In this module the student will be introduced to key issues and debates in social psychology. The module will focus on social cognition and social perception and the potential biases that may occur in these processes. The key themes to be applied include aggression, prosocial behaviour and social influence. The social psychological theory will be applied to social care settings and practice with a view to identifying the impact if others on our behaviour.
Introduction to social psychology
Research methodsCorrelation, Experimental, Cross sectional methodology Ethical issues in social psychological research Current issues and debates in social psychology
Social cognition
Functions of schemata. Cognitive scripts and prototypes Prejudice and discrimination Heuristics Cultural determinants of schemas and stereotypes. Biases and links to practice settings
Social perception
Attributional process Attributional biases Culture and attributionPerception of self (e.g. actual self, ideal self) Self and attribution (e.g. cause and control) Self-esteem Culture and selfSocial identity theory (e.g. Tajfel and Turner’s theory)
Attitudes development
Attitudes The formation of attitudes Attitude change Cognitive Dissonance Persuasion
Affiliation
Affiliation Social networks, friendships, theories of love Theories of interpersonal attraction Cultural differences in attraction and interpersonal relationships
Pro-social behaviour
Theories to explain helping behaviour Factors influencing pro-social behaviour (bystander effects) Altruism- Empathy
Aggression and Conflict
Biological, Drive Theories, Social learning , General Aggression Model. Factors influencing aggression (e.g. individual differences, personality, environment) Bullying Dealing with aggression
Social Influence
Conformity, social roles and Obediance. Classical and recent research. How to develop and reduce this influence. Link to social care settings and working with others.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |
| Formal Examination | 70 |