Social Psychology & Individual Differences 1 - PSY00016C
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2026-27 |
Module aims
Social Psychology & Individual Differences 1 addresses questions fundamental to our experiences of self and relationships. The overarching aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the broad issues, theories, and methods in social psychology and individual differences.
Module learning outcomes
- To use selected theories and models to explain how our social relationships affect our cognitions, emotions and behaviour
- To be able to outline and evaluate the problems of defining psychological disorders
- To be able to explain the neurobiological and psychological underpinnings of a variety of mental disorders, including dissociative identity disorder, addictive behaviours, drug addiction, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive & related disorders, somatic symptom disorders and schizophrenia.
- To be able to apply the basics of some therapeutic approaches to those facing mental difficulties.
- Describe and compare different psychological research on how we develop a sense of self.
- To apply your knowledge in the form of a small group project where you develop and present a realistic and measurable intervention to tackle the issue of knife-crime.
Module content
The module will comprise blocks of teaching as follows:
Social Relationships: Topics in this block will include belonging and ostracism, intergroup behaviours (including rioting behaviour), and prosocial behaviour.
Mental Health Issues (2 blocks): Topics in this block will include conceptions of normality, dissociative identity disorder, addictive behaviours, drug addiction, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive & related disorders, somatic symptom disorders and schizophrenia.
Self and Others: This block will cover the psychology of our sense of self (who we are), which is a central element of the human condition. It will cover the history of the self, how our sense of self develops, and the psychological role that who we are plays in some aspects of our daily lives
Group project: In your group projects you will work together as a team over several weeks to develop a hypothetical intervention that will help deal with the prescient issue of knife crime in the United Kingdom. You will be provided with resources, but also expected to do your own research, to develop your idea(s) which must ultimately be realistic, evidence-based and measurable in terms of its impact. This project culminates in a group presentation in front of a small group of other students and a member of the Department who will provide feedback.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 50.0 |
| Essay/coursework | 50.0 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 50.0 |
| Essay/coursework | 50.0 |
Module feedback
The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision.
Indicative reading
These are two of the most useful textbooks for this strand:
Hogg, M. A., & Vaughan, G. M., (2011) Social Psychology (6th ed.). Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education Limited.
Kring, Ann M (2016). Abnormal Psychology (13th ed.). Chichester; Wiley.