Social Psychology & Individual Differences 2 - PSY00018I
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2026-27 |
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 microanalytic study of interpersonal communication, both nonverbal (i.e., facial expressions and body language) and verbal. 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. As scales are often a key method in measuring personality and behaviour, the process of creating these measures will be explored.
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.
- To be able to explain the purpose of psychometric testing and how they are developed, whilst considering common issues and considerations.
Module content
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 interpersonal communication, based on detailed analysis of recordings of real-life social interaction. We explore how such close analysis can give away subtle clues to our inner thoughts, emotions and motivations. As well as everyday interactions, we will also consider what research claims to show about gender-based differences and the language of people in power.
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, 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.
Skills Week: The sessions in skills week explore the process of developing psychometric tests, psychometric evaluation, and goes through a worked example. In the second session, you’ll develop a new personality questionnaire based on your knowledge from the lecture.
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.