The aim of this action research was to explore the benefits of group work as a tool for engaging students with introductory material. It was the researcher's expectation that group work, would provide a means of reducing cognitive load (Kirschner, Sweller & Clark, 2006) and encouraging on task behaviour (Wentzel & Watkins, 2002). This would result in a positive impact on students engagement with, and understanding, of introductory material necessary for progressing on to more complex issues covered at Level 5 of a psychology course. The implication of these research findings on future group work and other aspects of teaching practice are discussed. (Contains 2 tables.)