Introduction to Social Psychology

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 4
• Convenor: Professor Anne Miles
• Assessment: a 1000-word article summary assignment (50%) and one-hour examination (50%)

In this module we introduce you to developmental and social psychology focusing on humans as social animals, and taking into account cultural perspectives on what it is to be a child, an adult and a member of various groups.

Indicative syllabus

• Research methods in developmental psychology
• Introduction to brain development
• Introduction to cognitive development (Piaget; Vygotsky etc)
• Introduction to personality from the perspective of developmental psychology (the emergence of traits; reciprocal determinism etc)
• Introduction to social development (attachment; Erikson etc)
• Cultural perspectives on developmental psychology
• Research methods in social psychology
• Groups and intergroup dynamics
• Interpersonal communication
• Cultural perspectives on social psychology

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• outline the research methods particularly prevalent within developmental and social psychology, highlighting their strengths and limitations including reference to ethical issues where pertinent
• provide a brief overview and critique of main psychological theories relevant to each of the topics studied
• highlight the way in which cultural psychology might contribute to our understanding of topics within developmental and social psychology
• offer valid examples of the ways in which theory in the areas studied might inform our understanding of practical problems in the ‘real’ world
• write academic essays to a standard commensurate with your level of study under both timed and non-timed conditions, and give an accurate account of your strengths and priorities for development.