6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational Unit
School of Psychological Sciences
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
This unit presents contemporary theories and methods in social psychology. A social cognitive perspective is used to examine issues such as evolutionary social psychology, self-concepts, attitudes, counterfactual thinking, self-deception and group behaviour. Particular emphasis is placed upon the application of social psychological theories to issues such as psychological health, social problems such as racism, political processes, advertising and health promotion.
Outcomes
On the completion of this unit students will:
- understand recent theoretical advances in social cognition research, and how these might contribute to addressing social problems;
- develop skills in the critical evaluation of social psychological theories, and the types of research designs that can be used to test social psychological hypothesis; and
- be able to apply these skills in developing an individual research topic.
Assessment
- Multiple choice exam (2 hours) (60%)
- Critical appraisal of current theoretical and research literature (2,000 words) (40%)
Hurdle: Students must pass the examination to achieve a pass for this unit.
Workload requirements
Two 1 hour lectures per week and one 2 hour tutorial per fortnight.
Attendance at tutorials is required in order to successfully complete in-class activities and related assessment tasks.
See also Unit timetable information
Chief examiner(s)
This unit applies to the following area(s) of study
Prerequisites
PSY2022, PSY2042.
Prohibitions
PSY3151.