PSY3150 - Contemporary social psychology - 2019

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.

On the completion of this unit students will:

1. understand recent theoretical advances in social cognition research, and how these might contribute to addressing social problems;
2. 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
3. be able to apply these skills in developing an individual research topic.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

• Multiple choice exam (2 hours) (50%) (hurdle)
• Critical appraisal of current theoretical and research literature (2,000 words) (25%)
• Social Psychology Journal and reflection (25%)

Hurdle: Students must pass the examination to achieve a pass for this unit.

One 2 hour lecture per week and one 2 hour tutorial per fortnight.

See also Unit timetable information

Psychology

Psychological science

http://www.med.monash.edu.au/psych/course/ugrad/major-minor.html