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Latest news, views, comment, debate and useful links for those studying, working in or with an interest in Psychology, what makes people tick, and how they think, act and interact with others

Ever used Samaritans service? Participate in research

Anyone who has ever used the services of Samaritans at any time, whether just once or a number of times is invited to take part in a piece of confidential online survey research. The survey is only intended for those who have used the services. More information and contact details are available on the home page of the survey.

The survey can be found at:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/usersams2012

 

 

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Anyone who has ever used the services of Samaritans at any time, whether just once or a number of times is invited to take part in a piece of confidential online survey research. The survey is only intended for those who have used the services. More information and contact details are available on the home page of the survey. The survey can be found ...

Psychology lecturer lifts the lid on conspiracy theories

No event of significance in the world today – be it an unexpected election result, a terrorist attack, the death of a public figure, a meteorological anomaly, flu pandemic or phone hacking allegations – takes place without generating at least a flutter of conspiracy speculations. And that’s where the OU’s Dr Jovan Byford comes in…

Jovan’s a senior lecturer in Psychology at the Open University, specialising in the social and psychological aspects of conspiracy theories, anti-Semitism and Holocaust remembrance. He’s also studying the relationship between psychology and history.

Jovan’s first book Conspiracy Theory: Serbia vs. the New World Order was published in Serbian in 2006 and was based on his PhD thesis which examined the uncontrolled spread of conspiracy theories within the Serbian society in the 1990s.

His second book has just been published  – Conspiracy theories: A Critical Introduction ¬– which explains conspiracy theories as a global phenomenon while exploring their political, historical and psychological dimensions.

In these two videos Jovan explains why conspiracy theories often sound alike, and how a conspiracy theory differs from an account of a real conspiracy…


 

Find out more:




 

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Average: 5 (1 vote)

No event of significance in the world today – be it an unexpected election result, a terrorist attack, the death of a public figure, a meteorological anomaly, flu pandemic or phone hacking allegations – takes place without generating at least a flutter of conspiracy speculations. And that’s where the OU’s Dr Jovan Byford comes in… Jovan’s a senior lecturer ...

Learning to cope with OCD: psychology student shares her story

“Studying seems pointless when you think you’re dying of a terrible illness,” says OU student Ailsa Roddie. She’s working towards a psychology degree, in part to pursue a career in the field, and to help cope with the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and hypochondriasis she was diagnosed with as a child.

“I was diagnosed with OCD and hypochondriasis – an OCD spectrum disorder – at the age of five or six-years-old. At its peak, I used to stay up all night washing my hands, I refused to eat because I was afraid of being poisoned and I avoided ever swallowing because I was afraid of germs.”

OU psychology student Ailsa Roddie
Day to day, Ailsa engages in common OCD compulsions like unnecessarily checking if she’s locked the door and washing her hands too much, but she’s learned to reduce them from distressful symptoms to a mild nuisance.

“I experience more distressing symptoms episodically, maybe every couple of years, and these symptoms have evolved over time. True to my hypochondriasis, though, a few days or weeks after hearing about an illness in the media I may start to notice symptoms and become convinced that I have it. The unfortunate thing is that extreme anxiety actually produces real symptoms to the extent that the doctor is compelled to take me seriously. 

Distorted thinking
“I may also be troubled by ‘intrusive thoughts’. For example, if I go into a shop I may become terrified that I will shoplift and be unable to get the idea out of my mind, although this is not something I have ever done or would want to do. After I have paid, I still worry that there is something in the bag that I forgot to pay for and I half expect that security will appear and accuse me.

“If this kind of distorted thinking goes unchecked, and I am constantly worried about being terminally ill or guilty of a crime I might somehow have unwittingly committed, extreme anxiety becomes depression.”

'The idea of studying psychology was a direct result of my recent experiences with OCD. When I was experiencing a lot of difficulty, researching OCD and depression helped me to understand what was really going on and find ways to cope with it'

Ailsa, who’s in her early 20s and lives in Edinburgh, is studying towards a psychology degree with the OU, currently doing DSE212 Exploring psychology. She values the flexibility the OU offers, allowing her to cope with her illness, volunteer and follow her passion for theatre as well as working towards a future career clinical psychology, at her own pace.

