PSY350: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF

HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS

Department of Psychology

UNIT OUTLINE
Session 2, 2017

Please read this unit outline carefully at the start of semester. It contains
important information about the unit. If anything in it is unclear, please
consult one of the teaching staff in the unit. To see the latest official updates of
this outline, login via the Online Teaching system (https://ilearn.mq.edu.au)

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Session and Year: Session Two, 2017
Unit convenor: Professor Julie Fitness
Prerequisites: 39 credit points
Credit points: This unit is worth 3 credit points

Students should read this unit outline carefully at the start of semester. It contains
important information about the unit. If anything in it is unclear, please consult the unit
convenor by email. To see the latest official update of this outline, login via the Online
Teaching system (https://ilearn.mq.edu.au).

ABOUT THIS UNIT

Unit description and credit points

This unit examines a variety of topics in the social psychology of human relationships.
Beginning with the dynamics of interpersonal attraction, the unit will explore the various
stages of relationship development, maintenance, dissolution and repair, and will
consider relationship processes in a variety of contexts, including romantic, marital and
family relationships; friendships; enemyships; and same-sex relationships. Throughout,
there will be a strong emphasis on critically examining so-called pop-psychological
approaches to relationship phenomena, and students will be encouraged to examine
the complexities of relationship dynamics from different cultural perspectives. This unit
was previously called PSY 334 and was worth 4 credit points.

Unit rationale and brief outline

Human beings are social creatures with fundamental needs for love and security.
People in supportive, loving relationships feel healthier, happier and more satisfied
with their lives, and are less likely to suffer from mental or physical health problems.
However, the dynamics of human relationships are poorly understood by many
individuals. Indeed, the bulk of problems that individuals raise with psychiatrists,
psychologists, counsellors, advisers and even close friends, concern relationship
issues such as loneliness, betrayal, jealousy, conflict, guilt, forgiveness, boredom,
loss, and grief.

The aim of this unit is to examine the growing body of empirical research on
relationship issues, backed up by social psychological theories, in order to better
understand how relationships begin, how they grow and function, how they are
maintained, why they may fail, and how they might be repaired.

Email Policy

It is University policy that the University issued email account will be used for
official University communication. All students are required to access their
University account frequently and only contact staff using their University account.

If you have any difficulties with your email account, contact Student IT Help via
http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/

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UNIT WEB PAGE

Login via the Online Teaching system: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au

TEACHING STAFF

Convenor:
Professor Julie Fitness
Consultation: Email: julie.fitness@mq.edu.au for an appointment.

Senior tutor:
Ms. Alessa Teunisse Email alessa.teunisse@mq.edu.au

Tutors:
Ms. Christine Leonards email Christine.leonards@mq.edu.au
Mr. Brad Skinner email brad.skinner@mq.edu.au

CLASSES

Lectures Tuesday, 4-6pm, C5CT1

Tutorials Number of tutorials: One tutorial per fortnight

Length of tutorials: 2 hours
Tutorial Attendance: COMPULSORY

Tutorial classes:

Stream A (even weeks) starting in 2nd week (7th August)

Stream B (odd weeks) starting in 3rd week (14th August)

Monday 9 11 am W6B 350: may only run in Stream A. To be

confirmed.
Running both streams:

Monday 11 1 pm E5A 160

Monday 2 - 4 pm C5A 226
Monday 4 6 pm E6A 108
Tuesday 9 11 am E6A 131
Tuesday 11 1 am E7B 200

Evening students will be able to listen to the recorded lectures online but must attend
their assigned tutorial. Students enrolled in the iLecture mode can access the iLecture
recording of the lecture, but must attend the compulsory tutorial once a fortnight.

The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site at:
https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2017

Please note that attendance at tutorials will be recorded and may also be taken into
account when making final decisions regarding your overall grade for this unit.

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Managing Tutorials

Changes to tutorials can be made on-line via eStudent. After Week 2, no further
changes to tutorials can be made unless supporting documentation is provided and
room is available in the requested tutorial class.

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS in Library, Special Reserve

Prescribed text:

Fletcher, G., Simpson, J., Campbell, L., & Overall, N. (2013). The science of intimate
relationships. New York: Wiley-Blackwell.

