PY3AOB-Attachment and Offending Behaviour

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: PY2RM Research Methods and Data Analysis
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Dr Amanda Branson

Email: A.Branson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Attachment and Offending Behaviour

Aims:
This module aims:
- To enable students to study the relationship between early attachment and later offending behaviour;
- To give students experience of critical evaluation of selected topics in those areas;
- To provide experience of applications of psychological theory in forensic psychology;
- To help students develop the ability to study independently.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students will be able to:
1. Appraise key theoretical explanations for Reactive Attachment Disorder and adult attachment styles in romantic relationships, with critical reference to the literature
2. Critically evaluate research paradigms and key theoretical explanations for the relationship between offending behaviour and attachment
3. Apply their understanding of the relationship between attachment and offending, by designing an empirical study to answer an appropriate research question

Additional outcomes:
Students will gain experience from participating in evaluative discussions of research, theory and the application of these in large and small groups.

Outline content:
The module consists of 7 2-hour seminars involving lectures and discussion, which aim to explore the relationship between offending behaviour and attachment in childhood and adult life.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Seminars involve lectures and critical interactive discussions.Ìý



The module is taught by Jacky Pendleton. Jacky is a non-executive Director of Surrey & Sussex Probation Trust and has worked with children in prison developing their internal self-esteem and self-image. She gained her MSc in Forensic Psychology from the University of Portsmouth. She currently works in a Local Authority assessing provision for children who are either sentenced to custody or have a need for secure accommodation to protect them from harm or harm to others. Her teaching is reflective of her knowledge and experience in the application of psychological theory and research to the real world.Ìý

Contact hours:

Ìý	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	14		1
Guided independent study:	85
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours by term		15
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	75
Written assignment including essay	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:
1.5 hours

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
This module is assessed through coursework (25%) and a final exam (75%).
The 1.5-hour Summer Exam will require students to answer 1 essay question on topics covered in the module.
Coursework will comprise a 2000-word report.

Formative assessment methods:
Students have the opportunity to provide the module convenor with up to two essay plans for comment and feedback in preparation for the exam.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at:
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment is by re-examination in August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2019