Unit information: Issues in Social Psychology in 2018/19

Unit name	Issues in Social Psychology
Unit code	PSYC30017
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2C (weeks 13 - 18)
Unit director	Dr. Park
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Psychological Science
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit provides in-depth coverage of core areas of social psychology as well as important interdisciplinary areas, including moral psychology, political psychology, consumer psychology and online behaviour. There will be a focus on understanding real-world societal problems from a scientific perspective, discussion of how research findings are disseminated, and the impact on policy that can follow.

The aims of the unit are to identify scientific knowledge and in research on social psychology and relevant interdisciplinary areas, and consider the role of empirical evidence in the formation of theory and how theory guides the collection and interpretation of empirical data.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

1. Illustrate historical and ongoing issues in social psychological research as related to other research disciplines within psychology
2. Analyse contemporary issues in social psychology and apply different methodological approaches that enhance research in this field
3. Explain the research process and analyse how a scientific perspective applies to real-world societal problems
4. Summarise the relevance and impact of social psychological research in society

Teaching Information

Lectures and seminars.

Assessment Information

2-hour written exam (70%) and 1600-word essay (30%).

Reading and References

Readings accompanying lectures will be made available on Blackboard.