Subject Outline

Subject Name Critical Thinking in Psychology: How to Think about Weird Things

Subject Code PY1103

Study Period Study Period 53 – 2019

Study Mode Internal on-campus

Campus Singapore

Subject Coordinator Dr Anne Swinbourne

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters where our University is
located and actively seek to contribute and support the JCU Reconciliation Statement,
which exemplifies respect for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures, heritage,
knowledge and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians.

© Copyright 2019

This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private
study, research, criticism, or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may
be reproduced by any process or placed in computer memory without written
permission.

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Pre-requisites
For prerequisites, see https://secure.jcu.edu.au/app/studyfinder/?subject=PY1103&year=2019

Subject outline preparation

This subject outline has been prepared by Peter Chew for the College of Healthcare Sciences, Division of Tropical
Health and Medicine, James Cook University. Updated 29 October 2019.

Q1. This subject is offered across more than one campus and/or mode Yes ☒ No ☐
and/or teaching period within the one calendar year.
Q2. If Yes (Q1), the design of all offerings of this subject ensure the same Yes ☒ No ☐
learning outcomes and assessment types and weightings.
Q3. If no (Q2), the Academic Head has authorised any variations, in terms of equivalence.

Subject outline peer reviewer

Name Adam Wang
Position Lecturer
Date Reviewed 23/09/2019

College of Healthcare Sciences Disclaimer: The information provided in this subject outline is correct as at the
time of completion and may change in response to changing University resources. Any changes will be approved
by the College Dean or representative and will be communicated to students by the LearnJCU subject site.

Staff contact details

Teaching Consultation
Staff Member Room Phone Email
Team times*

Subject
Dr Anne Swinbourne N.A. N.A. anne.swinbourne@jcu.edu.au N.A.
Coordinator

Lecturer Dr Peter Chew N.A. 6709 3747 peter.chew@jcu.edu.au Friday 2 to 6pm

Learning Learning Support learningsupport- Visit Learning

C1-01
Support Advisors singapore@jcu.edu.au Support site

*Other consultation times by appointment only.

For further assistance please refer to Student Assistance Directory (Psychology) – Who Do I Contact?

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Contents
1 Subject at a glance ...................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Student participation requirements ........................................................................................................4
1.2 Key dates ..................................................................................................................................................4
2 Subject details .............................................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Subject description...................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Subject learning outcomes.......................................................................................................................5
2.3 Learning and teaching in this subject.......................................................................................................5
2.4 Student feedback on subject and teaching..............................................................................................6
2.5 Subject resources and special requirements ...........................................................................................6
3 Assessment details ..................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Requirements for successful completion of subject ................................................................................8
3.2 Feedback on student learning..................................................................................................................8
3.3 Assessment tasks .....................................................................................................................................9
4 Submission and return of assessment ............................................................................................. 14
4.1 Submission of assessment .....................................................................................................................14
4.2 Return of assessment.............................................................................................................................14
5 Subject calendar....................................................................................................................................... 15

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1 Subject at a glance
1.1 Student participation requirements
The JCU Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy (4.3) indicates that, “a 3 credit point subject will require a 130
hour work load of study-related participation including class attendance over the duration of the study period,
irrespective of mode of delivery”. This work load comprises timetabled hours and other attendance
requirements, as well as personal study hours, including completion of online learning activities and assessment
requirements. Note that “attendance at specified classes will be a mandatory requirement for satisfactory
completion of some subjects” (Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy, 5.10); and that additional hours may be
required per week for those students in need of English language, numeracy or other learning support.

