Psychology Topics 6: Biological Psychology, Consumerism & Shopping

“Very interesting. Loved it all. Learned loads.” – Rebecca Grant, learner, March 2022

Please note that, in view of Keith Rice’s intention to retire in July 2026, this is the last time this course will be run for Rossett Adult Learning.

This course aims to

· Build on the introductory course, ‘Knowing Yourself & Others: an Introduction to Psychology’*

· Provide an academically-robust, more in-depth approach to key topic areas

· Create enjoyable learning experiences and foster a love of learning

· Stimulate students to explore areas that interest them in even greater depth

It is for

· Anyone interested Psychology who wants to explore their specific interest in one or both of the topics under discussion

· Anyone wanting generally to build their knowledge of Psychology

*Note: it will help if you have participated in the introductory course or otherwise developed a basic knowledge of Psychology. However, there will be recaps at various points in the course and additional study materials provided to enable those with little prior knowledge of Psychology to catch up.

For all sessions students will need

· An open and curious mind

· Willingness to participate in questionnaires, activities and exercises

Note: both topic areas can touch upon sensitive issues. Workshop participants will not need to divulge any information of a sensitive or confidential nature.

Additional Costs

· Learners should bring along a folder/binder they can keep their handouts in

· Learners should bring along a notepad they can make additional notes on

Brief details of the topics to be covered each week:-

Week1 - Introductory

· Introduction to the course

· Introduction to pertinent psychological concepts - including appropriate recap of the introductory course

Week2 – Biological Psychology #1

· The underpinning principles of Biological Psychology

· How exploring biological processes helps us understand behaviour and psychological issues

· The limitations of biology as an explanation for psychological processes

Week3 – Biological Psychology #2

· Genes, genetics and genetic determinism – are you a prisoner of your genes?

· Epigenetics and switching genes ‘off’ and ‘on’

Week4 – Biological Psychology #3

· How stress hormones influence thinking and behaviour

· Sleep, light and melatonin

· Neurotransmitters and mental illness

Week5 – Biological Psychology #4

· Sex differences in brain structure

· Do sex hormones produce ‘gender-appropriate’ thinking and behaviour?

Week6 – Consumerism & Shopping #1

· What is consumerism?

· The Capitalist cycle – the Functionalist view

· The Capitalist cycle – the Critical view

Week7 – Consumerism & Shopping #2

· Advertising and persuasion

· The Elaboration Likelihood Model – hard sell and soft cell

· Influence of the Internet

Week8 – Consumerism & Shopping #3

· Consumerism, shopping and status

· Bauman’s Seduced & Repressed

Week9 – Consumerism & Shopping #4

· Shopping as stress relief

· Shopping as excitement

· Shopping for fulfilment

Week10 – Integration

· Work with partners on a case study to do with Biological Psychology and Consumerism & Shopping

· Ideas for exploring your psychological interests further

Note #1: As the course builds understanding cumulatively, Learners should attempt to attend all sessions and catch up if they should miss one.

Note #2: ‘Homeplay’ mini-tasks will be given on some sessions to apply and consolidate the learning.

“I thoroughly enjoyed being part of your class and have gained lots of new strategies for thinking and approaching life and situations. I would love to be part of one of your future classes.” – Brenda Simpson, learner, 2021

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