PY2SID-Social Psychology and Individual Differences

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: PY1PAB The Person and the Brain and PY1IPR Introduction to Psychological Research
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Emma Pape
Email: e.l.pape@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module explores core topics within social psychology and individual differences, with a focus on the interplay between the two disciplines. Specifically, students will examine various aspects of social cognition, perception and behaviour, with considerations as to how these can vary as a function of individual differences (for example, culture, gender, and personality). While the module covers contemporary topics within social psychology and individual differences, it simultaneously acknowledges the historical developments in both disciplines. This module is delivered at the University of Reading.  

Aims:

This module will deepen students’ knowledge and understanding of core topics within social psychology and individual differences. It aims to facilitate students’ understanding of the complex interplay between typical social phenomena and individual differences within those phenomena, and does so by familiarising students with theories and research in these domains. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to:  

• Describe and critically evaluate key areas of research in social psychology and individual differences  


• Explain how individual differences interact with situational factors to shape social cognition, perception and behaviour  


• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of specific areas within social psychology and individual differences, in the form of an essay as sessment  


• Demonstrate a broad understanding of social psychology and individual differences, in the form of an MCQ exam 

Additional outcomes:

This module will encourage students to think holistically in relation to psychological evidence, and to consider the complex interplay between two distinct disciplines. Students will also gain an insight into the historical developments within the fields of social psychology and individual differences.  

Furthermore, the teaching and assessment methods will encourage the development of various competencies and skills. For example, the seminar activities may include team-work, opportunities for oral communication, and the use of effective arguing skills. The seminar essay will promote the development of numerous skills such as information retrieval; written communication; critical analysis; self-management; creativity. Finally, the structure of the seminars will allow for reflective practice via the opportunity to engage with feedback.  

Outline content:

This module explores core topics within social psychology and individual differences, with a specific focus on the interplay between the two. As such, many topics in social psychology will additionally consider individual differences related to said topics (for example, the influence of personality on prejudice). Topics in social psychology and individual differences might include: social cognition and perception; self-regulation, emotion-regulation and motivation; social behaviours, such as prosocial behaviour and aggression; the self, self-concept and self-esteem; intergroup relations and prejudice; attitudes and attitude change. 

Global context:

This module will consider the global context of the research and its approaches, with an aim to improve students’ understanding of how social psychology and individual differences can be context-bound. Internationally-relevant examples will be used to illustrate international similarities and differences within the fields.  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module is taught via 10 two-hour lectures, each supported by recommended reading.  

• Teaching methods include the following:  


• Lectures on social psychology and individual differences.  


• Recommended reading in social psychology and individual differences.  


• Seminar groups providing the opportunity to discuss topics in social psychology and individual differences, and to research and write an essay.  


• There is also an online discussion board open for the duration of the module, where students may post questions. This will be checked weekly during Autumn term, and any questions will be responded to by the relevant member of teaching staff. 

Contact Hours:

NB: The contact hours in the table below are indicative of the contact hours for students studying this module in the UK, and may vary for students taking this module at branch campuses.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20		2
Seminars	6
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	90
Wider reading (directed)	30
Exam revision/preparation			32
Essay preparation	20
Total hours by term	166	0	34
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

This module is assessed via examination (50%) and coursework (50%)  

One summer-term short answer question (SAQ) exam (50%) will require students to demonstrate their broad knowledge and understanding of topics covered across the module.  

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is assessed via examination (50%) and coursework (50%)  

Coursework comprises one essay (50%), with supporting seminars. 

Formative assessment methods:

During the seminars, students will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on work related to the seminar essay.  

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-assessment will be an examination addressing the module’s intended learning outcomes.   

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 10 November 2021