Students will be introduced to the key concepts within cognitive and social psychology. Topics will include areas such as obedience, conformity and memory. To inform these concepts, students will be introduced to classic and contemporary research studies in both cognitive and social psychology. Students will cover research methods, including, experiments, experimental design and self-report methods. You will discuss debates and issues in cognitive and social psychology, including Psychology as a science and ethical issues in research. The concept of inclusivity within psychology will be covered through the consideration of ethnocentrism, including cross cultural differences in social influence, social norms and crime. The module also includes areas of applied psychology linked to social and cognitive psychology, namely issues in criminal and forensic psychology. In these areas students will apply the knowledge of key areas to real-life situations, such as the accuracy of eyewitness testimony and jury decision making. In order to provide students with key employability skills and to prepare students for Level 4 study, students will undertake study skills sessions, including, conducting a literature review, and an introduction to IT systems and statistics. Independent study time will be spent engaging in wider reading and formative assessment.

Class test (LO 1, 2 & 4) – One extended response question, short answer questions, application questions, under timed conditions

Lab report (LO 3) – Report of a write up and analysis of an experimental research project


Formative assessment¿
In order to prepare for the class test, formative learning will take the form of practice test questions, quizzes and in-class questioning. Students will complete a mock test in timed conditions to prepare them for the conditions of the actual test. Formative learning for the lab report will consist of group discussions and in-class questioning in order to determine knowledge. Students will also complete a practice assignment to prepare for the actual assessment.

Lecture / workshop sessions (135 hours). Lecture content provide a basic framework of concepts, theories and research. Classes also include interactive learning activities, such as workshops, group discussion, web-based activities, practical demonstrations and tests, oral presentations, and written formative and summative assessments. In their own private study time, students will be expected to complete wider reading and consolidation of the topics and concepts covered in class.

Describe the basic concepts, key issues and relevant research relating to Cognitive and Social Psychology, and experimental research methodology.
Knowledge & Understanding,

Demonstrate introductory evaluation of the concepts, key issues and relevant research relating to Cognitive and Social Psychology, and experimental research methodologies.
Analysis, Learning

Use knowledge of experimental research methodology to carry out and write up a practical research project including an analysis of results.
Enquiry, Problem solving, Psychology Research Skills, Communication

Apply knowledge and understanding of concepts and research in cognitive and social psychology to issues within criminal psychology.
Application

Library access to relevant textbooks, journals, ebooks

Internet access to relevant websites and online databases

Gross, R. (2020). Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour (8th Edition), Hodder Education, London

Eysenck, M.W. (2000). Psychology: A student’s handbook. Taylor & Francis Ltd, London

Howitt, D. (2018). Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Psychology (6th Edition), Pearson Education Limited, London

Dawson, C. (2019). Introduction to Research Methods 5th Edition: A Practical Guide for Anyone Undertaking a Research Project (5th Edition). Robinson, London

On this module you will learn the basic concepts within cognitive and social psychology. You will study topics such as conformity, obedience, prejudice and models of memory. To illustrate these concepts, you will be introduced to classic and contemporary research studies within cognitive and social psychology, alongside current issues and debates, including ethnocentrism and whether psychology should be considered a science. You will apply the knowledge you have learnt to issues within criminal and forensic psychology, such as the accuracy of eyewitness testimony, jury-decision making and strategies for crime prevention and reducing re-offending. On this module you will also learn the basic concepts of experimental research methods, including experiments, experimental design and self-report methods. In order to support your study skills within this module you will undertake sessions on conducting literature reviews, referencing, IT systems and an introduction to statistics.