“This course is a way for me to test my interest and aptitude. It is also the first step towards a degree that would make me eligible for the Graduate Basis Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society, which I would need to go on to study clinical psychology.”

Ailsa already has a BA in Economics and Theatre Arts from Cornell University, and is studying psychology part-time at the OU while also volunteering. The subject is helping her learn more about mental illness and how the brain works, but it can sometimes be an additional cause of anxiety.

“The idea of studying psychology was a direct result of my recent experiences with OCD. When I was experiencing a lot of difficulty, researching OCD and depression helped me to understand what was really going on and find ways to cope with it. It also turned out to be fascinating and in turn opened the door to other areas of abnormal psychology, which lead me to start reading about psychology in general.

Fear and focus
"Having said that, there is a surprising amount of overlap with my previous studies in economics and theatre, and I have always had an interest in the psychological aspects of these, for example, in behavioural economics and in the performance of identity.

“In a period of high anxiety, concentrating is difficult. Studying seems pointless when you think you are dying of a terrible illness, and it is difficult to focus on anything other than this fear. I now realise that it is more effective to take a step back and do whatever is necessary to feel well before trying to tackle studying sometimes. Spending time on it without getting anywhere is not only pointless but generates further anxiety.
 
“Another problem is that I find it difficult to read about illnesses of the brain, which are useful for understanding how the brain works and figure significantly in the course. I suppose this is not unlike the famous ‘medical student syndrome’ and I hope that with exposure it will pass. Exposure is a very useful tool in dealing with OCD.”

'It's inspiring to be around people who take their individual challenges in their stride and just don’t let anything stop them'

The OU offers support to students with disabilities and Ailsa has been up front about her diagnosis.

“I decided to declare OCD as a disability because I had to take a break from previous studies as a result of it and thought that maybe if I had been open about what problems I was having sooner, there might have been another way forward.
 
“The OU got in touch with me to clarify what they could do to accommodate me. I suggested that if a period of high anxiety were to cause me to fall behind I might receive help to catch up. The lady I spoke to, who was unbelievably kind and understanding, suggested that my tutor could take the initiative to get in touch with me if there appeared to be a problem and I agreed.”

Aside from studying, Ailsa volunteers to help get an insight into psychology careers and finds it “inspiring to be around people who take their individual challenges in their stride and just don’t let anything stop them”. She also blogs.

An honest approach
“I have created blog templates in the past but I never got around to actually updating them so my blog about mental illness is really my first. It definitely helps to focus my mind. If something is bothering me, I find it is easier to carry on with what I need to do once I have figured out exactly what it is, typed it up and sent it off into the ether.
 
"It has other functions too. For one, deciding to be honest about my experiences is my way of trying to let go of the shame that I carry with them. Secondly, it helps me to keep track of how I am thinking, which can change quite dramatically depending on whether I am anxious about something or not, and learn from it.”

Find out more:




 
 
 

 

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“Studying seems pointless when you think you’re dying of a terrible illness,” says OU student Ailsa Roddie. She’s working towards a psychology degree, in part to pursue a career in the field, and to help cope with the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and hypochondriasis she was diagnosed with as a child. “I was diagnosed with OCD and hypochondriasis – ...

OU led autism research project in Ethiopia funded by Autism Speaks

Dr Rosa Hoekstra
The OU has been awarded of $199,750 from Autism Speaks to conduct a two-year research project in Ethiopia. Led by Dr Rosa Hoekstra (Faculty of Science), a team of researchers from the OU and Ethiopia will collaborate in this initiative which intends to raise awareness around mental health issues and about autism in particular.

Beginning with a study of current levels of awareness, attitudes to mental health and service provision to adults and children with mental health problems in Ethiopia, the project will also conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of Ethiopia's community health worker (CHW) training in mental health issues. This training is based on new learning resources, written by Ethiopian health experts with support from the OU as part of the OU's HEAT (Health Education and Training) programme. Following evaluation, these learning resources will be revised and the new materials integrated into ongoing CHW training in Ethiopia.

Rosa Hoekstra (bottom left) with some of the OU and Ethiopian experts involved
Over 4,000 CHWs are expected to be on the programme in Ethiopia in 2012, with another 6,500 students joining during the term of the research project. Through the OU's networks with critical stakeholders such as AMREF, WHO, UNICEF, and Ministries of Health in other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the materials have the potential to be disseminated and used widely.

