PY3SCN-Social Cognition of Nonverbal Behaviour

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: PY2RM Research Methods and Data Analysis or PY2RMP Research methods in Psychology
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

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 evaluate  research approaches and theoretical perspectives of nonverbal behaviours and its role in interpersonal communications.


2. Evaluate the factors influencing the emergence of nonverbal behaviours and the beneficial outcomes associated with various nonverbal behaviours.


3. Synthesise different mechanism that explain the beneficial outcomes associated with nonverbal behaviours and consider its wider applications.

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, 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 the role of hand gestures in every day conversations. We will consider the importance of nonverbal behaviours and what they communicate. In particular, we will look at the interpersonal and intrapersonal outcomes of mimicry and synchrony, and critically discuss clinical applications of interpersonal synchrony (e.g. in psychotherapy). In addition, we will cover the role of nonverbal communication during police interviews.

In order to evaluate these topics, we will focus on the relevant and recent literaturefrom social and cognitive psychology.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Seminars involve lectures, interactive discussions, practical activities and student presentations. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

This module is assessed through a SAQ (short answer questions) summer exam (100%)

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Students will have the opportunity to practice and answer two short answer questions during the seminar sessions (i.e. in groups). Students will also have the opportunity to provide the module convenor with independently written answers to the same questions for comment and feedback in preparation for the exam.

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:
Overall mark of 40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-assessment is by re-examination in August resit period.

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: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022