module specification

PY7184 - Individual Differences and Social Psychology (2019/20)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2019/20
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 Faculty of Life Sciences and Computing
Total study hours 300
 
228 hours Guided independent study
72 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 25%   Essay on social psychology (2000 words)
Coursework 25%   Essay on individual differences (2000 words)
Unseen Examination 50%   2-hour unseen exam
Running in 2019/20

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
No instances running in the year

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.

Prior learning requirements

None

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:  Intelligence, emotion, motivation, attitudes, attribution, group processes, group-decision making, intergroup conflict, self and identity, and critical social psychology.

Learning and teaching

Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the broad subject areas and related topics through lectures. Deeper understanding, evaluation and skill development will be promoted through directed study of recommended reading material, seminars, 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

The two areas (individual differences and social psychology) are separately and equally assessed.  Each is assessed through a piece of coursework and one long-essay question in an unseen examination.  Both pieces of assessment address all learning outcomes.

Bibliography

Cooper, C. (2010). Individual differences and personality (3rd Ed.). London: Hodder Eduction.
Hogg, M. A., & Vaughan, G. M. (2011). Social psychology (6th 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.
Myers, D. G. (2013). Social psychology (11th Ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Pervin, L. A., & Cervone, D. (2010). Personality: Theory and research (11th Ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.