Study Guide

Objective

Once a student has successfully completed at least one 5-credit science-based course, he can choose 5 credits of Applied Psychology project studies. During the project a deeper exploration of a selected topic, related to the previously studied theoretical knowledge, is undertaken (one project theme = 5 credits, if two project themes, one should choose KO00CD74 Project work (two project themes) = 10 credits).

Open University students are welcome to more deeply explore theoretical ideas though essay projects but work life based projects are reserved for social- and healthcare degree seeking students only.

See content for possible topics.

Content

Optional themes / Topics:
Peer groups from early childhood to young adulthood and Enhancing communication skills
• Design of a client group activity, composed of different projects focusing on different times or challenges in life
• Students form groups of 3-4 looking more deeply into a topic of their choice in which they will identify a problem and develop a response or an activity to help alleviate the problem or decrease the negative effects.
• Essay or Theoretical work
o This should look quite deeply into a topic the student is interested in learning more about. This work will need to be fully supported with current literature documentation. The final section will be for conclusions and reflections on the issue as well as the learning.
• Working-life based project
o This is for projects that are defined by or with the working life partner as necessary development of their working practices. The reporting will be done so that the findings will come both to the supervising teacher as well as the labor market partner.

Attachment over the lifespan
• Theoretical deepening in study circles, a selection of literature in themes of, for example: The psychology of love /Affection, oxytocin and sexuality
• A social and healthcare -innovation for strengthening attachment or a complete model applied in practice
• Other instructor approved project theme or a well-designed application of information such as arranging a well-designed themed project aimed at day care parents and strengthening attachment bonds or a learning diary based on observations of early childhood interactions (directed towards students who have studied more developmental psychology)

Increasing resources across the lifespan
• Creative methods workshops, for example Bookbinding and literature therapy methods/music, rhythm and movement workshop/empowering photography workshop
• Info-flash or 3xpeer group meeting organization and implementation in themes such as: Peer support for retirees, Increasing brain-health, Preventing memory illnesses, Empowering activities for connecting intergenerationally, Decreasing loneliness

Prerequisites

One of the Applied Psychology module courses:

- Attachment during the lifespan - emphasis on childhood
- Enhancing communication skills for daily life
- Peer group phenomenon - early childhood and young adult viewpoint
- Increasing resources across the lifespan - emphasis on adulthood

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student is able to:
- display deepened learning in core content
- use individual professional concepts correctly
- utilize new knowledge to develop the specific situation
- distinguish between non-theoretical and theoretical information
- act in individual professional situations as instructed
- display or apply learning in his professional field
- show that he has achieved the targets for core competence
- follow safety instructions
- apply learning in the ethical principles of his professional field
- operate as a member of a student group