positive, good stress or “eustress” experiences. A cohort of first-year psychology students (N = 88) were surveyed on a range of stressors. These were amended from the UK National Student Survey (NSS, 2011). Published university league tables draw heavily on student course satisfaction but study results suggest there was also merit in measuring students’ intellectual motivation and the extent to which they felt part of a learning community. Using multiple regression analyses, it was found that even the attributes that normally help one to adjust to change, such as self-efficacy, do little to help the new student adjust to university life, such was the acuteness of perceived stress in the first year. Social opportunities within the university were important to help new students integrate into university life and to help them network and build support. Educators need to consider how course experiences contribute, not just to potential distress but also to potential eustress.
Keywords
Student stress, eustress, coping, satisfaction, motivation, learning, transition
Giving psychology away: How George Miller’s vision is being realised by psychological literacy
Abstract
In George Miller’s famous address to the American Psychological Association in 1969 he explored the aims and future direction of psychology. Psychology could develop as a professional elite that develops specialised knowledge that experts can hold on to or it could aim to “give psychology away” and to allow the general public access to psychological knowledge that will be of benefit to them. In so doing it will create “a new and different public conception of what is humanly possible and humanly desirable.” This vision is being realised 50 years on by the wide dissemination of psychology knowledge through, for example, university school courses in the subject, and the growth of psychological literacy in the general public. This paper discusses issues raised by this and the implications for the profession of psychology and the perception of psychology in the general public.
Keywords
Psychological literacy, George Miller, public perceptions, A-level psychology, democratisation
Note: The full articles are published in “Psychology Teaching Review”, Volume 21, No. 2, which can be downloaded from: http://shop.bps.org.uk/publications/publication-by-series/psychology-teaching-review-vol-21-no-2-autumn-2015.html