Key subject activities Time / Date / Location

Lectures (26 hours total) Refer to JCU Singapore Timetable 2019

Tutorials (12 hours total) Refer to JCU Singapore Timetable 2019

Other mandatory attendance requirements:

Full time International students are required to be on campus for at least three (3) hours per day, five (5) days a week
(Monday to Friday). International Students are required by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to have an
attendance percentage of 90% monthly. Domestic or Local Students are required to maintain a monthly class attendance
rate of 75% and above. Attendance will be regularly monitored throughout each trimester. Failure to maintain the
required attendance percentage will be subjected to disciplinary action. Students will be liable for associated Academic
Penalty and Financial Penalty.
If you are absent from a compulsory class you will need to complete the CHS Process for Assessment Extension, Missed
Assessment, Missed Class or Late Assignment Submission application no later than two (2) days after the scheduled date
of the class; or one (1) day after the expiry of the medical/counsellors certificate; whichever is later.

For information regarding JCUS class registration, visit https://secure.jcu.edu.sg/StudentFirst/

1.2 Key dates

Key dates Date

Census date See 2019 Study Period and Census Dates

Last date to withdraw without academic penalty See 2019 Study Period and Census Dates

Assessment task 1: Mid Semester Test [20%] 23 Dec 7pm

Assessment task 2: Critical Analysis Piece [25%] 24 Jan 6pm

Assessment task 3: MCQ Online Quiz [15%] Due dates for each of the mini-quizzes are listed
in Section 5. Subject calendar

Assessment task 4: Examination [40%] During Exam Period

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2 Subject details
2.1 Subject description
It is acknowledged that training in research methodology is training in the practice of turning data into
information into knowledge. This subject aims to be the first step on that journey- how do you evaluate the
validity of data and information? Students will be introduced to the practice of critical thinking by applying
different research methodologies to scenarios drawn from current scientific, political and social discussions.

2.2 Subject learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:

• develop the ability to evaluate research by applying different levels of evidence framework
• demonstrate the ability to find, comprehend, analyse and cite scholarly sources of information
• develop the ability to write assignments and reports that conform to the norms of academic writing and
referencing
• explain key concepts of different research methodologies and epistemologies.

These outcomes will contribute to your overall achievement of course learning outcomes. Your course learning
outcomes can be located in the entry for your course in the electronic JCU Course and Subject Handbook 2019
(click on ‘Course Information’ bar/ select ‘Undergraduate Courses’ or ‘Postgraduate Courses’/ select relevant
course/ scroll down to ‘Academic Requirements for Course Completion’, ‘Course learning outcomes’).

2.3 Learning and teaching in this subject

The aim of the subject is build your foundational skills in critical and creative thinking. These skills are critical to
your success as a student and in your future career. This is a very hands-on subject which requires you to think
about how you think. Therefore to be successful in this subject, students must:

• thoroughly read the subject outline

• be familiar and engage regularly with LearnJCU
• be prepared for class by reviewing reading materials prior to attendance
• attend all lectures and tutorials.

Each source of teaching materials (readings, lectures, tutorials) is essential for developing your knowledge in
this subject.

• Readings: provide broad background and resource

• Lectures: expand on key concepts, explain key theories and discuss implications
• Tutorials: facilitate workshopped examples and critical discussion on how to put these concepts into
practice.

Information and announcements for the subject are communicated through the PY1103 subject page on LearnJCU
(www.learnjcu.jcu.edu.au). Additional readings, materials, assessment and subject information can all be found on
the subject site.

Key study strategies include:

• Forming a study group so that difficult concepts can be discussed and consolidated
• Pre-planning and time management – keep up-to-date with readings, class and assessment.

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2.4 Student feedback on subject and teaching
As part of our commitment at JCU to improving the quality of our courses and teaching, we regularly seek
feedback on your learning experiences. Student feedback informs evaluation of subject and teaching strengths
and areas that may need refinement or change. YourJCU Subject and Teaching Surveys provide a formal and
confidential method for you to provide feedback about your subjects and the staff members teaching within
them. These surveys are available to all students through LearnJCU. You will receive an email invitation when the
survey opens. We value your feedback and ask that you provide constructive feedback about your learning
experiences for each of your subjects, in accordance with responsibilities outlined in the Student Code of
Conduct. Refrain from providing personal feedback on topics that do not affect your learning experiences.
Malicious comments about staff are deemed unacceptable by the University.

