Social Psychology 1

Code School Level Credits Semesters
PSGY1012 Psychology 1 10 Spring Malaysia
Code
PSGY1012
School
Psychology
Level
1
Credits
10
Semesters
Spring Malaysia

Summary

This module introduces students to the core topics in social psychology. Social psychology is concerned with trying to understand the social behaviour of individuals in terms of both internal characteristics of the person (e.g. cognitive mental processes) and external influences (the social environment). Lectures will cover topics on how we define the self, attitudes, attribution, obedience, aggression, pro-social behaviour and formation of friendships. One seminar tutorial session to attend for everyone. One extra tutorial for non-psychology student to attend. 

Target Students

Core module for BSc Psychology programmes (Year 1). Students from non-Psychology programmes are also welcome. Students from DOAP cannot take this module. There is a limited number of places on this module. Students are reminded that enrolments which are not agreed by the Offering School in advance may be cancelled without notice.

Classes

Assessment

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

This module aims to introduce core concepts of social psychology and thus introduce the scientific study of the myriad of social behaviour we encounter every day. The module will cover almost every facet of social behaviour, including our sense of self, attitudes, social compliance and conformity, obedience to authority, attribution processes, group performance and conflict, interpersonal attraction, pro-social and anti-social behaviour. Through the study of these topics students will gain an understanding to the ostensibly simple question of why people do the things they do, and how and why that behaviour may change in the presence of others. The module will give an overview of the experimental findings and theoretical positions that seek to explain human behaviour in a social environment. This module introduces a core area of psychology, forming both the academic basis for further studying in the subject area as well as equipping students to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them, as it provides a scientific way of gaining a deeper understanding of the social world.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:

• Students will have knowledge and understanding of core theories and topics in social psychology • How people form a self concept

• How we can explain the success and shortcomings of folk psychology

• How we form attitudes and how they can be changed through persuasion

• How the presence of others can influence our performance and behaviour

• Why people may engage in behaviour that they know is wrong or harmful

• Why people choose to help or not help others in need

• How friendships and relationships are formed

 

Intellectual skills – the ability to:

• Evaluate the way in which concepts are defined and measured

• Appraise the relative merits of different theoretical frameworks

• Relate experimental findings to everyday behaviour

• Apply insights from the academic study of social psychology to the way others seek to change our attitudes and behaviour (or how we might affect these changes in others)

• Better understand the psychological processes involved in current key issues (e.g. tackling climate change and terrorism)

 

Professional/ Practical skills – the ability to:

• Understand how complex social behaviours with many factors can be studied in controlled experiments and field studies

• Critically examine evidence in light of different theoretical frameworks

• Better understand how people interact in groups striving for a common goal (e.g. work task groups)

 

Transferable (key) skills – the ability to:

• Critically evaluate evidence and ideas in relation to competing theories

• Develop a critical approach in investigating topics

• Communicate accurately and effectively in writing

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 09/01/2025.