This module introduces you to aspects of social psychology, specifically social influence. This area looks at how individuals and groups within society influence our behaviour. Topics will include, conformity, obedience, minority influence, prejudice and pro and antisocial behaviour. The module also includes areas of applied psychology, those being crime and the environment. In these areas you will apply the knowledge of key areas that you have already learnt about in psychology and apply them to real life situations. Topics will include, explanations of crime and offender profiling, environmental disaster and technological catastrophe, crowds and collective behaviour.

There are 28 weeks of normal classes (3 x 1.5hrs) and 2 reading weeks (ie. 126 hours of taught sessions spaced evenly throughout the academic year). Lectures provide a basic framework of concepts theories and evidence. Classes will also include interactive learning activities, such as group discussion, oral presentations, video and web based activities and written formative and summative assessment.

Assignment (1000 words)
Learning outcome 3
Assessment weighting: 25%

Class Test (short answer questions)
Learning outcomes 1 & 2
Assessment weighting: 50%

Essay (1000 words)
Learning outcomes 1, 2 & 3
Assessment weighting: 25%

Formative Learning
Formative learning will take the form of practice essays and exams in the core IT and Study Skills module, as well as feedback feeding forward from assessments earlier in the module.

Textbooks, journals, resource packs, videos ( available in the psychology department and in the main library)and learnwise,(found on the college intranet)

Cardwell, Clarke and Meldrum (2008): Psychology for A Level. London: Collins.
Gross,R. and Mcilveen,R. (1998) Psychology: A New Introduction, Hodder & Stoughton, London
Gross, R.D. (2015) Psychology: The science of mind and behaviour (7th Ed). London: Hodder Education
Hayes, N. (2000) Foundations of psychology: An introductory text (3rd Ed). London: Int. Cengage Business Press
Harrower, J., Stampleton, M. and Coolican, H. (2003) Psychology in practice: Crime. London: Hodder Arnold.
Oliver, K (2001): Psychology in Practice: Environment. London: Hodder Arnold.
Dwyer, D (2001): Angles in Criminal Psychology. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes.
Roberts & Russell (2001): Angles in Environmental Psychology. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes.