PSY2042

Cognitive and social psychology

(SCI)

Dr Nikki Rickard (Caulfield), Dr Jim Phillips (Clayton) and Dr Dianne Wuillemin (Gippsland)

6 points + Two 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour laboratory per week + Second semester + Caulfield, Clayton, Gippsland, Distance + Prerequisites: PSY1011 and PSY1022. Students who have completed any previous second-level psychology subjects will be required to complete a tailored program to cover components not previously studied. + Distance students must complete a minimum of 12 hours on-campus weekend school laboratory work

Synopsis: This subject covers at a more advanced level two of the areas presented in first-year psychology. The topics comprise cognitive psychology, and social psychology. Cognitive psychology includes contemporary research techniques, cognitive architecture, attentional processes, pattern recognition, mental imagery, and higher-order thinking. Social psychology focuses on social schemas, social attribution, theories of attitude change, group psychology, aggression, interpersonal attraction and affiliation, and sex roles. The laboratory program complements the lecture series, and provides further training in research techniques, report writing, oral presentations and teamwork.

Assessment: Examination (3 hours, multiple-choice): 50% + Two assignments: 40% + Seminar attendance and participation: 10%