On Friday, April 11 2025, Faculty of Psychology conducted a taster lecture hosted by the School of Psychology University of Leeds. This session invited Dr. Madeleine Pownall as the speaker who accompanied students throughout the session. She is the Associate Professor in the School of Psychology University of Leeds with extensive areas of expertise, including the field of pedagogical research, social psychology, open science, feminist psychology, and psychological literacy. Within an approximately 60 minute session, students from batch 2023 and 2024 were guided through an advantageous learning experience discussing the social psychology of student life.
Following a short introduction on Dr. Pownall’s background, she started her session by introducing students to the meaning of open science. Before jumping in to the main topic of discussion, Dr. Pownall covered the fundamental aspects of psychological construct. Subsequently, she provided several examples of psychological constructs that are essential in students’ life, such as stress, supported with past study on the construct which had been done by Dr. Pownall herself along with her colleagues. In this session particularly, Dr. Pownall elaborated on the topic of imposter syndrome among students. Along with the discussion focusing on psychological construct, Dr. Pownall shared an overview of several study programs offered in the School of Psychology University of Leeds: double degree for undergraduate students, masters degree, and the PhD program.
At the end of the lecture session, students expressed their enthusiasm by asking several questions during the Q&A session. Students attending this session were particularly eager to know more about Dr. Pownall’s research on imposter syndrome, her published books, and the inside of the School of Psychology in the University of Leeds. One student who took part in this lecture appreciated the overall learning process for being very informative, and for the positive and charismatic demeanor of Dr. Pownall, which was evident throughout her lecture. Additionally, the student gives credits on Dr. Pownall’s enthusiastic response to the question posed and the genuine appreciation she showed in acknowledging it.
This taster lecture session provided students with a valuable insight on a few psychological constructs that influences students’ life, along with a short introduction to various study programs for psychology students in the University of Leeds.
By: Fadia Khanza Arinda