Module: PSY6110-20 Communicating Psychological Science

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Peter Etchells

Module Tutor Contact Details: p.etchells@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module aims to provide students with a broad and comprehensive introduction to the core issues and complexities in communicating psychological science beyond academic audiences. The module considers how psychological science is communicated to different audiences and in different contexts, highlighting key issues in the public understanding of science (for example, around the roles andresponsibilities of psychologists, press offices and journalists in accurately communicating the outcomes of scientific research). The module also explores some of the key competences that scientists need in science communication.

The module’s objectives are:

1. To introduce students to core theoretical concepts in science communication, with a particular focus on psychological science.

2. To introduce and develop skills in accurate and effective science communication.

3. To critically consider contemporary issues in psychology, and evaluate the way such issues are presented in the media.

4. To critically consider the impact that psychological science has on the public understanding of science.

2. Outline syllabus: 

The module will cover the following topics:

1. Introduction to science communication as an academic discipline, including historical, conceptual and applied perspectives.

2. Limitations of traditional science communication channels, including scientific journals and the peer review process.

3. Pathways from research to public engagement and policy.

4. Contemporary issues in psychological science and the media.

5. Psychological science communication in different media.

6. Social responsibility/justice and science communication. 

Introduction: The history of science communication, with a particular emphasis on developments in the UK from 1985 onwards. Philosophical foundations, conceptual and historical paradigms and models will be introduced, followed by key developments in modern science communication. Academic publishing and peer review: An in-depth look at the academic publishing and peer review process, encouraging students to think critically about the limitations of traditional communication channels, including who is excluded and who makes the decisions about what science is communicated.

Pathways: Students will develop an understanding of the process by which psychological research is funded, conducted and published, as well as how research findings are communicated in the media. Pathways to how research can be used to inform policy at national and international levels will be introduced.

Contemporary issues: Students will be introduced to some of the key issues currently facing psychology as a scientific discipline, and consider how both the issues and proposed solutions have played out in public debates.

Media: This component of the module will introduce students to the range of methods and media that are used in the process of communicating psychological science.

Technical understanding, as well as the relative advantages and disadvantages of different media, will be considered.

Social responsibility: This aspect of the module will consider more in-depth the perspective that researchers and associated stakeholders have a social responsibility to communicate psychological science in a particular way, as well as introducing some of the social issues which affect how science is communicated and received by the different audiences.

3. Teaching and learning activities: 

Teaching: One hour lecture, two hour seminar per week.

Learning: Through lectures and seminar activities. Materials used in the forma sessions will be provided on Minerva for revision, and will be augmented by additiona reading, videos and other material where appropriate. Seminar sessions will includ staff and student presentations, both large and small group work, all aimed a discussing material presented in the lectures and in the reading for that week (as identified on Minerva).

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: 20-min group podcast (2500 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 50

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Policy briefing document, including peer evaluation (2500 words)

• % Weighting: 50