PSY10080 Introduction to Social Psychology

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module introduces students to key topics, theories and methods in the field of social psychology. Social psychology is the scientific study of how individuals’ thoughts, feelings and behaviours are influenced by the actual or imagined presence of other people. This module covers such topics as attitudes, social influence, groups, prejudice, attraction, gender and altruism. The module will critically evaluate seminal and contemporary studies in social psychology and consider the insights they offer into the psychological processes that underlie human relationships, culture and society.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the core concepts of social psychology and their application to everyday life.
- Understand and critically evaluate research approaches within social psychology

Indicative Module Content:

This module covers such topics as attitudes, social influence, groups, prejudice, attraction, gender and altruism.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Specified Learning Activities

20
Autonomous Student Learning

81
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Module content is delivered in lectures and supported by VLE activities. Students are expected to complete guided and independent reading relevant to each lecture topic. Critical engagement with the module material is promoted in student discussion forums, which invite students to consider the real-world applications of social psychological concepts, and an end-of-trimester written assignment, which offers students a choice in their preferred focus. A mid-semester multiple-choice quiz will assess retention and understanding of module material. Students are welcome to discuss any unique learning needs with the module coordinator on a confidential basis. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PSY10020 - Applied and Social Psychology


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment(Including Essay): Written assignment n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

50
Exam (In-person): Online multiple-choice questions completed in class n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

40
Participation in Learning Activities: Participation in online Discussion Groups n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Automatic individual feedback is available for the multiple-choice quiz. Individual feedback on essays will be offered after assignments have been graded.

Hogg, M. A., & Vaughan, G. M. (2022). Social Psychology (9th ed.). Harlow: Pearson.