This module brings together theory and research methods, to explore how social psychological notions and individual differences are conceptualized. Content of the module will identify how the assumptions underpinning psychological theories shape the way research is conducted in order to investigate psychological phenomena. It will also look at how research results are understood and interpreted, and used, in their turn, to inform psychological theories.
The module will examine how concepts such as social identities, attitudes, personality or intelligence, among others, are theorized and investigated, and how their understanding is informed by various forms of context, such as social, historical, economic, cultural and political.
The module will give students practical experience of two types of research methods (e.g. psychometric assessments and thematic analysis) to see how they can be applied to the study of social psychological phenomena and individual differences.

2 ASSIGNMENTs weighted at 30% each. EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 40%.

There are 3 summative assessments:

1) Quantitative research report (2000 words), weighted at 30% (assesses LO 3).

2) Qualitative research report (3000 words), weighted at 30% (assesses LO 3).

3) An unseen exam (2hrs), weighted at 40% (assesses LOs 1 & 2).

Formative Assessment/Feedback:
Students will be given independent learning tasks to complete throughout both semesters which will build on lecture/workshop content and will develop their learning towards one or other of the assessments. Where required, students will be expected to take part in teamwork; and to read and undertake preparation for participation in group discussions.


PLEASE NOTE ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENTS FOR Semester 1 and 2 2020/21 DUE TO COVID-19 AS FOLLOWS:

1) Quantitative research report (2000 words), weighted at 30% (assesses LO 3).

2) Qualitative research report (3000 words), weighted at 30% (assesses LO 3).

3) Two short essays (2000 words total) - weighted at 40% (assesses LOs 1 & 2).

Access to interview cubicles and observation suite with in-house recording equipment.
PCs with SPSS.
Student access to an online survey tool in order to construct a psychometric assessment.

Hogg, M.A. & Vaughan, G.M. (2013). Social Psychology (7th Edition). Pearson: Harlow.
Sutton, R., & Douglas, K. M. (2015). Social Psychology. London: Palgrave Macmillan Publishers.
Dickerson, P. (2012). Social Psychology: Traditional and Critical Perspectives. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
Willig, C. (2008). Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology. Maidenhead: OUP, McGraw-Hill.

Be registered on an MSc Psychology award.

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical evaluation skills in relation to key features of theoretical and methodological approaches to phenomena in social psychology and individual differences (SGA 1, 3, 6) (Analysis, Knowledge and Understanding, Learning)

2. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of, and be able to crtically reflect on the links between theory, method and practice in relation to social psychological/individual differences theory and research (SGA 3, 6)
(Application, Knowledge and Understanding, Reflection)

3. Demonstrate a comprehensive competence in the use of two different research/assessment methods (quantitative and qualitative) used in social psychology and the study of individual differences. (SGA 5, 6, 9)
(Analysis, Communication, Enquiry)

Learning strategies will encourage students to actively participate in their formative learning. We will have some lectures, workshops, seminars as well as independent learning tasks and guided readings for group discussion; also when appropriate we will include technology supported learning strategies, this may include for example: audio recordings of lecture excerpts, recordings of key/complex concepts, use of blogs. Scheduled Teaching and Learning Activities: Weekly one hour Lectures and weekly two hour Seminars as well as 4 Module/Assessment Support Sessions Guided Independent Study: (222 hours) 78 hours Reading 75 hours Assessment preparation 74 hours Preparation for workshop

This module brings together theory and research methods, to explore how social psychological notions and individual differences are conceptualized. Content of the module will identify how the assumptions underpinning psychological theories shape the way research is conducted in order to investigate psychological phenomena. It will also look at how research results are understood and interpreted, and used, in their turn, to inform psychological theories.
The module will examine how concepts such as social identities, attitudes, personality or intelligence, among others, are theorized and investigated, and how their understanding is informed by various forms of context, such as social, historical, economic, cultural and political.
The module will give you practical experience of two types of research methods (e.g. psychometric assessments and thematic analysis) to see how they can be applied to the study of social psychological phenomena and individual differences.