The project is likely to have a significant impact on the lives of children with autism and raising autism awareness in one of the most underserved areas in the world, with effects continuing to last well beyond the life of the project.

The co-investigators on this project are Lesley-Anne Long (International Development Office), Dr Basiro Davey (Faculty of Science) and Drs Charlotte Hanlon, Yonas Baheretibeb and Abebaw Wassie from Addis Ababa University.

Find out more:

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The OU has been awarded of $199,750 from Autism Speaks to conduct a two-year research project in Ethiopia. Led by Dr Rosa Hoekstra (Faculty of Science), a team of researchers from the OU and Ethiopia will collaborate in this initiative which intends to raise awareness around mental health issues and about autism in particular. Beginning with a study of current levels of ...

Aye think, therefore I am

The Glasgow 'Aye Write' Book Festival
Nigel Warburton heads over the border for Glasgow’s ‘Aye Write’ Book Festival on Wednesday, March 14 and A Little History of Philosophy.
 
The Open University Senior Lecturer’s book introduces the great thinkers in Western philosophy, exploring their most compelling ideas about the world and how best to live in it. 
 
From Socrates to Peter Singer, Warburton presents the grand sweep of humanity’s search for philosophical understanding, inspiring us to think, argue, reason and ask awkward questions about the nature of reality.
 
Mitchell Library, Glasgow
March 14, 2012, 7.30 – 8.30pm
£8/£7

For more information visit

Nigel Warburton heads over the border for Glasgow’s ‘Aye Write’ Book Festival on Wednesday, March 14 and A Little History of Philosophy.   The Open University Senior Lecturer’s book introduces the great thinkers in Western philosophy, exploring their most compelling ideas about the world and how best to live in it.    From Socrates to ...

Psychology degree to published author with a little help from the OU

Lisa Whenham-Bossy
Lisa Whenham-Bossy chose to study with the Open University as she is registered disabled. She believes the support she received from the OU during her time as a student, enabled her to ‘spread her wings’ and achieve not only a First Class (Honours) Degree in Psychology, but go on to become a published author.

Why I chose to study with The Open University (OU)
I always regretted not being able to stay on for higher education after school, instead I ended up getting a job in a bank. It was years later when I was a house wife with two young children that The Open University adverts that I had seen in local media attracted me to send off for a prospectus.

I chose the OU as I am registered disabled, and I wanted to work at my own pace, fairly flexibly and to fit my studies in with my own personal circumstances. I also thought that the fees were reasonable, and the way the prospectus described the different levels and paths of subjects you could take to eventually achieve your goal, was easy and accessible.

Getting advice and support to study
The one thing that worried me was whether the demands the studying needed outweigh my own personal limits. I looked at the higher levels to see if it was a necessity to attend a residential school, as I knew that it would be inappropriate for my personal circumstances, although when I read the reviews I regretted that I would not be able to attend. My worries were not necessary as there was alternative learning experience (ALE) program in place, and I also read with interest the support that the OU was able to give to disabled students.

I was taken back with the friendly response, motivation and eagerness of the disability department to come out and visit me to talk about my personal requirements. I was very apprehensive, but was soon put at ease by the gentleman who visited me, and his advice was so valuable, I was also fortunate to receive financial help as well as an adaptation in my learning and studies to help suit my needs.

Successful studying
Initially I studied Understanding Health and Social Care (K100) as I was always interested in helping others and at one stage had wanted to work with the elderly or children. I realised that if I was to commit myself to study I wanted to achieve a significant goal such as a degree. I was able to work out that in my first course in Health and Social Care I could gain a Certificate after the first level which would be an achievement in itself, and if I wanted to continue I could count the level towards a degree.

As I could not attend tutorials the OU arranged telephone contact, from my tutors, and I was even told that I was eligible for a home exam. The Invigilator was a very kind and professional lady who I nicknamed in my head ‘The Sergeant Major” as we had to synchronise watches after her first visit. I should not have worried as in my very first course I managed to achieve a distinction, and was so proud of my achievement. This also spurred me on to enroll in the next course towards a degree.

A degree in psychology to focus on long-term writing ambitions
I decided to pursue psychology, as my son had dyslexia, and I had suffered from mental health problems and wanted to learn more about them. I was also trying to work hard on my book that was a true account of my past called ‘A Fine Line A Balance to Survive by Lisa WB'. I had suffered from extreme child abuse and was interested in learning more about psychology to not only improve my expertise but to also help with my writing.

As I studied with the OU my confidence increased, and each time I had to study a new course, I initially worried about whether the new tutor would understand that I couldn’t attend tutorials and be empathetic towards my needs as my illness is unpredictable. At some stages I would be unable to study for a few days or even weeks. I tried to combat this by working as hard as I could when able to keep ahead in case I was ill.

Once again I am still astonished at the response by the Open University staff, all my tutors were very friendly, understanding and supported my needs. At the ALE they even let me promote my book in one of the forums at the end of the course.

It was in December 2011 that I received my results and I was fortunate to have achieved a 1.1 First Class (Honours) Degree in Psychology.

I will always be grateful to the Open University, as I believe it was because of the University’s willingness to support my disability and the way they helped me manage my studies I was able to achieve what I did. One of the tutors even endorsed my book when it was published.

I was so sad when I took my final exam as I felt I was leaving a friend behind, although, through the Open University I have made many new friends.

Becoming a published author
The University helped me with my confidence to finish my book: A fine line, which has been praised by The British Psychology Society, and the ebook has been a best seller in many categories for over a year.

I am now writing a sequel called The Survival, and am hoping to include some of the expertise learnt from my psychology degree.

I hope if other people are thinking about studying, they give the Open University a chance, as it has been one of the best experiences in my life.

Find out more:
 

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Lisa Whenham-Bossy chose to study with the Open University as she is registered disabled. She believes the support she received from the OU during her time as a student, enabled her to ‘spread her wings’ and achieve not only a First Class (Honours) Degree in Psychology, but go on to become a published author. Why I chose to study with The Open University (OU) I ...

Share your goals for 2012 for chance to win psychology book

For your chance to win a copy of OU MBA graduate Bridget Grenville-Cleave’s new book, Positive Psychology, A Practical Guide, just tell us what goal you have set yourself in 2012.

Bridget has just published her third book which is the scientific study of the positive aspects of human life, such as happiness, confidence and achievement; it focuses on understanding and promoting what makes life worth living rather than on treating mental illness. For your chance to win a copy, tell us what goal you have set for yourself in 2012 in the comments section below this competition. And if you want to elaborate on how you intend to motivate yourself to achieve it, even better!

 

Please note you’ll need to be logged in with your OU username and password (or guest log in) to be able to comment. You’ll also need to send us an email with the subject header ‘Psychology book comp’ stating your goal to platform-competitions@open.ac.uk with your full name and address by no later than 31st January.

Terms and conditions
This competition opens on 11/01/12 and closes on 14/02/2012. Prizes must be taken as offered and are not transferable or exchangeable for a cash equivalent. Only one entry per competition per person. This competition is open to all except employees of The Open University. Entries must be received by 14 February 2012. The promoter accepts no responsibility for any entries that are incomplete, illegible, corrupted or fail to reach the promoter by the relevant closing date for any reason. The winner will be picked at random on closing date, and will be notified within 14 days by email. The name and town of the winner will be published on Platform. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Entries are taken as acceptance of these terms and conditions.

 

Bridget is one of the first qualified positive psychologists to practice in Europe and her latest book is full of straightforward advice, case studies and step-by-step instructions to making your life even better.

For your chance to win a copy of OU MBA graduate Bridget Grenville-Cleave’s new book, Positive Psychology, A Practical Guide, just tell us what goal you have set yourself in 2012. Bridget has just published her third book which is the scientific study of the positive aspects of human life, such as happiness, confidence and achievement; it focuses on understanding and promoting what ...

OU MBA graduate publishes third psychology book

Bridget Grenville-Cleave, OU MBA alumnus and psychologist, has just published her third book, Positive Psychology, A Practical Guide and in a chat with Platform offers some tips for thinking positively in 2012. There's also a chance to win a copy of the book...

