Module Identifier
PS30220
Module Title
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY AND ITS APPLICATIONS
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Mr Gareth Hall
Semester
Semester 2
Co-Requisite
PS30120
Co-Requisite
PS30520
Co-Requisite
PS30320
Pre-Requisite
PS10120
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 18 x 1 hour lectures
Seminars / Tutorials 4 x 2 hour seminars
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 1 x essay 2500 words  30%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   end of semester examination  60%
Semester Assessment Course WIKI  10%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   examination  100%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the basics principles of social psychology.

2. Critically assess the use of scientific methods of investigatoin in social psychology.

3. Evaluate the contrasting social psychological theories and approaches.

Examine and discuss the application of basic concepts to a range of applied areas of psychology.

5. Debate and develop arguments regarding the role of ethics in social psychology and its' applications.

Brief description

Social interaction is a fundamental aspect of human behaviour and as such is one of the core sub-disciplines of psychology.

This module examines intra-personal processes such as social cognition, attitudes and behaviour, attitude change and attributional biases. Inter-personal processes examine social psychological processes at the group level and consider topics such as: group structure and processes, group performance and leadership. Theoretical consideration in social psychology lead into an examination of how theory and evidence have been applied in various fields.

Content

1. Introducing Social Psychology
2. Research Methods and Ethics
3. Psychology of Groups
4. Intragroup processes
5. Intergroup Processes
6. Prejudice and discrimination
7. Self and social identity
8. Social cognition
9. Social influence
10. Pro-social behaviour
11. Aggression
12. Attraction and Relationships
13. Attitudes and Persuation
14. Language and Communication
15. Social psychology and culture
16. Applied Social Psychology (1)
17. Applied social psychological (2)
18. Revision

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Not directly applicable although students will be introduced to the key concepts of statistical analysis through the examination of research designs.
Communication Students will learn how to present their ideas both verbally and in writing and how to assert themselves to advantage. They will understand the importance of information and clear communication and how to exploit these. They will know how to use the many sources of information available and how to use the most appropriate form of communication to the best advantage. They will learn to be clear and direct in their and to be direct about aims and objectives. They will learn to consider only that which is relevant to the topic and to focus on the objectives of their argument or discussion.
Improving own Learning and Performance The module aims to promote self-management but within a context of assistance from both the facilitator and the fellow students alike. Students will be expected to improve their own learning and performance by undertaking their own research and to exercise their own initiative, including searching for sources, compiling reading lists, and deciding (under guidance) the direction of their essay and presentation topics. The need to conduct a seminar presentation and to meet an essay deadline will focus students' attention on the need to manage their time and opportunity resources well.
Information Technology Students will be expected to submit their work in word-processed format. Also, students will be encouraged to search for sources of information on the web, as well as seeking sources through electronic information sources (such as Web of Science and PsychLit). In addition, students will be expected to maintian a class WIKI site that will be assessed at the end of the year.
Personal Development and Career planning The discussions in particular will help to develop students' verbal and presentation skills. Learning about the process of planning an essay and a presentation, framing the parameters of the projects, honing and developing the projects and seeing through to completion will contribute towards their portfolio of transferable skills
Problem solving Independent project work and problem solving will be one of the central goals of the module; the submission of an essay will require that the student develops independent research skills as well as problem solving skills. The need to research and prepare seminar presentations will also enable the student to develop independent project skills. The ability of students to solve problems will be developed and assessed by asking them to: adopt differing points of view; organize data and estimate an answer to the problem; consider case studies; reason logically; apply theoretical models; consider similar cases; look for patterns; divide issues into smaller problems. A final examination will ensure that an assessment of the student's ability to work alone can be undertaken.
Research skills The submission of an essay will reflect the independent research skills of the student. The need to locate appropriate research resources and write up the results will also facilitate research skills. Research preparation for a seminar presentation will also enable the student to develop independent project skills. A final examination will ensure that an assessment of the student's ability to work alone can be undertaken
Subject Specific Skills Students will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of subject specific skills that will help them to understand, conceptualise and evaluate examples and research publications presented on the module. These subject specific skills include:
&#149Assessment of scientific methods in psychology.
&#149Differentiation between quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry and identification of appropriate research methods.
&#149Demonstration of a familiarity with the techniques required for literature searches.
&#149Appreciation of the complex interactions and diverse influences on human behaviour.
Team work Seminars will consist in part of small-group discussion where students will be obliged to discuss as a group the core issues related to seminar topics. Such class room debates and discussions are a vital component of the module

Reading List

Should Be Purchased
Hogg, M.A. and Vaughan, G. (2007) Social Psychology 5th edition Pearson: Prentice Hall Primo search Recommended Text
Buunk, A.P. & Van Vugt, M. (2008) Applying social psychology: from problems to solutions Sage Primo search Crisp, R & Turner, R.N. (2007) Essential Social Psychology Sage Primo search Haslam, S. Alexander. (2004 (various p) Psychology in organizations :the social identity approach /S. Alexander Haslam. 2nd ed. SAGE Primo search Smith, P. ; Bond, M.H.; Kagitcibasi, C. (2006) Understanding Social Psychology Across Cultures: living and working in a changing world. Sage Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6