Important reference text:

Simpson, J., & Dovidio, J. (Eds.) (2015). APA Handbook of personality & social
psychology: Volume 3: Interpersonal relations. American Psychological
Association: Washington, DC.

Recommended texts:

Ciarrochi, J., Forgas, J., & Mayer, J. D. (Eds.) (2006), Emotional intelligence in
everyday life (2nd ed.). New York: Psychology Press.
Fletcher, G. J. O., & Clark, M. (Eds.) (2001), Blackwell handbook of social psychology
(Volume 2): Interpersonal processes. MA: Blackwell.
Forgas, J. P., & Fitness, J. (Eds.) (2008). Social relationships: Cognitive, affective, and
motivational processes. NY: Psychology Press.
Hart, S. L., & Legerstee, M. (2010). Handbook of jealousy. UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
Leary, M. (Ed.) (2000). Interpersonal rejection. NY: Oxford University Press.
Noller, P., & Feeney, J. (Eds.) (2006). Close relationships: Functions, forms, and
processes. New York: Psychology Press.
Noller, P., & Karantzas (2012) (Eds.), The Wiley-Blackwell handbook of couples and
family relationships. UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
Reis, H., & Rusbult, C. (Eds.) (2004). Close relationships: Key readings in social
psychology. New York: Psychology Press.
Sprecher, S., Wenzel, A., & Harvey, J. (2008). Handbook of relationship initiation.
New York: Taylor & Francis.
Sternberg, R., & Weis, K. (2006). The new psychology of love. NH: Yale Uni. Press.
Vangelisti, A. (Ed.) (2004). Handbook of family communication. NJ: Erlbaum.
Vangelisti, A., & Perlman, D. (Eds.) (2006). The Cambridge handbook of personal
relationships. NY: Cambridge University Press.

Useful Journals:
Journal of Family Psychology
Journal of Marriage and the Family
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships
Personal Relationships
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
Personality and Social Psychology Review

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LEARNING OUTCOMES

When you have successfully completed this unit you will be able to:

1. explain contemporary issues in the psychology of human relationships literature

and the theories from which they are derived
2. analyse the strengths and weaknesses of competing explanations of issues in the
field of human relationships
3. understand the strengths and weaknesses of research methods used in
relationship research
4. apply findings from empirical research on relationships to real-world relationship
issues
5. critique so-called pop-psychological approaches to relationships from an informed,
scientific perspective and effectively communicate findings

GRADUATE CAPABILITIES

In addition to the discipline-based learning objectives, all academic programs at

Macquarie seek to develop students generic skills and capabilities in a range of areas.
By participating in this unit, students will develop their skills in the following areas:

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to

integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and
environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be
able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the
workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information
technology literacy.

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and

assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields
of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations
at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to
have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own
limitations.

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views
in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them
the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a
variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual
communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

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As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the
nations historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary
society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for
diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other
cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates
should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to
help create a wiser and better society.

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills
and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal
judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk
assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be
adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGY

How is the unit taught? The unit is taught through lectures and prescribed readings
covering the core material and tutorials. The tutorials comprise practical activities and
class discussions which have been designed to develop graduate attributes, enhance
student involvement, and provide focus on certain topics.

What is expected of students? Students are expected to (a) listen to lectures and
attend tutorials, (b) complete all forms of assessment, (c) read the prescribed
materials, and (d) contribute to tutorial exercises and discussions. Note that
attendance in tutorials is compulsory.

LECTURE OUTLINE
Week Date Topic Lecturer

1 (1/8) Human Relationships: Types, functions & processes

Professor
Text: Chapters 1 and 2
Julie Fitness
No tutorials this week
2 (8/8) Attraction, attachment and pairbonding Professor
Text: Chapters 5 and 7 Julie Fitness
Tutorials begin this week
3 (15/8) Mate selection: The psychology of beauty Dr. Ian
Text: Chapters 4 and 6 Stephen
4 (22/8) Relationship cognition perceiving, thinking, judging and
remembering in close relationships Professor
Julie Fitness
Text: Chapters 3 and 8
5 (29/8) Feelings and emotions in close relationships
Reading: Fitness, J. (2015). Emotions in relationships. In J.A. Professor
Simpson & J. Dovidio (Eds.), APA Handbook of personality Julie Fitness
and social psychology, Vol. 3: Interpersonal relations (pp. 297-318).
American Psychological Association, Washington DC.

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 6 (5/9) Communication and conflict in relationships Professor
Text: Chapters 9 and 11 Julie Fitness
7 (12/9) Families and family dynamics
Reading: Fitness, J., & Duffield, J. (2004). Emotion Professor
communication in families. In A. Vangelisti (Ed.), Handbook of Julie Fitness
family communication (pp. 473-494). New Jersey: Erlbaum.

BREAK

8 (3/10) Relationships and the internet Ms. Alessa

Reading: Finkel, E., Eastwick, O., Karney, B., Reis, H., & Teunisse
Sprecher, S. (2012). Online dating: A critical analysis from the
perspective of psychological science. Psychological Science
in the Public Interest 13(1) 366.
9 (10/10) Psychopathy and close relationships (hour 1) Dr Mem
Reading: Kirkman, C. A. (2005). From soap opera to science: Mahmut
Towards gaining access to the psychopaths who live amongst
us. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and
Practice, 78, 379-396.

Emotional intelligence in relationships (hour 2)

Reading: Fitness. J. (2006). The emotionally intelligent
marriage. In J. Ciarrochi, J. P. Forgas, & J Mayer (Eds.), Dr Alissa
Emotional intelligence in everyday life (2nd ed.), NY: Beath
Psychology Press.

10 (17/10) Betrayal, punishment and forgiveness in close

relationships
Reading: Fitness, J. (2012). Betrayal and forgiveness in close
relationships: Exploring the roles of pain and punishment in
Professor
relationship repair. In P. Noller & G. Kerantzas (Eds.),
Julie Fitness
Couples and family relationships: A guide to contemporary
research, theory, practice and policy (pp. 259-270). UK: Wiley-
Blackwell.

11 (24/10) Relationship loss and repair Professor

Text: Chapter 12 Julie
Fitness

12 (2/11) Friendship and social support

Reading: Perlman, D., Stevens, & Carcedo, R. (2015).
Friendship. In J.A. Simpson & J. Dovidio (Eds.), APA Professor
Handbook of personality and social psychology, Vol. 3: Julie Fitness
Interpersonal relations (pp. 463- 493). American Psychological
Association, Washington DC

13 (9/11) Unit review: Relationships in an ethical context. Professor

Exam preparation Julie Fitness
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ASSESSMENT AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
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The ability to critically evaluate current scientific knowledge on various topics will be
assessed by way of two written assignments and a tutorial presentation (Learning
Outcomes 1 5). Knowledge of lecture material and prescribed readings will be
assessed by a final, multiple-choice exam (Learning Outcomes 1 5).

LIST OF ASSESSMENT TASKS

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

1. Research Report: 20% 700 words, due 10am, Monday 4th

September 2017

5 minute oral report presented in tutorial

2. Tutorial presentation 10% accompanied by power point slides.

1200 words, due 10am, Monday 16th

3. Essay 30%
October, 2017

4. Final exam on lectures, text & Held during University examination period,
readings 40% 2 hours, 80 multiple choice questions.

1. Research Report (20%)

The purpose of this report is to give students some experience of finding and critically
reviewing relevant psychological literature on a relationship-related question of their
own choosing. Markers will be looking for a well-structured, coherent and thoughtful
critique of the chosen literature. Details will be available on the PSY350 Website.
Word length: 700 words maximum
Due date: Monday 4th Sept before 10:00 AM
To be submitted electronically via Turnitin

Important:

Use double-spacing
Use 12-point font

Note: There is a penalty of 1 mark for every 50 words over the word limit (700). So
750 words will lose you one mark, 800 words will lose you two marks.

Date of return of marked report: Available on-line 14th September

2. Tutorial presentation (10%) details to follow on tutorial guide

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3. Essay (30%)

The essay is designed to assess your ability to critically evaluate scientific knowledge
and formulate a coherent and intelligent discussion of the relevant issues of a topic
within the psychology of human relationships.

The essay questions will be available on the PSY350 web site.

Word length: 1200 words maximum

Due date: Monday 16th October before 10:00am

To be submitted electronically via Turnitin

Important:
Use double-spacing
Use 12-point font
The word limit does not include the reference list but it does include in-text
citations.