Positive psychology is the scientific study of the positive aspects of human life, such as happiness, confidence and achievement; it focuses on understanding and promoting what makes life worth living rather than on treating mental illness.

Bridget is one of the first qualified positive psychologists to practice in Europe and her latest book is full of straightforward advice, case studies and step-by-step instructions to making your life even better.

Speaking to Platform at a time when many of us are thinking about New Year’s resolutions and developing good habits, Bridget offers readers some helpful pointers, based on some of the latest research in positive psychology:

Beyond SMART: 3 Top Tips for Successful Goal-Setting and Achievement
 

Focus on creating approach goals

According to psychology research, avoidance goals (those with negative outcomes which we work to avoid) are stressful because constantly monitoring negative possibilities drains our energy and enjoyment, eventually taking its toll on our well-being. On the other hand if we set approach goals i.e. those with positive outcomes which we work towards, our focus is on achieving the presence of something positive, which is more energizing and enjoyable. According to psychologists this ultimately leads to greater well-being too.

Increase your intrinsic motivation

Being intrinsically motivated (i.e. doing something because you want to, not because you have to) is an essential part of goal achievement. Intrinsic motivation can be increased by ensuring that, in identifying and pursuing your goal, three basic psychological needs are met:  i) control, ii) competence and iii) connection. If your goal is not freely chosen, how might you change it so that you increase the amount of control that you have?  To increase your level of competence, why not seek regular and constructive feedback on your performance from a trusted friend, colleague or mentor? And how might you ensure that you have positive support from those around you in achieving your goal?

Develop your self-control and commitment

Fortunately for us, self-control is like a muscle – the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. This means that being more disciplined in one domain of your life can help you develop greater self-control in other areas. The key to self-control is to try to create new habits which simply become part of your day-to-day routine; after a while you don’t need much self-control at all.

Research into goal commitment suggests that it makes a difference to your self-motivation whether you focus on the progress you’ve already made, or whether you focus on the things that you have left to achieve. If you are fully committed to your goal, you can maintain your self-motivation by focusing on what you have left to do. But if your commitment is less than 10 out of 10, you can increase your self-motivation by focusing on what you have already accomplished.

Finally, remember that not all goals are equal in the well-being stakes: make sure yours are intrinsic, congruent and in harmony with each other.

To find out more about Bridget’s work or to order her book, visit her website.

For your chance to win a copy of Bridget's book, see our competition. Share your goal for 2012 and be in with a chance of winning...

 

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Average: 5 (2 votes)

Bridget Grenville-Cleave, OU MBA alumnus and psychologist, has just published her third book, Positive Psychology, A Practical Guide and in a chat with Platform offers some tips for thinking positively in 2012. There's also a chance to win a copy of the book... Positive psychology is the scientific study of the positive aspects of human life, such as happiness, confidence ...

OU psychology graduate gets MBE for services to children and families

Sharon and Clive Cumming
An OU graduate has been awarded an MBE for his services to children and families – and says his psychology degree helped him get there.

It was a double accolade for Clive Cumming and his wife Sharon, from Bristol, who were both named MBEs in the New Year’s Honours list, having fostered 150 children over 35 years.

Clive graduated from the Open University in 2000 with a BA (Hons) in Psychology and says his OU studies helped him both in his job as a commercial manager with the Ministry of Defence and as a foster parent.

He said of his OU degree: “Aside from giving me a better understanding of human behaviour (particularly useful during commercial negotiations!) the main benefit has been in relation to the fostering work which my wife and I undertake.

“Many of the young people who come into our care have experienced emotional trauma in their early life. An understanding of how this affects their subsequent development helps us to understand behaviour which they may present whilst in our care.”

Clive started his OU student journey in 1993 with a social science foundation course and progressed with further studies to achieve graduate membership of the British Psychological Society.

He said he and his wife Sharon were delighted to be appointed MBEs and think of it as a reward and recognition for the good work that all foster carers do.

For more information read this story in the Bristol Evening Post.




 

5
Average: 5 (1 vote)

An OU graduate has been awarded an MBE for his services to children and families – and says his psychology degree helped him get there. It was a double accolade for Clive Cumming and his wife Sharon, from Bristol, who were both named MBEs in the New Year’s Honours list, having fostered 150 children over 35 years. Clive graduated from the Open University in 2000 ...

