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Have you ever wondered why some people succeed more repeatedly than others and sustain that success over the long term? What prevents people from aspiring to higher levels of achievement in the first place? Research has revealed that success isn't just a result of talent or luck; it is also created by specific ways of thinking and, more particularly, the right mindset. At the heart of this course are cutting-edge scientific discoveries about how the subjective aspects of the mind - thoughts, beliefs, and expectations - can profoundly influence success in academics, work, sports, and almost every area of human endeavour, with particular attention paid to the belief system known as mindset. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to think critically about classic and recent research evidence, which indicates that what we think, believe, and expect plays an outsized role in determining our performance and personal achievement. This course spans several areas, including theoretical foundations, models of achievement, self-fulfilling prophecies, placebo effects, and common misconceptions about mindsets and belief systems. It also covers neurological and physiological foundations, the latest methods for changing mindsets, and applications in educational, professional, and personal contexts. This course will appeal to a wide range of students - from those looking to increase their performance to those wanting to grow and flourish in a world where uncertainty is a certainty.
The primary aims of this course are three-fold: (1) to equip students with generalisable knowledge about the psychology of success and achievement; (2) to help students to apply these insights to their own lives; and (3) to inspire them to share this knowledge with others.Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:Describe the key psychological and biological factors underpinning mindsets and their impact on success and achievement (assessment task: attendance and participation, literature review, diagnosis paper, research and presentation)Demonstrate an understanding of both seminal and contemporary achievement models, including neuroscientific accounts, in addition to relevant indigenous frameworks, specifically those of Māori and Pacific Peoples (assessment task: attendance and participation, research and presentation)Review and critically evaluate the literature on mindsets, examining strengths, weaknesses, current issues, and key themes (assessment task: attendance and participation, literature review)Evaluate and apply research findings in relation to one's personal and professional development, as well as in other real-world scenarios (assessment task: attendance and participation, diagnosis paper, research and presentation)Communicate course concepts effectively in written and oral formats, adapting communication style to suit different audiences and contexts (assessment task: attendance and participation, literature review, diagnosis paper, research and presentation)
Subject to approval of the Head of School. Recommended preparation: PSYC208 (Cognition), PSYC214 (The Science and Practice of Wellbeing), PSYC336 (Industrial and Organisational Psychology).
PSYC208, PSYC214, PSYC336
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Dwain Allan
There are no required textbooks for this course. Assigned readings for lectures will be provided online via LEARN.
Domestic fee $1,286.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing .