Social Psychology
Overview
Social psychology studies the processes of interaction between individuals and the society in which they live. This includes the ways in which the social world is perceived (e.g., social cognition, attitudes, the self), interactions between individuals (e.g., interpersonal attraction, social influence), interactions within and across group boundaries (e.g., group decision-making, intergroup relationship), the influence of the socio-cultural environment on individuals (e.g., cultural differences, acculturation), and applied issues (e.g., health psychology, work, relationships). This unit will help students develop their understanding of the key theories and research methods in social psychology, and develop a deeper understanding of contemporary problems in the area.
Requisites
STA10003 Foundations of Statistics
PSY10003 Psychology 100
PSY10007 Brain and Behaviour
PSY10004 Psychology 101
PSY10008 Fundamentals of Psychology
Rules
Pre-requisite
PSY10005 Introduction to Research Methods and STA10003 Foundations of Statistics and PSY10003 Psychology 100
OR
PSY10007 Brain and Behaviour and PSY10004 Psychology 101
OR
PSY10008 Fundamentals of Psychology
Equivalent
HAY307 - Social Psychology; HAYG433 - Social Psychology; LSY307 - Social Psychology; LSY607 - Social Psychology; PSS320B(C) - Social Psychology; SLSY307 - Social Psychology
Anti-requisite
PSY30009 Social Psychology
08-June-2025
02-November-2025
08-February-2026
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Evaluate the main theoretical perspectives and research methodologies adopted by social psychologists
- Critically examine social psychological theories and research findings
- Demonstrate public speaking skills, and the ability to work in a team
- Evaluate research ethics, particularly in the context of experimental designs
- Apply scientific writing skills and advanced statistical techniques in the context of social psychology
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online Class | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 11.50 | 12 weeks | 138 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face to Face Contact (Phasing out) Lecture | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Face to Face Contact (Phasing out) Tutorial | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Specified Learning Activities (Phasing out) Various | 2.50 | 12 weeks | 30 |
| Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out) Independent Learning | 7.00 | 12 weeks | 84 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Individual | 20% | 1,2,4 |
| Practical Assignment | Group | 30% | 1,2,3 |
| Report | Individual | 50% | 2,5 |
Content
- Introduction to Social Psychology: History, Methods and Ethics
- Attitudes
- Social Cognition
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Self and identity
- Attribution and Social Knowledge
- Social Psychology of Health
- Affiliation, attraction and love
- Group behaviour
- Social Influence
- Prosocial behaviour and aggression
- Social psychology and the law
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.