Note: There is a penalty of 1 mark for every 100 words over the word limit (1200). So
1300 words will lose you one mark, 1400 words will lose you two marks, etc.

Date of return of marked essay: Available on-line end of Week 13

Why do you submit reports and essays via Turnitin?

You are required to submit your Research Report and Essay via Turnitin as a
plagiarism check. Your Report and Essay will be automatically compared to the work
of other students in this unit, previous students in this unit and at other universities,
and material available on the Internet in subscription-based journal format or otherwise
freely accessible information. Please read the section below on Academic Integrity for
more information, and check out the following Website:
http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

REQUESTS FOR EXTENSIONS AND LATE SUBMISSIONS

All requests for extensions must be made before the due date for the
assignment.

Ordinarily, no extensions of time for submission of written work will be granted since
sufficient time for its preparation will have been given. If an extension is required for
medical or other extenuating circumstances, students may request this by submitting
an online request via ask.mq.edu.au with supporting documentary evidence (such as
medical certificate, counsellor note, or similar). The staff in the Faculty of Human
Sciences Student Services Centre (FHSSSC) will make all decisions regarding
extensions. Neither individual tutors nor the course convenor will grant
extensions.

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If an extension is granted, the approval must be printed out and attached to a paper
copy of the assignment to avoid any late penalty. Failure to do so will result in a late
penalty being applied as the marker will not know that an extension has been granted.
If you have any queries, please contact the staff in the Faculty of Human Sciences
Student Services Centre in Level 3, Building C3A, Tel: 9850 9898.

Late Submissions:

A penalty of 1 mark per day past the due date will apply to late research reports
and essays.
Assignments will not be accepted after marked assignments have been made
available electronically

4. Final exam (2 hours duration, 40%)

The multiple choice exam is designed to assess knowledge and understanding of

material covered in the lectures, textbook, and readings. It will comprise 80 questions,
each worth 0.5 marks. The exam will be held during the University examination period.

THE UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION PERIOD:

The University Examination period in Second Half Year 2017 is between 13

November and 4 December. Students are expected to present themselves for
examination at the time and place designated in the University Examination Timetable.
The timetable will be available in Draft form approximately eight weeks before the
commencement of the examinations and in Final form approximately four weeks
before the commencement of the examinations:
http://students.mq.edu.au/student_admin/exams/

The only exception to not sitting an examination at the designated time is because of
documented illness or unavoidable disruption. Students who experience serious
and unavoidable disruption which will either prevent them from sitting the final exam or
will impact their exam performance may apply for special consideration through Ask
MQ. Please note that under the new disruption to studies policy, students who are
awarded special consideration will need to undertake a supplementary exam. It is
the students responsibility to follow the steps outlined at this website.

When a supplementary exam has been granted an email will be sent to the student. It
is the students responsibility to check the Department of Psychology Special
Consideration website for information relating to the date and location of the
supplementary exam.

Supplementary exams will be held on 14th and 15th December 2017.

Students who are granted a supplementary exam must make themselves available to
sit the supplementary exam on the specified dates. There will be only one alternative
time. It is the students responsibility to email the Psychology Office,
psy_off@mq.edu.au to confirm attendance at supplementary exams.

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Students should note that it is Macquarie University policy not to set early exams for
individuals or groups of students. All students are expected to ensure that they are
available until the end of the teaching semester, that is, the final day of the official
examination period.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
See https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct)

Academic integrity (honesty) is an integral part of the core values and principles
contained in the Macquarie University Ethics Statement. Academic integrity means
you submit only your own work, and you make it easy for the reader to work out which
parts of your assignment are original and which parts come from named sources.
Collusion needs to be avoided

We value students collaborating together as part of their learning experience. Often

students form informal study groups, where they share understanding of unit content,
and approaches to the assessments. However, it is important to realize that unless you
are doing Group Work for an assignment, all of the work you submit for individual
assessment should be completely your own independent work. Students are
encouraged to form study groups, but this must not involve collusion to present group
work as the work of the individual.

How is an informal or formal study group different from engaging in Group

Work?
Working in study groups is different from engaging in assessed Group Work. Working
in Groups involves a group of students combining their efforts in different ways to
produce an evaluated piece of work.
Please see the Macquarie university information on Group Work available at:
http://www.google.com.au/url?
sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CEIQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F
%2Fwww.students.mq.edu.au%2Fpublic%2Fdownload.jsp%3Fid
%3D55221&ei=plG_U7jIDovHkAWisoDYAg&usg=AFQjCNHNASv9JxEF9vY-
q4TcsSuCO2qVog&bvm=bv.70810081,d.dGI

What is collusion?

This is the unauthorised presentation of group work as your own. It may involve
Working with someone to provide one piece of work
Allowing others to share your assignment answer or copy your work
Using the assignment answer or work of another student (past or present) with
or without their permission. It is collusion even if only small parts of the
assignment are used
Allowing others to edit and write your work
Editing or writing the work of another student
Offering to do work for another student or seeking payment for preparing
academic work for someone else

How can you avoid collusion?

Do not share your findings or answers to an assignment

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 Do not use another students case studies, findings or ideas about an
assignment
Do not ask another student for a copy of their assignment
Do not share your current or past assignments with another student (whether to
look at the structure or any other reason)
Do not download your assignments onto Websites for reference or purchase by
other students

Plagiarism is another example of dishonest academic behaviour and is defined by the

Policy on Academic honesty as: Using the work or ideas of another person and
presenting this as your own without clear acknowledgement of the source of the work
or ideas. Plagiarism is a serious breach of the University's rules and carries significant
penalties. The Academic Honesty Policy and Procedure documents detail the following
responsibilities for students:

Act in accordance with the principles of the Academic Honesty Policy.

Become familiar with what academic dishonesty is, what are appropriate
referencing techniques and the consequences of poor practice.
Seek assistance from the unit convenor (or their nominee) to remedy
any deficits or if you are unsure of discipline specific practice.
Submit only work of which you are the author or that properly acknowledge
others.
Do not lend your original work to any other person for any reason.
Keep drafts of your own authored work and notes showing the
authorship or source of ideas that are not your own.

The penalties which can be applied for academic dishonesty are outlined in the
Academic Dishonesty Schedule of Penalties, which can found be at:
http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/schedule_penalties.html

The penalties range from applying a fail grade for the assessment task or requiring the
student to re-submit the assessment task for a mark no greater than 50, to applying a
fail grade to the unit of study and referral to the University Discipline committee.

You must read the University's Policy and Procedure on Academic Honesty (see links
above).

UNIVERSITY POLICY ON GRADING

Academic Senate has a set of guidelines on the distribution of grades across the
range from fail to high distinction. Your final result will include one of these grades
plus a standardised numerical grade (SNG).

D/HD = 75 100 SNG: Denotes work of superior to outstanding quality, which may
be demonstrated in terms of criticism, logical argument, interpretation of material,
skilful use of methods, originality and creativity, with evidence of considerable reading
beyond the unit text.

CR = 65 74 SNG: Denotes work of predominantly very good quality, demonstrating a

sound grasp of content together with efficient organization, the capacity to make some

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critical appraisal of the material, and evidence of some independent reading beyond
the unit text.

P = 50 64 SNG: Denotes a clear pass and satisfactory achievement of the unit

objectives, with adequate understanding of the material in the unit readings.

F: denotes that a candidate has failed to complete the unit requirements satisfactorily.

Please note that Standardized Numerical Grades (SNGS) are not equivalent to
raw marks. Thus, your raw mark for a unit (i.e., the total of your marks for each
assessment item) may not be the same as the SNG which you receive. For more
information please refer to the Macquarie University Handbook.

APPEALS AGAINST GRADES

Please refer to the Grade Appeal Policy:

https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/appeals

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Macquarie University provides a range of Academic Student Support Services. Details

of these services can be accessed at http://www.student.mq.edu.au.

On matters pertaining to the regulations, the Registrars Office should be consulted or,
within the Department of Psychology, Dr Julia Irwin, Director of Undergraduate
Studies. Students with disabilities who have problems within the Department should
consult Dr Eugene Chekaluk, the Disability Liaison Officer. If your difficulties cannot be
resolved by these members of staff you should consult the Head of Department.

If you have a major difficulty associated with writing skills, you could enrol in a short
course on writing skills. For details go to:
http://www.ling.mq.edu.au/support/writing_skills/index.htm

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