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[SI0038] - Psychology and Social Behaviour

Module Code: SI0038
Module Leader: Katy Greenland
 Year: 2
Semester: Both
Number of Credits: 20
Recommended 1st Year Modules: SI0172

Teaching Method: Lectures and seminars. Seminars will include video material, practical work and an examination of relevant assessment methods.
Assessment: Written examination 2 hours (50%) - Autumn Semester; Coursework (essays) 3500 words (50%) - Spring Semester
Degree Schemes: Education; Social Science; BPS Routes

Module Aims

This module aims to develop the student’s knowledge and critical understanding of social psychological theory, and the methods used to explore these theoretical positions.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Comprehension

  • Demonstrate an awareness of key theoretical positions in social psychological research and their limitations
  • Demonstrate an awareness of how key topic areas (e.g., identity) can be  explored using different theoretical positions
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the limitations of research evidence.

Skills (Application and Analysis)

  • A capacity to interpret a range of sources of information about psychological theory and evidence
  • A capacity to recognise diverse theoretical approaches
  • Present a sound line of argument in an essay on asocial psychological topic. 

Understanding (Synthesis and Evaluation)

  • Adopt a critical standpoint on psychological theory
  • Critically evaluate and contrast diverse theoretical positions and their application to key topic areas.
  • Adopt a critical standpoint on relevant research evidence.

Transferable Skills

The module will contribute to the development of the following transferable skills: a capacity to recognise diversity in types of information and develop an independent standpoint when interpreting various sources of information, written and oral communication skills through coursework and seminars in which students are expected to play an active part.

Synopsis of Module Content

The module is divided into thematic sections that broadly correspond to the major theoretical traditions and topics in social psychology. These include: social identity theory, discursive approaches, social representations, and psychosocial approaches. Where possible, certain key topics (e.g. identity) are examined across a range of different theoretical positions.

Arrangements for Feedback on Work

Specific feedback on essays. Generic feedback on the exam.

Indicative Reading

There is no recommended text for this module.

Burr, V. (2003) Social Constructionism (2nd Edition). London: Routledge (Electronic resource).

Hewstone, M.& Stroebe, W. (2001) Introduction to Social Psychology, 3rd edition. Blackwell.

Hollway, W., Lucey, H. and Phoenix, A. (eds)  (2007) Social Psychology Matters Open University Press.

Smith, E.R., & Mackie, D.M. (2000) Social Psychology, 2nd edition. Psychology Press.

Wagner, W. and Hayes, N (2005) Everyday discourse and common sense. New York: Palgrave.

Wetherell, M., Taylor, S. and Yates, S. J. (eds)  (2001) Discourse as Data Sage

Wetherell, M. (ed) (1996) Identities, Groups and Social Issues Sage