Completely baffled as to how this degree works

I am new to the OU though I have been a uni student before.

I am wanting to sign up for the Psychology Degree in March for the Autumn intake but I can't find any information on what the level 1 courses are. Can I take this to mean that we pick and choose them ourselves, because if so, I want to get stuck in this March with Y183. I've been out of practice regarding study for a while now and I think this course might ease me in.

What I don't want to do is spend money on courses that are easing me in if I'm going to be told at the start of the degree that I have to study other, specific units.

Sorry for sounding like a complete newb when it comes to this, but I suppose I am :p

Thanks all,

Elle

I am new to the OU though I have been a uni student before. I am wanting to sign up for the Psychology Degree in March for the Autumn intake but I can't find any information on what the level 1 courses are. Can I take this to mean that we pick and choose them ourselves, because if so, I want to get stuck in this March with Y183. I've been out of practice regarding study for a while now and I ...

Eleanor Ball - Tue, 10/01/2012 - 13:24

DSE141 starting in May 2012

Hi to all

 

Anyone starting DSE141 in May this year?

Hi to all   Anyone starting DSE141 in May this year?

Marilyn Brandwood - Sat, 07/01/2012 - 11:01

After Y163 / 183

Hello all,

I studied Starting with Psychology a year or so ago and am now looking for my next course in the area.

Is there a specific course any of you would recommend to take the next step in the subject?

I'm not sure which one to go for! Any help would be lovely!

Thanks

Hello all, I studied Starting with Psychology a year or so ago and am now looking for my next course in the area. Is there a specific course any of you would recommend to take the next step in the subject? I'm not sure which one to go for! Any help would be lovely! Thanks

Abigail Shaw - Thu, 05/01/2012 - 10:38

Goodbye open2net, hello openlearn

screengrab of open2.net
open2.net, formerly the online home of joint Open University and BBC programming, is now closed. 

The good news is that more than ten years of open2.net content has been moved to a new website at open.edu/openlearn, creating one home for all the Open University's free online learning for the public. 

The new site continues to support OU-BBC broadcasts, but also gives access to iTunes U podcasts, YouTube videos, free study units taken from OU modules and topical content, arranged under subject areas relating to the OU curriculum. 

There's lots to do - you can watch Evan Davis exploring the state of British manufacturing; explore the frozen planet; get to know the science and history of the Olympics or have a look at our study units in LearningSpace.

Any existing links that direct people to open2.net content will automatically send people to the relevant pages on the new site.

You’ll find more information at open.edu/openlearn. 

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open2.net, formerly the online home of joint Open University and BBC programming, is now closed.  The good news is that more than ten years of open2.net content has been moved to a new website at open.edu/openlearn, creating one home for all the Open University's free online learning for the public.  The new site continues to support OU-BBC broadcasts, but ...

What sort of Olympian would you be?

Olympisize me on OpenLearn
What does it take to be a top Olympian or Paralympian? OpenLearn have created a game that will let you discover your perfect sport - Try Olympisize Me.

As we count down to London 2012, give yourself a special insight into the world's most exciting sporting event with The Open University's collection of exciting interactives, academic insights and lots of free opportunities to take your learning even further in the world of sport.

Find out more: 

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What does it take to be a top Olympian or Paralympian? OpenLearn have created a game that will let you discover your perfect sport - Try Olympisize Me. As we count down to London 2012, give yourself a special insight into the world's most exciting sporting event with The Open University's collection of exciting interactives, academic insights and lots of free ...

New starter (May) Discovering Psychology

Hey All.

I am very very early, but just excited to start. I am doing 'Discovering Psychology' in May 2012. Is anyone thinking about doing that and if you have studied it, hints and tips would be apprecited :)

 

Thanks

Chloe 

Hey All. I am very very early, but just excited to start. I am doing 'Discovering Psychology' in May 2012. Is anyone thinking about doing that and if you have studied it, hints and tips would be apprecited :)   Thanks Chloe 

Chloe Nodwell - Mon, 05/12/2011 - 01:09

Starting DD131 in May 2012 - Anyone Else?

Hello everyone!
 
