PY7184 - Individual Differences and Social Psychology (2018/19)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2018/19 | |||||||||||||||
| Module status | DELETED (This module is no longer running) | |||||||||||||||
| Module title | Individual Differences and Social Psychology | |||||||||||||||
| Module level | Masters (07) | |||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 30 | |||||||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences | |||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 300 | |||||||||||||||
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| Running in 2018/19(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module covers two interrelated subject areas: (1) individual differences and (2) social psychology. The individual differences component focuses on classic and contemporary theory and research in topics related to intelligence, motivation and emotion. The social psychology component examines social perception and behaviour in terms of how individuals think about and seek to understand their social world through their interactions with others at the group and societal levels.
Module aims
The aims of this module are to (a) provide students with systematic understanding of key theories of individual differences in the areas of intelligence, motivation and emotion; (b) provide students with systematic understanding of theory and research relating to social cognition, social identity, and social behaviour; (c) develop students’ comprehensive understanding of how these topics can be scientifically investigated using appropriate research methodologies; and (d) foster students’ skills in the development of academic argument and critical evaluation in these core areas of psychology.
Syllabus
Topics will be drawn from: personality, individual differences, intelligence, emotion, motivation, attitudes, group processes, intergroup relations, and self and identity.
Learning and teaching
Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the subject areas and related topics through lectures and directed independent study. Deeper understanding, evaluation and skill development will be promoted through directed study of recommended reading material and online resources.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will:
1. have in-depth knowledge and understanding of key theories of individual differences and the extent to which they provide a comprehensive account of different aspects of human behaviour;
2. have in-depth knowledge and understanding of key theories relating to social cognition, social identity, and social behaviour and the relationship between individuals, society and culture;
3. have a critical understanding of the potential strengths and limitations of methods of psychological assessment and measurement;
4. be able to critically evaluate key concepts, theories and empirical work and debate the comparative merits of different types of explanation and methodology.
Assessment strategy
Summative assessment consists of a seen exam (of two hours) addressing all subject areas and assessment criteria (100%). Formative assessment consists of a series on in class tests throughout the module.
Bibliography
Cooper, C. (2010). Individual differences and personality (3rd Ed.). London: Hodder Eduction.
Hogg, M. A., & Vaughan, G. M. (2013). Social psychology (7th Ed.). Harlow: Pearson
Kassin, S., Fein, S., & Markus, H. R. (2014). Social psychology (9th Ed.). Andover: Cengage
Maltby, J., Day, L.. & Macaskill, A. (2010). Personality, individual differences and intelligence (2nd Ed). Harlow: Prentice Hall.
Pervin, L. A., & Cervone, D. (2010). Personality: Theory and research (11th Ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.