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Introduction to Social Psychology

Overview

  • Credit value: 15 credits at Level 4
  • Convenor: Prof Anne Miles
  • Assessment: a 1000-word article summary (50%) and one-hour examination (50%)

Module description

This module introduces you to the scientific investigation of how thoughts, feelings and behaviour of individuals are influenced by the actual, imagined or implied presence of others.

It provides a grounding in the discipline of social psychology, including methodological approaches, issues and debates in the field. You will be taught critical thinking and, through lectures as well as assessments, apply this learning to evaluate research findings and theory in order to develop a reasoned, flexible position in the face of complex, potentially conflicting information.

Indicative syllabus

  • First impressions from faces
  • Attribution and social explanation
  • Persuasion
  • Conformity and obedience
  • Leadership and group decision-making
  • Prejudice and discrimination
  • Aggression
  • Prosocial behaviour
  • Language and communication
  • Culture

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • outline the research methods particularly prevalent within developmental and social psychology, highlighting their strengths and limitations including reference to ethical issues where pertinent
  • provide a brief overview and critique of main psychological theories relevant to each of the topics studied
  • highlight the way in which cultural psychology might contribute to our understanding of topics within developmental and social psychology
  • offer valid examples of the ways in which theory in the areas studied might inform our understanding of practical problems in the ‘real’ world
  • write academic essays to a standard commensurate with your level of study under both timed and non-timed conditions, and give an accurate account of your strengths and priorities for development.