PSYCHOL 1007 - Technology in Psychological Research and Practice

This course aims to develop student knowledge and skills in area of technology as it applies to psychological research and practice. Course material will cover the following areas: cyber-psychology or the study of human-computer interactions; technology in childhood and adolescence; online safety and security; psychological research into the effects of the Internet and social media on psychological wellbeing and social relationships; ethical issues in cyber-environments; and the role of new technology as a tool for research and professional practice. Students will learn how data collected through every day commercial and social media sites and other Internet interactions is increasingly being used to profile individuals and study human behaviour in commercial and security contexts. Online environments provide new ways to conduct large-scale psychological studies as well as new vehicles through which to provide therapeutic interventions with clients (e.g., brief interventions) and to reach geographically dispersed populations or vulnerable groups who may not have previously accessed services. Students will be given opportunities to apply their skills to apply their technology and research skills to conduct a research project which will be presented in the form of a web site.