BSc Psychology / Course details

The unit will explore major topics in social psychology. As well as new topics that have not previously been covered, the focus will be on deepening students’ understanding of the basic concepts taught in First Year. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, social cognition, including impression formation, social categorization, heuristics and social inference; attribution theory and biases; social identity and group behaviour; and social psychological approaches to discourse and communication.

Understand major theoretical explanations of social cognition, attribution, and social identity; Understand key principles in the social psychology of group behaviour and intergroup relations; Understand the contribution of social psychology to the study of communication, social interaction, and discourse in society.

Critically evaluate methods, theories and approaches in key social psychological topics; Interpret quantitative and qualitative research findings in key social psychological topics; Apply social psychological theories to understand contemporary social issues.

Communicate psychological research findings for a non-expert audience in an accessible format; Search for research on a topic in social psychology using a range of sources (library, internet, electronic databases) to gather information; Plan and write a written argument supported by empirical research, in accordance with APA guidelines.

Reflect on, and critically consider, obstacles to diversity, tolerance and inclusion in society. Independently gather and select the most relevant information from a body of work through online and library sources; Present concise and persuasive arguments; Develop skills in critical thinking

Written Assignments - 90%

Reading Quizzes - 10%

Students will receive a grade and written feedback for the written assignments 

Core text: Hogg, M. A., & Vaughan, G. M. (2018). Social psychology (8th ed.). Harlow, UK: Pearson. (Kortext EPUB and PDF; supplied through UoM eTextbook programme)