2019 SP51 Subject Report:

2019 SP51 Teaching Report:

2.5 Subject resources and special requirements

All subject readings and resources, including journal articles, book chapters, websites, videos, print and
eTextbooks, are available to view online from your Readings list via your LearnJCU subject site. Textbooks listed in
your Readings list include links to Co-op Bookshop purchasing details and library holdings. The JCU Library has
limited print copies of prescribed textbooks for two-day loans, and options for viewing available eTextbooks
online.

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Additionally, you can find the most appropriate library subject resources, including dedicated discipline libguides,
relevant databases and access to library services and staff through the Your Library tool, in your LearnJCU subject
site.

Prescribed text
Schick, T. & Vaughn, L. (2013) How to Think About Weird Things: Critical Thinking for a New Age, 7th edition,
McGraw-Hill Education, New York.
Readings
From time to time readings from the Noba online Introduction to Psychology text will be set as reading. The web
links are in the appropriate places in the lecture schedule.
Blog posts and other web items are linked in a similar fashion. These are meant to be read as real world
communications on the topics you encounter in the academic literature. In other words, such readings very
obviously reflect the opinions of the writer.

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3 Assessment details
3.1 Requirements for successful completion of subject
In order to pass this subject, you must:

• Submit the critical review piece;

• Attend the mid-semester exam;
• Attend the final exam;
• Achieve an overall percentage of 50% or more.

If you do not complete one or more of the online mini quizzes, you will score zero for that quiz. There are no
supplementary mini quizzes offered. You do not need to complete all or any of the mini quizzes to be eligible to
pass the subject.

Assessment items and final grades will be reviewed through moderation processes (Learning, Teaching and
Assessment Policy, 5.13-5.18). It is important to be aware that assessment “is always subject to final ratification
following the examination period and that no single result represents a final grade in a subject” (Learning,
Teaching and Assessment Policy, 5.22.).

Grades will be awarded for all coursework subjects as per the JCU Student Results Policy.

3.1.1 Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the fundamental abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to achieve the
learning outcomes of a course while preserving the academic integrity of the university’s learning, assessment
and accreditation processes. Students and prospective students must be able to demonstrate that they have
acquired or have the ability to acquire the inherent requirements for their degree.

Reasonable adjustments may be made to assist students manage additional circumstances impacting on their
studies provided these do not change the academic integrity of a degree. Reasonable adjustments do not alter
the need to be able to demonstrate the inherent requirements of the course. Students who believe they will
experience challenges completing their degree or course because of their disability, health condition or other
reason should discuss their concerns with an AccessAbility Services team member or a member of College staff,
such as the Course Coordinator. In the case where it is determined that inherent requirements cannot be met
with reasonable adjustments, the University staff can provide guidance regarding other study options.

3.2 Feedback on student learning

Feedback will be provided to students within 15 working days of submission of assessment. This means 3 calendar
weeks of a total of 21 days. Public holidays are not included in such calculations.

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3.3 Assessment tasks
ASSESSMENT TASK 1: MID-SEMESTER TEST

• Develop the ability to evaluate research by applying different levels of evidence

Aligned subject learning framework.
outcomes
• Explain key concepts of different research methodologies and epistemologies.

Aligned professional
standards/ competencies Australian Psychology Accreditation Council Accreditation Standards

Group or individual Individual

Weighting 20%

Due date 23 Dec 7pm

ASSESSMENT TASK 1: DESCRIPTION

Multiple choice/ short answer exam on material presented during Weeks 1-6. All associated tutorial and allocated
readings are examinable. The exam will be 45 minutes long. You must sit this exam to be eligible to pass the
subject.

ASSESSMENT TASK 1: CRITERIA

In multiple choice exams you score a mark when you select the correct answer.

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ASSESSMENT TASK 2: CRITICAL ANALYSIS PIECE

• Develop the ability to evaluate research by applying different levels of evidence

framework.
Aligned subject learning • Demonstrate the ability to find, comprehend, analyse and cite scholarly sources of
outcomes information.
• Develop the ability to write assignments and reports that conform to the norms of
academic writing and referencing.

Aligned professional
standards/ competencies Australian Psychology Accreditation Council Accreditation Standards

Group or individual Individual

Weighting 25%

Due date 24 Jan 6pm

ASSESSMENT TASK 2: DESCRIPTION

1500 word written piece. Students are to apply the levels of evidence frameworks and other tools discussed
throughout the semester to evaluate and critically analyse the validity of a stated hypothesis. This will require
self- directed research. Further information regarding this piece will be released in tutorials in Week 7. You must
submit a serious attempt at this assessment to be eligible to pass this subject.

ASSESSMENT TASK 2: CRITERIA

All work will be graded as follows:

• HD (85 – 100%) Outstanding work showing sophisticated understanding, critical synthesis, originality
and/or insight with regard to the field of knowledge, and taking into consideration the level of the
subject.
• D (75 – 84%) Substantial work of high quality. Sophisticated understand, but without the spark of
originality, synthesizing powers of insight of the HD grade.
• C (65 – 74%) Sound, competent work, demonstrating a reasonable grasp of knowledge in the area, taking
into account subject and level.
• P (50 -64%) Adequate engagement with the field at a general level to justify proceeding to further
coursework study in the area.
• N (<50%) Work which fails to demonstrate a satisfactory grasp of the field either through poor research,
incoherence or lack of literacy.

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ASSESSMENT TASK 2 MARKING CRITERIA

Stating the claims (10%)

The claim being analysed is clearly stated in the
introduction. HD D C P N
An alternate hypothesis is clearly stated. HD D C P N
Evaluating the evidence (60%)
Evidence for both the claim being analysed and
the alternate hypothesis is presented. HD D C P N
The quality of the evidence for each hypothesis
is evaluated by assessing the testability,
fruitfulness, scope, simplicity and conservatism HD D C P N
of each hypothesis (where appropriate).

Conclusion (15%)
A conclusion about the claim being tested is
drawn based upon the evidence presented. HD D C P N

Organisation, presentation and structure (5%)

The assignment demonstrates acceptable
grammar, sentence construction, tense and
person, and is presented as per the APA
guidelines. Information is well-organised and HD D C P N
presented logically, taking a critical stance of
the information presented.

Referencing (5%)
Strict adherence to APA conventions when
citing sources in text and the reference list is
presented alphabetically, using the correct APA HD D C P N
syntax.

Search Strategy (5%)

The search strategy employed has been
included as an appendix Yes No

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ASSESSMENT TASK 3: MCQ ONLINE QUIZ

Aligned subject learning

• Explain key concepts of different research methodologies and epistemologies.
outcomes

Aligned professional
standards/ competencies Australian Psychology Accreditation Council Accreditation Standards

Group or individual Individual

Weighting 5% each. Best 3 of the 4 quizzes will be taken to contribute a total of 15%

Due date Due dates for each of the mini-quizzes are listed in Section 5. Subject calendar

ASSESSMENT TASK 3: DESCRIPTION

Online multiple choice and VERY short answer quizzes (e.g., one sentence or a few words) with questions
reflecting concepts presented in nominated weeks of semester (see later information for exact correspondence
between lecture schedule and quiz content). Four such quizzes will be offered. Out of the 4 quizzes offered the 3
quizzes on which a student achieved their highest marks will be taken to contribute a total of 15% (weighting of
5% each) to the final mark. No deferred or supplementary mini quizzes will be offered at all.

Mini quizzes will be made available at 9am on the Wednesday of the appropriate week listed above and be closed
at 5pm on the Friday of that week.

Further information regarding the content of each mini quiz and details of accessing the quizzes will be given out
in tutorials and lectures.

ASSESSMENT TASK 3: CRITERIA

Again, with multiple choice quizzes if you pick the correct answer you get a mark. The short answer is so short
that if you insert the correct words, you will receive a mark.

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ASSESSMENT TASK 4: EXAMINATION

• Develop the ability to evaluate research by applying different levels of evidence

framework.
Aligned subject learning
• Demonstrate the ability to find, comprehend, analyse and cite scholarly sources of
outcomes
information.
• Explain key concepts of different research methodologies and epistemologies.

Aligned professional
standards/ competencies Australian Psychology Accreditation Council Accreditation Standards

Weighting 40%

Date During Exam Period

Duration 2 hours

See Special Consideration, Supplementary, Deferred and Special Examinations Policy

ASSESSMENT TASK 4: EXAMINATION DESCRIPTION

Multiple choice. This examination will review all materials over the semester. Further information will be
released closer to the examination period. You must sit this exam to be eligible to pass the subject. One mark will
be awarded for each correct answer. To pass the exam you must achieve a mark of 50%.

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4 Submission and return of assessment
4.1 Submission of assessment
Submit your Critical Review in a ‘Word’ document format to the Safe Assignment portal in LearnJCU. Online mini
quizzes will be conducted via the LearnJCU site for PY1103.

4.1.1 Late submissions

Note that the Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy (5.22.3) outlines a uniform formula of penalties that will
be imposed for submission of an assessment task after the due date. This formula is 5% of the total possible
marks for the assessment item per day including part-days, weekends and public holidays. After 20 days, the
assessment item thus would be awarded 0 marks (i.e. 5% x 20 = 100% of total possible marks in penalties).

4.1.2 Extensions

Extensions for assessment tasks will only be granted where a serious and unforeseeable event has prevented you
from completing the assessment. This applies to all on-course assessment items, including the delivery of
presentations during scheduled class time. Students are required to follow the College process for requesting an
on-course assessment extension, notification of inability to attend an on-course exam or presentation,
notification of missed compulsory class, or notification of late assessment submission.

4.2 Return of assessment

An assessment’s return date, time and manner will be determined by the Subject Coordinator in-line with the JCU
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy. Feedback will be given, and students can discuss their assessment with
the marker if further feedback is needed. Students will be informed of their grade for every component of
assessment in the subject within 21 days from the due date of the assessment item (JCU Learning Teaching and
Assessment Policy 8.7.2).

4.2.1 Review of assessment

Requests for review of assessment need to follow the JCU Review of Assessment and Access to Examination
Scripts and Materials Procedure.

Please see the Current Students web page for links to all student resources and support services to optimise your
academic and personal success.
Please see the Learn Student Guide web page for general advice on plagiarism, referencing and examinations.
Here, you can also access individual and group assessment task cover sheets. Note that cover sheets are only
required for hard copy submissions.

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5 Subject calendar
Please note, the sequence of some topics may change due to staff availability, resourcing, or due to unforeseen circumstances.

