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Cyberpsychology - PSY00051M

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• Department: Psychology
• Module co-ordinator: Dr. Sally Quinn
• Credit value: 20 credits
• Credit level: M
• Academic year of delivery: 2018-19
  • See module specification for other years: 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching cycle
A	Spring Term 2018-19

Module aims

The internet has undoubtedly become ubiquitous in 21st century living. It's therefore not surprising that there is growing interest in learning about the role of the internet in our day to day lives; Do we behave differently online? How do we deal with impression management online? How is the internet used to initiate and maintain relationships?. During this module we will look at research and theories which attempt to help us understand the answers to these types of questions. We will look at how people behave online, the strategies that are used online to develop one's identity, and the attributes of the internet that contribute to positive outcomes (e.g. developing relationships) and negative outcomes (e.g. internet 'addiction').

Students enrolling on this module should demonstrate a good understanding of core knowledge in cognitive psychology, as well as intermediate skills in quantitative statistical analyses.

Module learning outcomes

• Explain the characteristics of the internet that influence online relationship initiation and maintenance, internet addiction, and identity development
• Explain how the internet can play a role in changing attitudes and behaviours
• Explain the relationships between individual factors and online behaviours (e.g. internet addiction, gaming and aggression)
• Explain how Virtual Reality can be used as a treatment for physical and psychological illnesses.

Module content

1. Introduction to Cyberpsychology
2. Self and Identity Online
3. Social Influence Online
4. Online Love and Relationships
5. Young People and the Internet
6. Internet Disorders
7. Virtual Reality as a Therapeutic Tool

Assessment

Task	Length	% of module mark
Essay/coursework Essay	N/A	60
University - closed examination Cyberpsychology	1.5 hours	40

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task	Length	% of module mark
Essay/coursework Essay	N/A	60
University - closed examination Cyberpsychology	1.5 hours	40

Module feedback

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

These marks will be accompanied by module feedback forms which will be circulated by e-mail.

Students will meet supervisors in wk 6 in AuT, SpT and wk 9 in SuT to discuss their marks.

Indicative reading

Most of the key reading for this module will be from the following book:

An Introduction to Cyberpsychology (2016) . I. Connolly, M. Palmer, H. Barton & G. Kirwan (Eds). Routledge, Abingdon, Oxon.