Understanding Applied Social Psychology England, United Kingdom

Course details

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The course is open to all. However, students will need sufficient fluency in written and spoken English to undertake undergraduate study and assessments. Students may wish to consider undertaking some preparatory reading, details of which are given below.

AIMS

This module aims to introduce student to the main perspectives and research methods within social psychology. The module will pay particular attention to the application of social psychology to our understanding of social development and the way social behaviour is understood within society and different cultures. The 'real-world' relevance of theories from social psychology will be discussed throughout.

OBJECTIVES

• Introduce student to the main perspectives and research methods within social psychology.

• Develop an understanding of the application of social psychology, including:

• social development in childhood 
• moral development 
• love, friendship and social relationships in adulthood 
• self-esteem and identity 
• group dynamics, interpersonal communication, social media 
• the impact of culture on the way social processes are conceptualised within society. 

• Critique the 'real-world' relevance of theories from social psychology

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this module a student will be expected to be able to:

• outline methods of research relevant to the key topics on this course, highlighting their strengths and limitations;

• provide a brief overview and critique of main psychological theories relevant to each of the topics studied;

• offer valid examples of the ways in which these theories might inform our understanding of practical problems in the 'real' world, and be of use in understanding aspects of their own experience;

• indicate some of the limitations of these theories with regard to 'real world' application;

• write academic essays to a standard commensurate with to their level of study;

• give an accurate account of their strengths and priorities for development.

CONTENT

• Understanding the social world

• Socialisation and social development in childhood

• Moral development and values and its applications

• Love, friendship, and social relationships in adulthood

• Intragroup dynamics in practice (prosocial behaviour and aggression)

• Intergroup dynamics in practice (prejudice and discrimination)

• Interpersonal communication at home and at work

• Identity formation and self-esteem

• The psychology of social media

• Cultural perspectives on social psychology

• Summary and critique of methods, assumptions and application