Module Code: H8CYPSY
Long Title Cyberpsychology
Title Cyberpsychology
Module Level: LEVEL 8
EQF Level: 6
EHEA Level: First Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: David Mothersill
Module Author: Fearghal O'Brien
Departments: School of Business
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff

Lecturer with PhD in Psychology or related cognate discipline
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Identify psychological theories relevant to the study of human interactions with emerging technology.
LO2 Demonstrate a critical understanding of the role of technology in human cognition, emotion, and behaviour.
LO3 Critically evaluate the interplay between cyberpsychology and other subfields of psychology.
LO4 Demonstrate an integrated knowledge of selected topics from cyberpsychology and how they apply to topical real-world issues.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this module. The programme entry requirements apply.
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Introduction to Cyberpsychology
What is cyberpsychology? How does it relate to other fields in psychology?
Computer Games
What are computer games? Why do people play them? What psychological effects do they have on players?
Social Media Use
How does behaviour on social media relate to behaviour in the non-virtual world? What attracts people to use these platforms? How do we study social media behaviour?
Fake News
Why do people believe stories/headlines that lack credibility? How do we distinguish between fake news and misleading information? What impact, if any, does fake news have on society?
Online dating
How does online dating differ from traditional forms of meeting romantic partners? Are there substantive differences between the methods used by different online services.
Cyberbullying
How does cyberbullying differ from real world bullying? How do bullies, victims, and bystanders differ from one another? Can we reduce this technology-based bullying?
Cyberdisorders
Can people be addicted to the internet? What is it about the internet that could be addictive? What types of content are people at highest risk of becoming addicted to?
Cybercrime
What makes the internet a suitable place for criminal behaviour? Are cybercrimes comparable with non-virtual ones? What kind of crimes occur online?
Online Health Behaviours
Can therapy be delivered via an online platform? Are people successful in searching for health-related answers online?
Assessment Breakdown%
End of Module Assessment100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

No Coursework
End of Module Assessment
Assessment Type: Terminal Exam % of total: 100
Assessment Date: End-of-Semester Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
A selection of five essay topics that the student must choose two essays from. Exam duration is 4 hours.
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
Reassessment Description
If students fail the exam, a repeat exam will take place with a similar format.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Classroom and demonstrations 12 Per Semester 1.00
Independent Learning Independent learning 113 Per Semester 9.42
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Kaye, K.L. (2021), Issues and Debates in Cyberpsychology, Open University Press.
  • Attrill-Smith A., Fullwood C., & Keep, M. (2020), The Oxford Handbook of Cyberpsychology, Oxford University Press.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Attrill, A. (Ed.). (2015), Cyberpsychology, Oxford University Press.
  • Connolly, I., Palmer, M., Barton, H., & Kirwan, G. (2016), An Introduction to Cyberpsychology, Routledge.
  • Whitty, M. T., & Young, G. (2017), Cyberpsychology: The study of individuals, society, and digital technologies, Wiley.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • [Journal], Journal of Psychosocial Research in Cyberspace.
  • [Journal], Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking.
  • [Journal], Computers in Human Behavior.
Discussion Note: