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Cyberpsychology - PSY00042H

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Sally Quinn
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

Technology has undoubtedly become ubiquitous in 21st century living and psychological research has become more and more interested in how people behave online, the implications on wellbeing when using technology, and importantly, when technology can be beneficial and when its use can become problematic.

During this module we will look at research and theories which attempt to help us understand these issues. We will consider online interactions and self-presentation, how technology can be used for therapy, and the positive and negative aspects of gaming.

Each session will consist of a lecture delivered by Dr Sally Quinn followed by student tasks and activities (mostly small group discussions).

Module learning outcomes

  • To be able to explain different types of online social interaction and their effects on other factors such as wellbeing and friendships.
  • To be able to identify how using different technology platforms can lead to problematic use and to also explain what types of people are more 'at risk'.
  • To be able to explain how technology can be used as a tool to encourage positive behaviour change and be critical of its limitations.

Module content

  • Introduction to Cyberpsychology
  • Online self-presentation
  • Social consequences of online interaction
  • Online romantic relationships
  • VR as a therapeutic tool
  • Online platforms and behaviour change
  • Problematic internet use
  • Psychosocial effects of gaming
  • Violent video games and aggression
  • Revision

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Cyberpsychology		 5 hours 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Cyberpsychology		 5 hours 100

Module feedback

The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision.

Indicative reading

Most of the reading for this module will either be academic journal articules or chapter from The Oxford Handbook of Cyberpsychology (Attrill-Smith, A., Fullwood, C., Keep, M., & Kuss, D. J. (Eds.). (2019). The Oxford Handbook of Cyberpsychology. Oxford University Press.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.