I'm probably a little early, but hey - I'm excited! I'm starting my studies with the OU in May 2012  doing DD131 Introduction to Social Sciences (Part One) and wanted to meet and chat to anyone who is the same as me - whether you are on the same module or just starting study, get in contact :)
 
I'm both nervous and excited. I work full time at the moment but may go part time to focus more on my studies. I have never done studying like this so I don't know what to expect. May seems a long way off but I wanted to get started and connected with as many of you as possible before then. I'm based in Brighton/Sussex area and once the course has started would love to meet up for study sessions etc.
 
Good luck everyone,
Lyndsay

 

Hello everyone!   I'm probably a little early, but hey - I'm excited! I'm starting my studies with the OU in May 2012  doing DD131 Introduction to Social Sciences (Part One) and wanted to meet and chat to anyone who is the same as me - whether you are on the same module or just starting study, get in contact :)   I'm both nervous and excited. I work full time at the ...

Lyndsay Gardner - Tue, 29/11/2011 - 17:56

Starting DD101 in Jan

  Hey, I didn't see a thread for this so thought I'd start one.  I wish I was starting it now as I'm eager to get going but I'm starting DD101 in Jan since it's the first one I can do.  I'd like to get to know some people on here also starting, or even if you've started in October and want to keep in touch with people.  I'm aiming for a psychology degree, I've always had an interest in the subject but not studied it before.  I was going to study maths which I'm more used to so this is a big change!

  Hey, I didn't see a thread for this so thought I'd start one.  I wish I was starting it now as I'm eager to get going but I'm starting DD101 in Jan since it's the first one I can do.  I'd like to get to know some people on here also starting, or even if you've started in October and want to keep in touch with people.  I'm aiming for a psychology degree, I've always ...

Ryan Staines - Mon, 28/11/2011 - 12:30

DSE 141 EXAM RESULTS

 Can anyone tell me when the DSE141 Exam results are returned  to students.?..course finished 8th November 2011

many thanks

dominic

 Can anyone tell me when the DSE141 Exam results are returned  to students.?..course finished 8th November 2011 many thanks dominic

Alfred Borda - Sat, 26/11/2011 - 14:32

Audio Material

Hi All

I've just completed the Audio Material for week 2. I've no idea if I'm on the right track with my answers to the questions they ask you to consider. Am I missing a way of checking I've got the right idea or will it be best to wait till next tutorial and discuss with someone there. I realise these are only to guide your study and not marked or anything, just wondered.

Hi All I've just completed the Audio Material for week 2. I've no idea if I'm on the right track with my answers to the questions they ask you to consider. Am I missing a way of checking I've got the right idea or will it be best to wait till next tutorial and discuss with someone there. I realise these are only to guide your study and not marked or anything, just wondered.

Laura McGee - Tue, 15/11/2011 - 21:19

ou fees

i have just read something in a recent discusion about uni fees,that its so unfair to the english to pay high fees while the scottish get away scots free,im certainly not angry at this comment but there will never be a balance, im a older student so i was brought up in thatcher years when picketing was born and so was the poll tax when scotland was given it first before england,im not easily confused but what do we want our children to get no education,do you think we should pay for something that enhances our lives? im a mature student who in dec 2010 had to give up a well paid job with bupa due to becoming disabled,i cant use my body anymore so i need to retrain my brain im only 48yrs old ive still got alot too give to this world,BUT guess what i also have a 18yr old daughter that stayed in school till 6th yr and is spending a yr at forth valley college to as she puts it become more socially aware as she wants to go to stirling uni but she is more scared of not getting a place than anything else she looses sleep over her worry so do you think its fair no i do not i think all education should be free but dont take it out on us we have enough problems be wise wait. The goverments are in process of turning, Watch the whole world not just the uk things are changing wait and see whats about to happen to all goverments their pushing the wrong people around they will be pushed back as the tollerance is being met by anger.personally all i want is a peacefull life and fin my module

i have just read something in a recent discusion about uni fees,that its so unfair to the english to pay high fees while the scottish get away scots free,im certainly not angry at this comment but there will never be a balance, im a older student so i was brought up in thatcher years when picketing was born and so was the poll tax when scotland was given it first before england,im not easily ...

Meg Faichney - Thu, 10/11/2011 - 17:06

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