The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) was set up as a statutory body on 11 June 2001 by the Minister for Education and Science. Under the Qualifications (Education & Training) Act, 1999, FETAC now has responsibility for making awards previously made by NCVA. Module Descriptor Psychology of Work Level 5 L21910 www.fetac.ie
1 Module Title Psychology of Work 2 Module Code L21910 3 Level 5 Credit Value 1 credit 5 Purpose This module has been designed to develop an understanding of the concepts of work psychology and how they are applied to the work environment. Its purpose is to enable the learner to understand and predict behaviour within the many contexts that arise in the practice of work. 6 Preferred Entry Level 7 Special Requirements Level Certificate, Leaving Certificate or equivalent qualifications and/or relevant life and work experiences. None. 8 General Aims Learners who successfully complete this module will: 8.1 be able to explain the history of and methods used to investigate the psychology of work 8.2 be familiar with the processes of recruitment and training in the organisation 8.3 appreciate the importance of personality assessment and performance appraisal in the organisation 8. understand the interaction of individuals and different groups within organisations 8.5 analyse the motivating factors at work in the organisation 8.6 appreciate the physical factors that affect the work environment 8.7 be familiar with the psychological factors that can affect worker(s) 1
9 Units The specific learning outcomes are grouped into unit(s). Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit Introduction to the Psychology of Work Personnel Psychology Organisational Psychology Work Environment Issues 10 Specific Learning Outcomes Unit 1 Introduction to the Psychology of Work Learners should be able to: 10.1.1 define psychology of work 10.1.2 outline the divisions of the psychology of work 10.1.3 summarise the history of psychology of work 10.1. state the mandate/rationale of psychology of work 10.1.5 outline the methods used to study Industrial/Organisational psychology Unit 2 Personnel Psychology Learners should be able to: 10.2.1 define recruitment 10.2.2 explain and evaluate the process of selection 10.2.3 explain and evaluate the process of classification 10.2. define Personality 10.2.5 identify the uses of personality assessment 10.2.6 evaluate the methods of assessment 10.2.7 be aware of ethical standards in testing 10.2.8 outline new/controversial methods (e.g. drug testing etc.) 10.2.9 define training 10.2.10 outline the strategic value of training & development 10.2.11 describe a range of training methods (on-site / off-site) 10.2.12 evaluate the selected methods of training 10.2.13 list the benefits of performance appraisal 10.2.1 describe the sources of appraisal information 10.2.15 explain and evaluate appraisal methods 10.2.16 discuss the importance of feedback to employees 2
Unit 3 Organisational Psychology Learners should be able to: 10.3.1 explain 3 theories of Organisation (Classical, Neoclassical Systems) 10.3.2 describe the 5 basic parts of an Organisation 10.3.3 list the principals of teamwork 10.3. describe the types of team 10.3.5 identify the benefits of teamwork 10.3.6 define group 10.3.7 explain the types and formations of group 10.3.8 discuss group power with references to significant psychological studies (Asch, Milgram) 10.3.9 identify the features of effective communication within the organisation 10.3.10 define leadership 10.3.11 explain and evaluate different types of leaders e.g. Autocratic, Democratic, Laissez-faire 10.3.12 explain the nature of the psychological contract between the organisation and its individual workers 10.3.13 define Motivation 10.3.1 explain Maslow s theory of motivation 10.3.15 explain the theories of employee motivation (McGregor s Theory X and Theory Y, Herzberg s Two-Factor Theory Expectancy Theory Vroom) 10.3.16 outline the findings of major motivation studies of employees (Hawthorne Studies) Unit Work Environment Issues Learners should be able to: 10..1 define Ergonomics 10..2 assess the different approaches (Anthropometric) 10..3 discuss the effects of human/machinery interaction in the workplace 10.. explain Health & Safety legislation 10..5 define Work Stress 10..6 identify physical/psychological stressors in the workplace 3
10..7 explain a model of stress 10..8 examine the psychological effects of unemployment 10..9 define Bullying 10..10 explain the types of bullying 10..11 discuss the causes and effects of bullying 10..12 describe mechanisms for dealing with bullying 11 Portfolio of Assessment All assessment is carried out in accordance with FETAC regulations. Assessment is devised by the internal assessor, with external moderation by FETAC. Summary Examination (Theory-based) 60% Assignments (2) 0% 11.1 Examination The internal assessor will devise a theory-based examination that assesses candidates ability to recall and apply theory and understanding, requiring responses to a range of structured questions. These questions may be answered in different media such as writing or orally. The examination will be based on a range of specific learning outcomes and will be 2 hours in duration. The format of the examination will be as follows: 5 structured questions Candidates are required to answer (15 marks each). 11.2 Assignments (2) The internal assessor will devise two briefs that require candidates to produce evidence that demonstrates an understanding and application of a range of specific learning outcomes. Assignment 1: The brief for the first assignment will require candidates to investigate and analyse a topic(s) appropriate to Unit 2 Personnel Psychology. Evidence will include reference to appropriate personnel psychology theories. Assignment 2: The brief for the second assignment will require candidates to investigate and analyse a topic(s) appropriate to Unit 3 Organisational Psychology or Unit Work Environment Issues. The internal assessor will choose the appropriate brief and candidates are asked to provide evidence that will refer to appropriate work psychology theories.
The assignments may be presented in a variety of media for example written, audio, graphic, visual or any combination of these. Any audio or video evidence must be provided on tape. All assignments carry equal marks. 12 Grading Pass 50-6% Merit 65-79% Distinction 80-100% 5
Individual Candidate Marking Sheet 1 Psychology of Work L21910 Examination Theory-Based 60% Assignments (2) 0% Candidate Name: PPSN: Centre: Centre No.: Assessment Criteria Structured Questions 5 structured questions, answer any (15 marks each) (Indicate questions answered) Question No.:* Maximum Mark 15 15 15 15 Candidate Mark Subtotal 60 Assignment 1: Relevant information appropriately selected and organised Understanding and knowledge of chosen topic clearly shown Appropriate theories interpreted and correctly applied Comprehensive evaluation clearly demonstrated Information presented appropriately Subtotal 20 Assignment 2: Relevant information appropriately selected and organised Understanding and knowledge of chosen topic clearly shown Appropriate theories interpreted and correctly applied Comprehensive evaluation clearly demonstrated Information presented appropriately Subtotal 20 TOTAL MARKS This mark should be transferred to the Module Results Summary Sheet 100 Internal Assessor s Signature: Date: External Authenticator s Signature: Date: 6
FETAC Module Results Summary Sheet Module Title: Module Code: L21910 Psychology of Work Candidate Surname Candidate Forename Total 100% Grade* Signed: Internal Assessor: Date: This sheet is for internal assessors to record the overall marks of individual candidates. It should be retained in the centre. The marks awarded should be transferred to the official FETAC Module Results Sheet issued to centres before the visit of the external Authenticator. Grade* D: 80-100% M: 65-79% P: 50-6% U: 0-9% W: candidates entered who did not present for assessment