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Social Psychology

Unit code: HAYG433

Credit points12.5 Credit Points
Duration
1 semester
Contact hours3 hours per week
CampusHawthorn
Prerequisites

HAYG410, HAYG412, HAYG421, HAYG423 and one of HAYG422 or HAYG420 (or HAY100 , HAY101, HMA278, HMA279 and one of HAY205 or HAY206 where transitional arrangements apply).

Corequisites

Nil

Related course(s)

A unit of study in Graduate Diploma of Psychology.

Aims and objectives

This subject involves the scientific study of behaviour in a social context. The aim is to introduce students to the key theories and research methods used by social scientists to explain peoples' thoughts, feelings and actions in social situations.

Teaching methods

Lectures and Tutorial/Practical sessions

Assessment

Practical exercise 10%, Research report 40%, Exam 50%

Generic skills outcomes

Graduates are capable in their chosen professional areas.

Graduates operate effectively in work and community situations.

Graduates are adaptable and manage change.

Graduates are aware of environments.

Generic Psychology Attributes

Improvements in research skills, understanding of scientific methods and statistical analysis, and problem solving skills.

Enhanced ability to think in theoretical terms and to critically evaluate research.

Appreciation of the historical development of ideas and of research ethics.

Experience in written communication, public speaking, working in teams and understanding themselves and others.

Content

The course covers the history, methods and ethics of social psychology and the areas of social cognition, attributions, attitudes, prejudice and stereotypes, social influence, attraction and relationships, and group processes. Some areas to which social psychological knowledge is often applied, such as culture, health, and law, are also covered.

Text books

Kassin, S., Fein, S., & Markus, H. R. (2011). Social psychology (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. (ISBN: 9780495812401).