MODULE SPECIFICATION FORM
Module Title:
Social Psychology
Module code:
(if known)
PSY 502
Level
Cost Centre: GAPS
Semester(s) in which to be
offered:
Originating Subject:
Module duration
(contact hours/
directed/directed
private study:
1/2
With effect from:
Module
Leader:
20
C800
Sept 2011
GU: Dr Emyr Williams
BHC: Agnes Lech
Status: core/option/elective
(identify programme where
appropriate):
Percentage taught by Subjects other than
originating Subject (please name other
Subjects):
Credit Value:
JACS2 code:
Institute of Health, Medical
Science and Society
200 hours (72
contact, 70
directed study, 58
private study)
5
Core
None
Programme(s) in which to be
offered:
Pre-requisites per
programme (between levels):
Co-requisites per programme
(within a level):
 BSc (Hons) Psychology
 Conversion diploma in
None
None
Psychology
 BA (Hons) Psychological
Studies with Childhood
Education
Module Aims:
To identify and explore the interface between individual, interpersonal, and group behaviour
in a variety of social contexts
To underpin the notion of psychology as an integrated subject
Expected Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding:
1. Undertake empirical investigations utilizing social-psychological perspectives and
methodologies
2. Differentiate and integrate individual, interpersonal, and group behaviour
3. Articulate important social psychological processes and factors, such as social
influence and attitudes
Transferable/Key Skills and other attributes:
Communication skills
Reflection
IT skills
Assessment: please indicate the type(s) of assessment (eg examination, oral, coursework,
project) and the weighting of each (%). Details of indicative assessment tasks must be
included.
1. A practical exercise e.g. a study of social influence.
2. A critical essay on a given topic e.g. group decision-making.
Assessment
Learning
Outcomes to
be met
Type of assessment
Weighting
Duration
(if exam)
Word count
or equivalent
if appropriate
1
1,3
Practical exercise
50%
2500 words
2
1,2
Essay
50%
2500 words
Learning and Teaching Strategies:
A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be adopted in this module including lectures,
tutorials, case studies, directed and self-directed learning.
Syllabus outline:
Perspectives in and methodologies of social research; attitudes; communication; close
relationships; interpersonal perception; aggression; conflict and cooperation; interaction
within small groups; intergroup relations; group processes; social influence.
Bibliography:
Essential reading:
Baron, R.A., Branscombe, N.R., & Byrne, D. (2009). Social psychology (12th ed). Boston MA:
Pearson.
Crisp, R.J., &. Turner, R.N. (2007). Essential social psychology. London: Sage.
Recommended Reading (illustrative):
Brown, R.J. (1988). Group processes: Dynamics within and between groups. London:
Basil Blackwell
Brown, R.J. (2010). Prejudice: It’s social psychology. Oxford: Basil Blackwell
Cramer, D. (1998). Close relationships. London: Arnold
Duck, S. (1999). Relating to others. (2nd ed). Buckingham: Open University Press
Zebrowitz, L.A. (1990). Social perception. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
Journals:
British Journal of Social Psychology
European Journal of Social Psychology
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology