Summative assessment
1) A 1500 word research report relating to one of the topics covered in the module (60% weighting) Learning Outcomes 3 & 4
2) A 1 hour class test relating to methods employed and psychological theories taught in the module (40% weighting) Learning Outcomes 1& 2

Formative learning
Students will be required to work through the module handbook which will include collecting and analysing data and prepare work in advance of seminar sessions. Seminar discussions relating to diary entries will provide formative feedback relating to the final summative assessment.

This module explores the themes of the changing social theories, methods and politics of studying groups and identities including the different definitions of 'social' with reference to American and European research traditions. This module draws on qualitative and quantitative methodologies in order for students to question the relevance of different methods in various contexts. A crucial part of this is to consider the linkage between different methods and social theory in conceptualising and researching social psychology. The content of the module will include discourse and conversation analysis; experimental work on majority and minority influence; interaction in groups; discursive approaches to identity; social cognitive explanations of impression formation, attribution and attitudes, minority groups; group conflict; Social Identity Theory; social change strategies; the history and politics of collective behaviour and identity politics.

These sessions will include lectures that will be used to introduce Social psychological theories and methods relating to identities and groups; group work, seminars and research workshops. These will be used to enable hands on experience in the use of questionnaire and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. In addition seminars will allow students to bring to bear their own ideas and examples of identities and groups to the discussion of key papers about issues and dilemmas concerning theories, methods and their application. Research diaries will enable students to tackle research questions, collect data, analyse data, document and reflect on the research process including on ethical issues, and prepare answers to questions for seminar discussions.

Be registered on any Psychology Award

Stainton Rogers, W. (2003). Social Psychology: Experimental and Critical Approaches. Milton Keynes: OUP.
Langdridge, D. (2004). Research Methods and Data Analysis in Psychology. Harlow: Pearson.
Hogg, M.A. & Vaughan, G.M. (2005). Social Psychology (4th Edition). Pearson: Harlow.
Potter, J. and Wetherell, M. (1987). Discourse and Social Psychology. London: Sage Publications.