Social Psychology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PSGY1007 | Psychology | 1 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- PSGY1007
- School
- Psychology
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module introduces students to the core topics in social psychology. Social psychology is concerned with trying to understand the social behaviour of individuals in terms of both internal characteristics of the person (e.g. cognitive mental processes) and external influences (the social environment). Lectures will cover topics on how we define the self, attitudes, attribution, obedience, aggression, pro-social behaviour and formation of friendships.
Target Students
Only available for UG students. This module is not available for Year 3 Psychology students.
Assessment
- 100% Exam 1 (2-hour): ExamSys exam with MCQ component and mini essay component
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to introduce core concepts of social psychology and thus introduce the scientific study of the myriad of social behaviour we encounter every day. The module will cover almost every facet of social behaviour, including our sense of self, attitudes, social compliance and conformity, obedience to authority, attribution processes, group performance and conflict, interpersonal attraction, pro-social and anti-social behaviour. Through the study of these topics students will gain an understanding to the ostensibly simple question of why people do the things they do, and how and why that behaviour may change in the presence of others. The module will give an overview of the experimental findings and theoretical positions that seek to explain human behaviour in a social environment. This module introduces a core area of psychology, forming both the academic basis for further studying in the subject area as well as equipping students to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them, as it provides a scientific way of gaining a deeper understanding of the social world.Learning Outcomes
- Define and explain the main themes and concepts that form the foundations of research into social psychology.
- Describe and evaluate key theories in social psychology.
- Discuss how concepts are measures and tested as well as the relative merits and issues associated with various methods.
- Recognise and apply social psychological constructs and insights in everyday life.
- Discuss and critically evaluate empirical research in social psychology.
Conveners
Last updated 07/01/2025.