This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Emotion and motivation are core concepts in psychology. Both terms relate to the psychological forces underlying human experience and action. This module will consider the nature of positive and negative human emotions, their biological basis, and cultural variation in emotional experience and expression. We will also examine the roles of emotions, drives, and instincts in explaining human motivation, including the relationship between arousal and performance, and the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
BSc (Hons) Social Sciences
Essay 2,500 words 60%
Research Article Review 1,000 words 25%
Seminar Participation 15%
Reassessment methods: This module will be reassessed by 100% coursework.
Reading list (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)
Deckers, L. (2016). Motivation: .Biological, Psychological, and Environmental (4th Edition). New York: Routledge
Niedenthal, P., & Ric, F. (2017). Psychology of Emotion (2nd Edition). New York: Routledge
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Understand different approaches to the study of emotion and the relationships between emotion and motivation.
8.2 Identity the basic primary emotions and describe universal and variable aspects of emotional expression.
8.3 Describe and understand the key features of alternative theoretical accounts of motivation.
8.4 Apply theoretical accounts of motivation to explanations for specific human behaviours.
8.5 Understand key research on relationships between emotion and cognition and be able to explain the implications of the findings.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Consult and interpret primary-source journal articles in relevant subject areas using electronic journals and the internet
9.2 Demonstrate an understanding of how different theoretical accounts of behaviour are tested through data collection
9.3 Organise and communicate information in a clear and coherent manner through essays and seminar-based group discussions or presentations
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