The role of psychology and its application to a number of social issues will be considered, and the relevance and usefulness of key psychological knowledge and research within these applications to present solutions will be examined. This will be done using a series of contemporary real-world issues (for example, the impact of media violence) that will be addressed in each lecture.

An advisory report for a professional organisation weighted at 100%. (LO's 1-4)

In order to apply their subject-specific knowledge to a real-world problem, students will be presented with a selection of issues covered in the lectures, from which they will be required to choose one in order to provide (using the psychological research and theory) an introduction/background to the problem/issue being addressed, a discussion and evaluation of recommendations of solutions for this issue (including advantages and disadvantages) and then a final conclusion which identifies the final recommendation and justification for this choice based on the information covered previously.

Formative assessment

Formative learning will take place through class-based activities and discussions and the completion of independent learning tasks. Peer and tutor feedback will be offered for independent learning activities, and tutor feedback on advisory report plans will be available.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities (32 hours):

Lecture/seminar sessions will incorporate discussions, debates, practical exercises and case study illustrations. In classes about half the time will be spent on lectures, and about half spent on other activities. Students will also be given a series of independent learning tasks, which will form the basis of some of the discussions and debates in class. There will also be the opportunity to attend module/assessment support sessions.

Guided Independent Study (168 hours):

Independent learning hours will consist of a combination of guided further reading, completing tasks for session preparation, and for assessment preparation.

Knowledge and critical understanding of the key concepts and psychological theories and the role of research and evidence relating to arrange of social issues.

Develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts in the psychology of social issues.

Evaluate the appropriateness of applying different approaches and relevant psychological research to solving contemporary psychological issues and problems.

Communicate ideas about the psychology of social issues accurately and reliably using structured and coherent arguments.

VLE package e.g. BlackBoard;

Library access to relevant textbooks, journals, ebooks;

Internet access to relevant websites and online databases;

Technology such as media player, Turning Point and Turnitin

Buunk, A. P. & Van Vugt, M. (2013). Applying Social Psychology: From Problems to Solutions (2nd Edition). London: Sage.
Humphrey, J.A. & Schmalleger, F. (2020). Deviant Behaviour: Patterns, Sources and Control (2nd Edition). New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

Goode, E. (2019). Deviant Behaviour (12th Edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Gruman, J.A., Schneider, F.W. & Coutts, L.M. (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (3rd Edition). London: Sage.
Steg, L., Keizer, K., Buunk, A.P. & Rothergatter, T. (2017) Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Managing Social Problems (2nd Edition). Cambridge:Cambridge University Press.

NONE

What does it mean to 'behave badly'? What circumstances might drive this to happen? Are there recommendations that might be made to minimise or eliminate this 'bad behaviour'? The role and evaluation of psychology and its application to a range of contemporary social issues (for example, the impact of media violence) will be covered, and suggested solutions will be examined.