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PSY10080

Academic Year 2025/2026

Introduction to Social Psychology (PSY10080)

Subject:
Psychology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Psychology
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Cliódhna O'Connor
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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.

About this Module

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

Note on academic integrity:
- All sources used in written assessments must be referenced according to APA style
- Use of generative AI tools is NOT permitted in the assessments for this module

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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Written assignment Week 12 Graded No
50
 Yes
Exam (In-person): Online multiple-choice questions completed in class Week 7 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 Yes
Participation in Learning Activities: Participation in online Discussion Groups Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 6, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Graded No
10
 Yes

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.

Name Role
Professor Suzanne Guerin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
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