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Social Psychology & Individual Differences 2 - PSY00018I

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Sally Quinn
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

This module aims to explore the means by which social and personality psychology address the fundamental issues affecting our experiences of self and communication. The module aims to extend students’ knowledge of how our personalities modify our responses to everyday situations, and the different ways in which we can measure personality. Students will also be introduced to the study of interpersonal communication, taking a microanalytic approach. The module will further explore students’ understanding of the means by which the individual and society interact with one another, looking at themes such as obedience, conformity, and cooperative behaviour. A further aim of the module is to give students a broad overview of intelligence, considering what it is, how it's measured, its history, use and impact.

Module learning outcomes

  • to be able to explain different models of personality, and to evaluate the use of personality measures in real world settings with a focus on cross-cultural uses
  • to be able to explain basic concepts of the microanalysis of interpersonal communication
  • to be able to explain how social factors influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.
  • to consider what intelligence is and how it is currently and has historically been measured, while critically evaluating these measures and ideas in relation to key historical events and social issues.

Module content

There are four different blocks in this module:

Personality: This block begins by questioning what personality is and how to measure it effectively across different cultures. We will then explore different models of personality, and finally look at how research into personality can be used in applied settings such as Health and Sport Psychology.

Language and Communication: The focus of this block is the microanalytic approach to interpersonal communication, based on detailed analysis of video- and audio-recordings of real-life social interaction. We explore how such close analysis can give away subtle clues to our inner thoughts, emotions, and motivations.

Psychology in Society: This block will explore the influence of society on the individual, as well as the influence of the individual on society. We will examine current themes in research on power, obedience, persuasion, conformity, resistance, and cooperative behaviour.

Intelligence: This block includes an in-depth coverage of the psychology of intelligence, looking at how psychology assesses cognitive and intellectual abilities and the impact this can have.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Social, Psychology & Individual Differences 2		 2 hours 50
Essay/coursework
Critical Analysis		 N/A 20
Essay/coursework
Practical Report		 N/A 30

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Social, Psychology & Individual Differences 2		 2 hours 50
Essay/coursework
Critical Analysis		 N/A 20
Essay/coursework
Practical Report		 N/A 30

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.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.