PY3SC-Social Cognition

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: PY2RM Research Methods and Data Analysis or PY2PS Personality and Social Psychology or PY2DSP Developmental and Social Psychology or PY2PS1 Personality and Social Psychology 1
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Lorella Lepore
Email: l.lepore@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is delivered at the University of Reading only.  

This module will enable students to examine contemporary theory and research on selected current topics in social cognition. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate models and evidence, and will gain understanding of a variety of methods employed to investigate socio-cognitive processes.

Aims:

This module offers an opportunity to study selected current topics in social cognition in depth, examining contemporary theory and research. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate models and evidence, and will gain understanding of a variety of methods employed to investigate socio-cognitive processes. The module also aims to help students develop the ability to study these topics independently.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

1. Critically examine and discuss theory and research in social cognition 


2. Analyse and synthesise social cognition literature 

Additional outcomes:

In addition, students may have the opportunity to:

• Collaborate with others to formulate research questions and design studies


• Apply knowledge of experimental designs used in social cognition research to design studies suitable to answer appropriate research questions

Skills that will be developed include

• Analytical skills: sourcing relevant information, evaluating, critiquing


• Communication skills: verbal and written


• Organisational skills: planning, prioritising, storing and using information

Outline content:

This module comprises seven two-hour seminars. 

The option covers a range of current research areas in social cognition. Topics might include stereotyping, or goal pursuit, and underlying themes that cut across specific topics, such as non-conscious automatic processes, or motivation. We might examine, for example, the extent to which automatic processes directly influence judgements and behaviour, the interplay of automatic and controlled processes in stereotyping, s elf-regulation, how goals and motives guide thought and action. The module might also include social cognitive neuroscience and examine research evidence from studies using neuroimaging techniques (e.g., fMRI) relevant to topics covered throughout, as well as other important contributions of this approach.

Global context:

This module may consider the global context of social cognitive topics covered, with an aim to improve students’ understanding of how they may be context-bound.  Internationally relevant examples will be used to illustrate similarities and differences in research outcomes, if appropriate.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will use a combination of lectures, and both small and large group discussion. Students may be required to undertake reading in advance of the seminar.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		14	1
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)		85
Total hours by term	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	75
Written assignment including essay	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A 1.5-hour Summer Exam will require students to answer 1 essay question on topics covered in the module (75%).

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework will comprise a 2000-word written report (25%).

Formative assessment methods:

Students can provide the module convenor with up to two essay plans for comment and feedback in preparation for the exam.

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:

Resit examination in August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 April 2021