Week/Date Lecture Tutorial Readings / Preparation Relationship to assessment

1) Schick & Vaughn Chapter 6 p.171-181 Important aspects of the subject will
[2 Hours] be discussed. This lecture sets the
2) Schick & Vaughn Chapter 7 p.222-234
1 11-Nov-19 Introduction & the SEARCH No Tutorial overall theme, focus and goals for the
formula 3) Religion-motivated Medical Neglect:
subject.
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/101/4/625
LO: 4/ AI: Mini-Quiz 1
Understanding the use of probabilities
in reasoning and decision making is
critical in psychological research.
The world is becoming digital in more
than one way. An understanding of
[3 Hours]
[1.5 Hours] how to interpret numerical
The possibility of the impossible 1) Schick & Vaughn Chapter 2
2 18-Nov-19 Introduction to the SEARCH information is crucial to being able to
How to argue - Using numbers and 2) Schick & Vaughn Chapter 3
formula function effectively.
images
Visualising data and messages is an
effective technique to communicate
and also to deceive. Know what to look
for.
LO: All / AI: Mini-Quiz 1 & 2
Knowing how to construct a verbal
[1.5 Hours] 1) Schick & Vaughn Chapter 3 argument enables you to deconstruct
[3 Hours]
3 25-Nov-19 How to argue - Using words
The use and misuse of 2) Logical fallacies in action (Donald Trump): and evaluate arguments presented by
statistics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2CxDu7jiyE others to you.
LO: All / AI: Mini-Quiz 1 & 2
The Scientific Method is argued to be
1) Schick & Vaughn Chapter 6 the most effective method for
2) Why Science?: investigating reality. You need to know
http://nobaproject.com/textbooks/introduction-to- and understand what it is.
[3 Hours] [1.5 Hours] psychology-the-full-noba-collection/modules/why-science
4 2-Dec-19 LO: All / AI: Mini-Quiz 3
The scientific method Informal fallacies 3) Research Designs:
http://nobaproject.com/textbooks/introduction-to-
[15 Minutes]
psychology-the-full-noba-collection/modules/research-
designs Assessment Task 3: Mini Quiz 1
4 Dec 9am to 6 Dec 9am

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 Week/Date Lecture Tutorial Readings / Preparation Relationship to assessment
Knowing is not just about ‘facts’ but
also about understanding the context
from which the system of ‘facts’
[3 Hours] [1.5 Hours] evolved.
5 9-Dec-19 Where does knowledge come Applying the scientific 1) Schick & Vaughn Chapter 4 LO: 4 / AI: Mini-Quiz 4
from? method
[15 Minutes]
Assessment Task 3: Mini Quiz 2
11 Dec 9am to 13 Dec 9am
Beliefs are influenced by pre-existing
beliefs attitudes and biases. What do
these look like and what are their
effects? Reflection and introspection
[3 Hours] are not the best tools to use for
[1.5 Hours] knowledge gathering. Here is why.
6 16-Dec-19 Looking for truth in personal
Assignment discussion
1) Schick & Vaughn Chapter 5
experience LO: 1, 2, and 4 / AI: Mini-Quiz 4

[15 Minutes]
Assessment Task 3: Mini Quiz 3
18 Dec 9am to 20 Dec 9am
[1 Hour]
23-Dec-19 STUDY WEEK/EXAMS Assessment Task 1: Mid-trimester test
23 Dec 7pm

7 30-Dec-19 No Lecture No Tutorials

Applying what we have learnt to case
studies.
LO: 4
[3 Hours] [1.5 Hours]
8 6-Jan-20 Case study - Creationism Cognitive biases
1) Schick & Vaughn Chapter 6 p.171-197
[15 Minutes]
Assessment Task 3: Mini Quiz 4
8 Jan 9am to 10 Jan 9am
Applying what we have learnt to case
[3 Hours] [1.5 Hours]
9 13-Jan-20 Case study - Alternative Medicine Testing a belief system
1) Schick & Vaughn Chapter 7 p.227-231 studies.
LO: 4

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 Week/Date Lecture Tutorial Readings / Preparation Relationship to assessment
Applying what we have learnt to case
studies.
[1.5 Hours] 1) Schick & Vaughn Chapter 7 p.268-276 LO: 4
[3 Hours]
10 20-Jan-20 Case study - Ghosts
How to read and understand 2) The Haunting of Hampton Court:
scientific papers http://www.richardwiseman.com/research/ghosts2.html Assessment Task 2: Critical analysis
piece due
24 Jan 6pm

27-Jan-20 CHINESE NEW YEAR BREAK

3-Feb-20 EXAM PREP/EXAMS

10-Feb-20 EXAM PREP/EXAMS

17-Feb-20 EXAM PREP/EXAMS

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