This module focuses on humans as a social species. Students will have the opportunity to examine key social psychological theories (e.g., social cognition, social identity theory, social constructionism, etc.) within the context of human behaviour in society (e.g., language use, decision-making, aggression). We will also cover current and historical issues in social psychology and take a critical approach to how the field has developed. There is an emphasis on cutting-edge, innovative research that seeks to influence social policy and inform practice in a range of organisations. Students will also learn to use social psychology to consider innovative solutions to real-world social issues.

Students will write three blogs (2000 words in total) where they apply a theory we are discussing in class to a real-world application (LO1). Two of these blogs might include, but are not limited to, a news event, a personal experience, or an observation they’ve made about human behaviour in their everyday lives (LO2) while one will require students to take a critical stance on a social psychological paper (LO3). To support the argument they make, students should refer to peer-reviewed articles that have not been given in the session (LO3). Importantly, students will need to write concisely to be successful (LO4).

To prepare for the assessment, students will receive dedicated sessions on applying psychological research, critiquing research, and on writing succinctly. Students will also be given the opportunity to practice these skills through practical activities that take place during their sessions and be provided with formative feedback from their tutor. Finally, they will be encouraged to discuss their blog ideas with the tutor during drop-in sessions.

Students will learn through a combination of face-to-face lectures / seminars and discussion groups (32 hours). Lectures will incorporate applied workshop activities. Discussion sessions will also incorporate interactive tasks and Q&A sessions.

Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of key concepts, theories, and research in social psychology
Knowledge and Understanding

Apply the contribution of social psychology research and theory to a range of real-world contexts (e.g., health, sport, education, organisations, local or global conflict etc.)
Application

Source appropriate and relevant research to support an argument and critically evaluate these
Enquiry, Analysis

Demonstrate the ability to construct an argument concisely
Communication

Blackboard VLE

Library access to relevant textbooks, journals, ebooks

Internet access to relevant websites and online databases

Aronson, E. & Aronson, J. (2018).¿The social animal¿(12th¿edition).¿Worth.¿

Augoustinos, M., Walker, I., & Donaghue, N. (2014).¿Social cognition: An integrated introduction¿(3rd¿ed.). Sage.

Brown, R. & Pehrson, S. Group processes: Dynamics within and between groups. Wiley

Burr, V. (2015).¿Social constructionism. Abingdon: Routledge

Giles, H. (2012)¿intergroup handbook of intercultural communication. Taylor & Francis

Hogg, M.A. & Vaughan, G.M. (2018).¿Social psychology¿(8th¿ed.). Pearson.

Van Bavel, J. J. & Packer, D. (2021)¿The power of us.¿Harnessing our shared identities for personal and collective success.¿Headline Publishing Group.¿

*Note:¿Many of¿the texts chosen for this module will be peer-reviewed journal articles on the most recent knowledge published in the areas¿that we study

How can we use psychology to improve the world we live in? In this module, we consider a variety of social issues and how we can use social psychology to not only explain these phenomena but to help us solve real of the most pressing issues of our time. You will learn key skills such as how to apply psychological theory and how to use social psychology to support your views, while also developing a deeper appreciation for the field's current and historical issues. Finally, the blog assessment on this module gives you the chance to apply your knowledge to areas that interest you!