PY3SCN-Social Cognition of Nonverbal Behaviour

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
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Juliane Honisch
Email: j.j.honisch@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Social Cognition of Nonverbal Behaviour 

Aims:

This module will enable students to explore the following; how individuals form impressions of others and project their own mental state onto others through nonverbal communication, and why gestures are used during every day conversations. This option aims to give students the experience of critical evaluations of recent research approaches and theoretical perspectives on social-cognition of nonverbal behaviours. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

1. Critically analyse research about the role nonverbal behaviour plays in understanding the mental state of others.

2. Apply their knowledge of experimental designs used in social cognition research by designing an empirical study to answer an appropriate research question. 

3. Appraise key research approaches and theoretical perspectives of mind reading.

Additional outcomes:
Collaboration with others in formulating research questions and designing research projects within this topic area; Analysis and synthesis of complex literature relating to social cognition of nonverbal communication; Ability to critically evaluate research and theory independently and as part of a small discussion group.

Outline content:

The module comprises seven 2-hour seminars.

A substantial amount of our everyday communication is nonverbal, may it be intentional or unintentional. These forms of communication include postures, facial expressions, eye gaze, gestures and full bodily movements. In this module we study how nonverbal behaviours reveal our own cognitive state, indicate how we perceive others, and reveal who we are. We will examine topics such as mind perception and perspective taking. We will conside r the importance of nonverbal behaviours and what they communicate. In particular, we will look at the interpersonal and intrapersonal outcomes of mimicry, synchrony and joint-action, and critically discuss clinical applications of interpersonal synchrony (e.g. in psychotherapy). In addition, we will cover the role of nonverbal communication during interviews (police interviews) and political campaigns.

In order to evaluate these topics, we will focus on the relevant and rece nt literature from social and cognitive psychology.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Seminars involve lectures, interactive discussions, practical activities and student presentations. During the course of the module, students will prepare a research grant proposal on a relevant topic.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

This module is assessed through coursework (25%) and a final exam (75%). 



The 1.5-hour Summer Exam will require students to answer 1 essay question on topics covered in the module.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework will comprise a 2000-word research proposal. 

Formative assessment methods:
Students will be provided with feedback on their collaborative grant proposal activities. This feedback will help students prepare for the final exam.

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:
Overall mark of 40%

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-assessment is by re-examination in August / September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: Kostic, A. &Chadee, D. (2014). The Social Psychology of Nonverbal Communication. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN: 9781137345851, cost: £ 63.00 (electronic and hard copies available in the library). Epley, N., &Caruso, E. M. (2009). Perspective taking: Misstepping into others’ shoes. In K. D. Markman, W. M. P. Klein, &J. A. Suhr (Eds.), Handbook of imagination and mental simulation (pp. 295–309). New York: Psychology Press. ISBN: 1841698873, cost: £ 34.99 (electronic version available in the library).

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 6 July 2021