PY2SID: Social Psychology and Individual Differences

Module code: PY2SID

Module provider: Psychology; School of Psych and Clin Lang Sci

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Emma Pape, email: e.l.pape@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 23 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

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. 

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia is Dr Tan Kok Wei (t.kokwei@reading.edu.my).

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Describe and critically evaluate key areas of research in social psychology and individual differences  
2. Explain how individual differences interact with situational factors to shape social cognition, perception and behaviour  
3. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of specific areas within social psychology and individual differences 
4. Demonstrate a broad understanding of social psychology and individual differences 

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 teamwork, opportunities for oral communication, and the use of effective arguing skills. The essay will promote the development of numerous skills such as information retrieval; written communication; critical analysis; self-management; creativity. Finally, the structure of theseminars will allow for reflective practice via the opportunity to engage with feedback. 

Module content

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 and University of Reading Malaysia.  

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Core content within this module is taught via 10 two-hour lectures, each supported by a weekly two-hour seminar and recommended reading. The module will culminate with an additional essay feedback seminar in Week 12.

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 for in depth discussions about journal articles relating to the various topics in social psychology and individual differences taught throughout the module (journal club seminars), 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 Semester 1, and any questions will be responded to by the relevant member of teaching staff.

For students studying at our campus in Malaysia: This module may be taught in a different semester and the breakdown of study hours may differ to those set out in the Study Hours table (please refer to the Module Handbook for the correct breakdown). In addition, you will be required to complete an additional 40 hours of study, taking the total number of study hours to 240 for this module. This is to comply with the Malaysian Quality Agency (MQA).

Study hours

At least 42 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

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

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

During the seminars, students will have the opportunity to create an essay plan and receive formative feedback on this. 

Reassessment

Additional costs