The primary aim of this presentation is to get you to think, rather than give you “facts” which have a limited utility and half-life. You may take notes, but please, I would rather you tried to reflect on some of the things I say and ask questions, challenge and generally explore a little bit intellectually the issues I will talk about.

This is an introduction to the topics of psychology and sociology. If you want memorizable information to make you feel more secure for your asessments, the please consult the following three books:

Weinman, J. . (1987) An Outline of Psychology as Applied to Medicine. (Second Edn.) Oxford. Butterworth- Heinemann.

Armstrong D (1981) An intorduction of Sociology as Applied to Medicine.

Fielding R. (1995) Clinical Communication Skills. HKU Press. Hong Kong.