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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: 2021-22

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2021-22

Module aims

The internet 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, and importantly, what aspects of the internet are beneficial and which are not. 

During this module we will look at research and theories which attempt to help us understand these issues. We will examine the research which tries to explain how people portray the self online, how it can influence our behaviours offline, and whether internet use can be addictive. We will ask questions such as 'Can people be influenced online?', 'Who benefits most from online interactions with others?' and 'Can people become addicted to the internet?' 

Each session will consist of a lecture delivered by Dr Sally Quinn, a student presentation, and smaller discussion groups. 

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

  • To critically evaluate the characteristics of the internet and their effect on outcomes such as relationships with others, internet addiction and identity development
  • To be critical of the efficacy of the internet in changing attitudes and behaviours
  • To explain and critically evaluate the relationships between individual factors and online behaviours (e.g. internet addiction, gaming and aggression)
  • To analyse the different methods of Virtual Reality as a therapeutic tool and to be critical of its effect on treating 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 Addiction
  7. Virtual Reality as a Therapeutic Tool

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 40
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Cyberpsychology		 N/A 60

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 40
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Cyberpsychology		 N/A 60

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.


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.