Overview

Topics covered in this module include: • Social Perception (Cognition, Attribution, Attitudes, Impression Formation); • Social Contact (Attraction, Attractiveness, Relationships); • Social Groups (Intragroup, Leadership, Intergroup, Prejudice, Decision Making, Constructionism); • Social Influence (Types of Influence, Compliance, Obedience, Conformity); • Social Support (Prosocial/Helping/Altruism)

Assessment Strategy

-threshold - (D+) •Some basic consideration of the applications of social psychology theory in the real world. •Adequate knowledge of some of the key concepts in social psychology only. •Weaknesses in understanding theoretical issues with multiple/major factual errors. •Limited evidence of critical analysis and evaluation of theory and research. •Arguments are presented briefly, but they are weak with no synthesis or original interpretation •Answer only briefly focussed on question and with some irrelevant material and poor structure •Weak presentation with disjointed structure and major APA format errors.

-good - (B+) •Some insight into the applications of social psychology theory in the real world. •Strong knowledge of key concepts in social psychology. •Solid understanding of theoretical issues mostly free of factual errors. •Evidence of critical analysis and evaluation of theory and research. •Coherent arguments presented, with some limited synthesis and original interpretation •Answer focussed on question, but with very little irrelevant material and clear structure •Well-structured presentation showing focus of argument and expression.

-excellent -{A+) •Depth of insight into the applications of social psychology theory in the real world. •Comprehensive and detailed knowledge of social psychology. •Excellent understanding and original interpretation of theoretical issues with no factual errors. •Clear evidence of critical analysis and insightful evaluation of theory and research. •Logically presented and defended arguments presented with coherent synthesis and original interpretation •Answer focussed on question, with no irrelevant material and clear structure •Well-structured presentation showing focus and clarity of argument and expression.

-another level- (C+) •Some consideration of the applications of social psychology theory in the real world. •Knowledge of most of the key concepts in social psychology. •Some understanding of theoretical issues with some factual errors. •Some evidence of critical analysis and evaluation of theory and research. •Some arguments presented, but little synthesis and original interpretation •Answer focussed on question, but with some irrelevant material and poor structure •Some weaknesses in presentation with areas of disjointed structure and some APA format errors.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse the influence of others on thoughts, feelings, and behaviour (Social Influence)

• Consider the causes and explanations for helping and altruistic behaviour (Social Support)

• Debate and discuss the applications of social psychology theory in a real world context.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the thought processes, knowledge, and beliefs that are used to understand the behaviour of others (Social Perception)

• Describe the dynamics of behaviour within and between groups of individuals to understand social constructionism (Social Groups)

• Evaluate the nature of initial attraction and the dynamics of subsequent relationships (Social Contact)